A guest contacted us in the 11th hour looking for a guided hike. We were glad to help and after a brief interview/discussion, we decided Mt Pierce should fit the bill perfectly. Especially considering the high wind and chance-of-showers forecast we looked at. Limiting the exposure was a sound judgement, particularly with a newer hiker. On lead for this trip was Redline Guide Deb Dunn. If […]
It wasn’t possible to tell from the Mt Washington Valley due to a cloud shroud, but there was a dusting of early October snow on Mt Washington. Unsurprising consider the mountain’s weather record — yet it’s still a bit of a shocker. It surprised yesterday’s guests a bit, that’s for sure. It can be crazy up there, we know. The day delivered big in terms of […]
Many of our guests don’t “need” us, per se, but we are good company, we’re very prepared and knowledgeable (plus we’re all really funny and good looking), and we’re within budget for many. Thus, for some folks, having us along for support is a no-brainer, as they say. That was the case with this returning guest. With our help and others, she has been quickly putting […]
A returning private guest wanted to hike the classic “Franconia Ridge Loop” that climbs four peaks. Two of which — Mt Lafayette (5249′) and Mt Lincoln (5089′) — count for the 4k list thanks to elevation and prominence — or a lack thereof on the part of the disqualified (Little Haystack and Truman). This loop utilizes Falling Waters Trail, part of Franconia Ridge Trail, part of […]
We once skied through the back yards of the hillside condo owners at Bretton Woods. It wasn’t intentional, we were simply on a powder mission and got off track a bit. We actually had to climb an embankment to get back into the resort. It was very exciting stuff. We saw security vehicles, lights flashing, headed to the condos as we got back on the groomers […]
bush·whack (verb) /ˈbo͝oSHˌ(h)wak/ 1. live or travel in wild or uncultivated country. This isn’t going to be a promotion. We wouldn’t do that to our friends. We’re not trying to sell you on anything. What we will be talking about doing in this article would in fact be dangerous and a bit foolish for most people. So, don’t do it. To be clear, this isn’t a […]
A standard case in one’s thinking is that mountain miles are equitable to miles elsewhere. While sometimes that’s true, most of the time that pesky elevation gain really messes with the overall effort required. In those times, there’s no comparison. Walking up the side of a mountain is a lot tougher than end-to-ending your favorite plain or other flatland of choice. And that’s what happened. A […]
Once again Redline Guide Arlette Laan was helping many-time returning guest “Bear Repellent” make her way through New Hampshire’s version of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Section by section, flipping then flopping, working around the weather and anything else that gets in the way. The result: it’s happening. The sections are getting connected. Only one remains, and it’s the easiest so she’ll probably hike it with friends. […]
They had been out there before, they got the Twins, they got West Bond, but a lack of sleep and a motivation-crushing lack of views got in the way of them also getting the two other 4000-footers out yonder: Bond and Bondcliff. This time, coming in from the south so as to get the goods early on, they hoped to change all that and score both […]
Some will ask: “Can you be our gear Sherpa?” But technically speaking what they mean to ask is: “Can you be our gear porter?” And by this they are effectively requesting that we hike-in their backpacking gear — tent, sleeping bag, pad, cookware, stove/fuel, and food — to a specified location, set it up, then come back and retrieve it after a certain amount time has […]
“Seven days out,” the bride said, “the forecast was calling for rain.” With a thankful tone she added that “they really lucked out.” The morning, while not yet sunny, was otherwise perfect, with mild temps and a gentle breeze. Our Justice of the Peace Mike Cherim was stationed in position atop the 2850′ 52 With a View peak, Mt Willard. Mike wore a puffy jacket over […]
The title stems from the fact Mt Garfield — one of them NH 4000-footers — is drying up. Some will tell you climate change isn’t real, but more and more its effects tell a different story. The upper elevations in New Hampshire’s mountains are typically on the moist side, moss growing on everything that isn’t moving. Heck, some even refer to the White Mountain National Forest […]
