A large group of friends — second year students from Harvard University — was interested in enjoying some free time in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) over the holiday weekend. One in the group had an older friend who was willing to rent a vehicle and join the group. In fact, they had him organize the activities. One thing on their list was to do […]
A new guest came to us looking for a companion on what is known to be the most challenging hike in the WMNF: Huntington Ravine Trail. She had been hiking all summer, crushing peaks, but Huntington is one of those Mt Washington trails that make people pause and consider all that is to be considered. She stated she was on the slower side but had great […]
The plan was to start in the north, stay at the RMC’s Gray Knob cabin, make the long haul to the AMC’s Mizpah hut, stay there for a second night, then head down on the third day. It didn’t, however, go that way. Problem is those rocks. For all who have hiked in the Northern Presidentials, they know: it’s not easy up there. Couple this with […]
Introducing “Safety Stuff” for Hikers and Other Mountain Enthusiasts Since pretty much day one, we made the conscious decision to empower people with knowledge, not just guide them. We accomplish this in various ways. For example, we seize upon teachable moments on trail and at the crag, whenever it makes sense — and of course if our guests are open to it. We also, as you […]
People come to us for all sorts of classes and adventures (we’re adaptable after all). One such request we get now and then is for hiking trips up to The Watcher (a.k.a. The Old Woman of the Mountain) in Franconia Notch. Perched high up on Eagle Cliff she surveys the Notch — probably thinking she’s happy to not be stuck in traffic. Getting up to her […]
Late for work, apparently, in 2024 a young woman named Tara Dower hiked (ran) the ~2,197 mile Appalachian Trail (AT) in a mind-blowing 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes. She averaged an astonishing 54+ miles per day. Doing so she surpassed all previous records for both men and women, in any direction, supported or unsupported. Tara’s trail name is not Turtle. In fact she hiked […]
A travel company we’ve worked with for a couple of years sent another couple our way for a fairly easy half-day hike. After speaking with the couple we determined Mt Willard (a 2,850-foot 52WAV peak) would be more than enough. Not due to fitness, but more to do with simple vacation enjoyment. As it was, they did find our eroded trails a little on the wild […]
A really cool and relaxed couple asked Redline Guide and JP Mike Cherim to officiate their wedding at a spot close to their hearts: Norway Rapids in Waterville Valley. What follows are a handful of photos of the awesome occasion. Note Mike’s assistant, Rosie, was also present. Her job: chase those pesky squirrels, of course. On the way out Mike stopped by Big Pines since they […]
A many time returning guest from New Jersey was making the drive up to hike with us to grab the Southern Presidentials — at least from Eisenhower to Jackson, that is. The reason: plugging holes in her quest to complete all of the 4000-footers. In typical hiker fashion, she decided to make the trip even more worthwhile adding an extra day so as to tackle two […]
An international travel and tour company based out of California reached out hoping we could help them out. The mission was to help twenty older people from the United Kingdom discover some of the treasures located in the White Mountain National Forest. The plan was modified a bit as there were complications due to traffic and parking at some of the hot-spots along the Kancamagus Highway […]
A couple from California reached out wanting to hike Mt Washington but they weren’t without some concerns. Namely weather, which on Mt Washington, thanks to its reputation, is pretty normal and understandable. They wanted to know about our policies, the forecast, and some of the what-ifs. We calmly replied, answered their questions, addressed their concerns, lessened their trepidation, linked our policies, and shared one of our […]
Over the years we have had people hire us to keep them company, give them guidance, and to protect them as needed as they work on their lists (like the 4000-footers). Sometimes they reach out asking for assistance as they begin on their journey, maybe taking some of our classes to educate themselves and foster independence along the way. And on other occasions they work on […]
