Due to this nation's development, modern mountaineering stemmed from New England. But not for sport. Instead, the earliest practitioners were surveyors and businesspeople making practical uses of the White Mountains, Catskills, and Adirondacks. It was only after most of the loftiest peaks-East to West-had been measured and mapped that mountain climbing purely for the challenge and excitement became a thing.
Nowadays, hikers still use the White Mountains as a steppingstone to become full-fledged mountaineers. More than simply topping 6,288-foot Mount Washington (highest in all of the Northeast), they link together seven presidential apexes to form an extended route, attaining staggering distance and elevation gain and rivalling major feats elsewhere.
The "Presidential Traverse" scrambles over Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Pierce (the preferred order, but sometimes reversed). Of course, hazards abound in those 18.6 miles. Below treeline are annoying rocks/roots/slippery areas, while higher altitudes mean being completely vulnerable to the wildly erratic weather. (Per point-to-point) there are logistical considerations. And over 9,000 feet to gain.
At least, backpackers can glamp at staffed lodging accommodations-à la European Alps huts-run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and Randolph Mountain Club (RMC). Those sumptuous options, along with heavy commercialization of Mount Washington, ensure safety, comforts, and encounters with plenty of other visitors. Regardless, the Whites will always gift aspiring hikers a sense of adventure. And new growth-on some the country's oldest trails.
Photos: photos.app.goo...
Route: Valley Way Trail-Watson Path Trail-Osgood Trail-Star Lake Trail-Gulfside Trail-Air Line Trail-Israel Ridge Path Trail-Mount Jefferson Loop Trail- Caps Ridge Trail-Trinity Heights Connector Trail-Crawford Path Trail-Mount Monroe Loop Trail-Mount Eisenhower Loop Trail-Webster Cliff Trail
Type: Point-To-Point
Distance: 18.6 mi.
Elevation Gain: 9,296 ft.
Location: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, United States
Date/Time: 2022-08-27 1015
My Thoughts:
I was enjoying a wonderful breakfast (the dish was "eggs Benedict") at a small but popular cafe in Tucson, Arizona. The guest beside me and I started casually chatting and "Mount Washington" was brought up. That chance event instigated my first trip into the Whites.
There, while finding myself among a strange gathering humanity of hikers, backpackers, drivers, Cog riders, and motorcyclists (it was "bike week"), my intrepid eyes were shown the entire range. More researching led to the Presidential Traverse. But I already had countless other hiking plans-in distant places-which disallowed an immediate attempt.
Fast forwarded to last year. I was determined to return and wrap up unfinished business. Plus, because my mountaineering journey had begun elsewhere, it would only be proper to film where the sport formerly germinated (for the United States).
There were a couple of other important subjects to understand. First, the correct aim was to cross all seven "presidential" peaks of the range. There would be no versions or variations. To do anything else (such as summitting extra peaks) was wasted effort.
Second-and related to unnecessary hiking-was to use the most direct trails. My video would show me on Watson Path to reach Mount Madison and not Valley Way. Likewise, I chose Gulfside-Airline to top Mount Adams and not Star Lake.
Speaking of which, while attempting, I was surprised most by the intricate web of trails that saturated the mountains. But the maps really helped; AMC's was excellent and current, which I studied/used in conjunction with others'. Further, the complexity did not bother me one bit-because I could not call myself a "mountaineer" without walking those storied paths.
Although I have never taken career baby steps on these mountains, in a way, I am no different than the hikers doing so. Some will advance to grander achievements-as have I. We go to the mountains for utility, distraction, evolution. Or just for the stupendous thrill of it all.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace
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