More and more often we find people come to us looking to do a “one-way Mt Washington.” Really, we can’t blame them. The premise is this: We guide them on their desired trail or trails (or we choose, or logistics mandates), and we hike up and summit the mountain. Then we leave them there… no, no, no, we’re just kidding! What we actually do is arrange a ride down, or get them safely on a shuttle van, or we get them safely on the train. This works really well for a lot of folks.
They get to climb up which is tough but also awesome, then instead of beating themselves up on the means-to-an-end descent they get to come down the easy way. This also means they get to spend more quality time on the summit. Moreover — and such is the case for this trip — family and friends can meet them at the top congratulating them and providing said ride down. It’s the best deal for everyone. Granted, doing this, even if doing it in two trips and flip-flopping the effort, it doesn’t count towards bagging the 48. But not everyone who wants to summit this incredible mountain cares about the list. For them it’s a perfect arrangement. And we’re here to help.
That’s what this trip was as requested by a group of eight people from New Jersey. Hike up, meet family, enjoy the summit, then ride down in a van. Along for the ride (literally) were Redline Guides Chase Hall and our newest guide Mary Fields. The group was nice enough to get them a ride down, too. What follows are some photos of this group’s wonderful day on Mt Washington.
