13-11-2006 10:08

Nitroxextreme

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington...that is some hike.

Just gotta worry about the weather changes. My friend planned a hike to the top, but had to cancel because of weather. He was on his way up and it was raining so much that the mountain was like a waterfall. However, he was resilient and only stopped his hike when the person at the top observatory was coming down because the winds were extremely fast and too dangerous. He was pissed and had to conquer the mountain...so he went up the next weekend(this is a big deal because the drive for him is like 6hrs).

Congrats on a successful hike...that is an accomplishment to be proud of.

13-11-2006 10:22

Erin Rapacki

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Actually, its funny, of all the time's I've been on top of Washington it's been a beautiful no-wind 60F summit day!

I'm more proud of the attempted presidential-traverse we did last June. We started the hike up Mt. Madison at 12:30am with intent to do the whole 25 mile range. We had to bail out after Washington because some people in our party got injured. It was so cool, being on top of Madison for sunrise, hiking ridgeline all morning, and we ended up going 18miles.

Can't wait for winter hiking the prezzies!

13-11-2006 11:37

Tim Baird

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

I have hiked Washington atleast 1-3 times per year for as long as I can remember, and I've only hiked it once on a nice day. I'm jealous!

13-11-2006 15:45

EddieMcD

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Which reminds me: I haven't been to New Hampshire with the purpose of skiing in a long time...

Back on topic, one of my earliest memories of the state (and life in general) was taking the Cog Railway to the summit when I was 3. I seem to recall crying so much before the train stated that the conductor had to give me a Kit-Kat bar to shut me up. I've also been to the base for some light hiking/camping a few times over the years, and there were plans to hike to the summit when I was 13 that sadly got called off at the last minute. I haven't been to Mt. Washington since. But I still remember that train ride.

One of these years, I'll have to try out their new ski train...

13-11-2006 15:56

mayhemscout1519

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Congratulations on climbing Mt. Washington, I have wanted to ascend the tallest mountain in New England for a number of years!

Unfortunately, the Mt. Washington Ski Train will not be operating this year...

http://www.skiernet.com/skiing-news.html

"10/17/06 Word has it from New Hampshire that Mt. Washington's Cog Railway Ski Train will not be operating this season. A quick call to the Cog confirmed that this is indeed the case, although they plan to continue sightseeing trips through the snow..."

13-11-2006 20:28

Andy A.

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

My first time up Washington I spent a very windy, very scary night in The Lake of the Clouds hut. Felt like the whole place was about to be blown down.

The next morning, the whole mountain was socked in with fog and as calm as could be. We took the short hike up to the summit anyways, and found visibility was unlimited. Of course nothing was visible but the tops of fog banks, but it was surreal.

Weather makes or breaks that mountain. Good weather and you'll never forget how much fun you had. Bad weather and you'll never forget how miserable, or scared witless you were. It's worth going back till you get a good, nonwet day.

-Andy A.

14-11-2006 08:15

JamesBrown

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Lakes of the clouds is absolutely the nicest AMC hut in NH. For any one who doesn't know it sits right in between the summits of Washington and Monroe, at about 5000 ft. It is a great place to stay if you are ever looking for a nice vacation, you can't beat Lakes. Also, there is no place I have been that is quite as welcoming as an AMC hut, every time you stay in one I guarantee you will meet new people.

James

14-11-2006 12:25

Al Skierkiewicz

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Congratulations, Erin! Hiking a mountain is a wonderful experience. I have done a few on my trips to Philmont scout ranch. Hiking Trail Peak to see the wrecked B24 at the top was pretty cool. Trying to descend in a hail storm that obliterated the trail was alaso fun.

14-11-2006 14:54

Andy A.

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Well, it certainly is the largest. I think capacity is up to 90 bunks, maybe more since the renovation. I like 'Lakes of the Crowds', but Mitzpah Springs has always been my favorite. It's easy to get to, is a beautiful location and has some of the best amenities of any of the huts.

Lakes has always been a stop over before going up Washington. Mitzpah is a place to spend a few nights and relax.

I still want to visit the new Galehead and it's infamous wheel chair ramps.

-Andy A.

14-11-2006 16:37

RoboMom

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...6&postcount=29
I've hiked up and down a few times.
Also spent a couple of years running Pinkham Notch Camp, and in the huts.

Everyone I worked with now has knee "issues"...
Happy hiking!

12-12-2006 16:12

Erin Rapacki

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Yup, I'm trying to fend off those future knee issues with some preventative maintanence: glucosamine condroiten! So far so good, my aim is to keep running so my body stays "on its toes."

03-04-2007 22:44

Erin Rapacki

Re: pic: Ascending Mt. Washington

Actually... this is a bit of an announcement. I'm care-taking the Hermit Lake Shelters in Tuckerman's Ravine on Mt. Washington this summer. Come visit me! I'll be living in HoJo's cabin.

Yup, taking a summer off to go live in the woods.