The original plan was to hike Franconia Ridge as our guest from Jackson Hole, Wyoming wanted, but it became apparent to guide and guest that shift in the plan was going to be needed, between the rain and wind, the ridge wasn’t going to be a happy place. Our guest understood perfectly and did lay out the reality of shifting hikes right from the start. They […]
We had a couple come to us with a plan that was meant to help them complete more of the 48 without encountering a massively long hike — like the one to Owls Head. In other words, a backpacking trip was needed, but they lacked experience. We could help them change that, though, and that was indeed what happened. This trip was with the help of […]
One of our oft-returning guests stepped away from the mountains for a few weeks. Life stuff. But he’s now back, in the place where his heart is happy, and as usual we paired him up with Redline Guide Chase Hall to lead the way. On this GRID-motivated trip they took on the Twins and Galehead, successfully summiting all three mountains. What follows are some observations and […]
What follows is a true story, though the names have been omitted as that information doesn’t serve anyone — not that we even remember. The event happened many years ago and occurred on Mt Washington. We were guiding a paid group on the “winter route” of the Lion Head Trail. We had started out at the “boot/pack room” below the AMC’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at […]
A guest reached out to us after finding us online and saw that we were well-reviewed. She wanted to book our services. She had a specific goal in mind: Hike up Caps Ridge Trail and summit Mt Jefferson. A worthy goal in our opinion. It’s such a pretty hike with just enough challenge in it to make it part fun, part scary. She overcame her trepidation […]
A fellow from Pennsylvania reached out knowing he’d be in the area and wanted to take on the notorious Mt Washington (a.k.a. The Rock Pile). His plan was to climb up and meet his family at the summit; they had driven up the Auto Road and were going to take him down after exploring the top of New Hampshire a bit. As it turned out this […]
A couple of returning guests from New York City reached out wanting to hike Mt Eisenhower (one of those 4ks). A simple out-and-back on Edmand’s Path as it turned out. They requested one of their two go-to guides. In this case it was Redline Guide Chase Hall up to bat. They had a spectacular day complete with a little undercast action — a perfect day for […]
A fellow came to us looking to book a backpacking trip, a simple overnight, for him and two of his friends. They didn’t have a great deal of experience so we created a sort of entry-level offering. Due to the Labor Day weekend we figured everything would be swamped with people, the trails busy, and parking a challenge. Inasmuch we started on Friday and tried to […]
Three younger fellows — one from NH, one from RI, and the third from MA — came to us looking for an outdoor rock climbing experience. All three were proficient gym climbers. Although none were lead certified (yet), all could climb and belay. None had climbed outdoors, yet, though, so we offered a Rock Intro course so they could learn while they got after it — […]
Booked through a travel company we work with, a couple from Ohio were looking to get out and see some on-trail sights. New to hiking, they selected a “Guided Nature Tour” which was perfect for their current level. When asked after the fact, the husband said he rather enjoyed the experience. They both did, even though the wife was very new to the whole idea. A […]
Guiding is awesome! We spend hours in the woods, on the mountains, doing what we love, serving people that want to be there; people having one of their best days possible, one that they’ll always remember. Unlike, by contrast, serving impatient, even angry people standing in a never-moving line at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In those hours we are able to have deep conversations […]
Not every experience is meant to challenge us. Sometimes the maximum appreciation is derived from simply slowing down — stopping to smell the flowers as they say. The summary below, written by Redline Guide Debra McCown, captures such a trip taking place in Zealand Notch. One where sweat was replaced with serenity. Enjoying the Experience On Wednesday I met a returning guest at Zealand Falls Hut […]
