A New England native, I grew up with the idea that Mount Washington is the largest, hardest climb I would find on the east coast. So what did I do this summer? Climbed it…finally. I was tired of waiting for people to go with me, so I took on the jolly giant alone. Don’t think there wasn’t careful planning involved. My unnecessarily overanxious father was more than worried about the journey and wouldn’t let me leave the house without 2 pairs of socks, 3 shirts, shorts, pants, gloves, a hat, a raincoat, and several water bottles. And while that seems like a lot for a summertime hike, the weather on Mount Washington can change instantly and severely. So much so that my trip was delayed one day because of a nasty hail and rain storm.
However it was well worth the wait. The day I went, early august one of the best times to go before it gets cold- I was told was one of the best days all year. Visibility was impeccable and I got some great pics, as you can see below.
Things I did well:
-Got there really early. The hike isn’t the hardest ever, but it takes a while to get all the way up there and back down, give yourself plenty of sun-up time.
-Had plenty of layers, which were NOT COTTON. Once wet, your sweat can have a chilling effect if it’s soaked into your cotton clothing
-Tin-foil: kept my shabby Poland springs water-bottles cold by wrapping them in tinfoil…it works, really.
Things I would have changed:
-Brought more snacks. I lost a lot of energy climbing up and didn’t have so much when it came to climbing down. Some energy bars would have been nice.
-Sunglasses/ sunscreen should have been on my packing list. There are a lot of very open spots along the trail and though I enjoyed the tan, I know it’s not good for my skin.
Overall, it was a goal I had to complete before I was 21, and its something I think anyone who is capable of hiking should complete in their lifetime.
