The statement “More Bang for the Buck” was ascribed to Black Cap Mountain in North Conway. It’s a gem for new hikers offering stunning views with only minimal to moderate effort, depending on your conditioning and perspective. The mostly westward views are breathtaking, and avid explorers may cautiously find even more to be had. More experienced hikers with added layers, more gear including a proper headlamp, […]
As we explain in our post about NH’s 4000-footers, a peak’s prominence partially determines whether or not a particular mountain is counted as a 4000-footer. In other words, it’s more than just a mountain’s elevation that’s considered. A hiker may tag several summits, of which some are mere — albeit worthy — bumps along the way. Case in point, the full Franconia Ridge Traverse. That’s what […]
We look at the mountains and consider them steadfast and unchanging, and they do appear to have permanence at a glance. But if you observe them over time and are paying attention to the details, you may realize that the landscape as a whole is in constant motion. Rocks roll, break, crumble into sand, and are washed away by rains eventually making it the sea. We […]
We often don’t write up our Educational Courses, though we really should. Inasmuch, every now and then we do produce a blog post detailing a class. In the case of this post, the bulk of the content was handed to us along with some photos by the instructor for this Hiking Intro Course — namely Redline Guide Hayley LaPointe (thank you, Hayley) so here we go, […]
Part of the reason Mt Washington is so deadly is that it’s “right there.” In other words, it’s so accessible all sorts of people ascend its trails. Many start small, then keep going, incentivized by the occasional views that grow larger and more frequent as they climb. Eventually some reach the alpine zone. And some of these end up on top of a 6288-foot mountain they […]
It seems like this summer is the Summer of Huntington Ravine. We say this because demand for guides for this classic hike-but-almost-a-climb is at an all-time high. And, we’re happy to oblige; helping folks succeed on this “trail” by keeping them on the actual trail. It’s critical in fact. People have run into problems taking what they deem the logical route without understanding the consequences of […]
A returning guest came to us hoping to take on Huntington Ravine — he’d hiked with us before and had a positive experience. This time would be slightly different, though. Not only would the grade of the hike be jacked up compared to the last trip taken years ago, this time he wanted to take his eleven-year-old daughter along. And based on his daughter’s hiking résumé […]
This was the final in a series of educational, women’s only backpacking trips for the Hiking Buddies Group. Stay tuned for a fall offering or two. On this trip the destination was Sawyer Pond and was led by Redline Guide Arlette Laan. This site’s a little tougher to get to this year as the closer access road is closed due to a major wash out. That […]
Fire (in 2024) is a slang term used to describe something that is exciting, outstanding, or gaining popularity quickly. Beyond just hot. Based on how many Mt Isolation (4004′) hikes we’ve led this summer, we think the term applies here. This hike was led by Redline Guide Brian Wasiewski and was with one returning guest. The day was a good one, the weather made a shift. […]
A New Yorker came to us looking to enjoy herself for a couple of days. To see some cool things, climb a mountain or two, check out the wildlife, and have some fun. She booked two full days with us. These tours were led by Redline Guides Arlette Laan and Debra McCown, on days one and two, respectively. On tap for these two days were Mt […]
Parts of Maine just seem far away and mysterious. Take for instance the Rangeley area. From the arm chair it could very well be another planet. Until you get there and realize it is justified to feel that way, but people also live there, it’s not all woods and logging roads. There are places to stay, places to eat, things to do besides hike. Moreover, there […]
The title of this post along with the content below was penned by Redline Guide Mike Maciel (followed by his photos). With him on this varied adventure, a many-time returning guest. So, without further ado, take it away, Mike, and tell the tale. These are three key functions of our jobs as mountain guides: We work with our guests to put together a plan that makes […]
