White mountains: a love and hate relationship

«Just wait until you reach the whites.» This was discussed regularly in the south and the first days of the path. What we think were difficult climbing in GA and NC would be the child’s game, compared to what would come in New Hampshire. The mystique and aura of the white mountains, the combination of steep and high elevation, and the unpredictable climate were intimidating and a cause of concern when I entered the state. I had no idea what to expect, and I hope to simply survive and get to Maine.

I hate you!

‘Hike’ The White Mountains is not the appropriate adjective, it is more like a rock rise, a technical bulge. The steep lifting profits made him slow, and the descents were so bad, if not worse. Many mornings I began to climb a cloud, hoping not to find a storm on the tree line. Wet rocks made the sliding regular; Hitting my knee, elbow or falling on my butt; I was lucky not to break my head. Are we still having fun? NO! This stinks! And the worst part was to reach the top. The fog was so thick that I could barely see the Cairns directing the path. What is good for this?

This is the path! – Monte Jackson

This also – Wildcat Mountain

I love you!

They are the views, stupid! The weather allows it, the views from the top of the white mountains are seductive, the best in the AT and, possibly, the entire east coast. My first real flavor was in Francia Ridge. The view surprised me and it sneaked for me as I got up, shit! And then I turned, as Cinderella showing her dance hall dress, speechless in the 360 degree panorama. I almost got to cry. This was so magical. Several days later, going up to Mount Madison, I saw one of the most spectacular sunrises I have seen, and I have a lot to compare it. The beauty of the white mountains is very special.

Sunrise – Mount Madison

In general, we cannot plan the climate for specific sections of our walk, we simply keep the head down and continue advancing. But, the weather influences our experience and opinions of those sections, and the whites were not different. For me, the weather was not perfect, but good enough: there are no storms or torrential downpours, with many days/opportunities for views. I suspect that, over time, I will remember the views, and the scallets of fog and exhausting rock will fade from memory.

I am lucky to have survived New Hampshire, fighting the knee early and a severe roll of the late right ankle, which forces me to go out for a path for 6 days. I’m lucky not to have broken it, finishing my walk in NH. I finally arrived in Maine, and I am still humble, one day at the same time, cautious that my good fortune (both on the road) continues. I hope to complete this adventure once in life and I look forward to the 100 mile desert, the Baxter State Park and, of course, Mt Katahdin. To be honest, I can’t believe that I am even in this position, it is wild when I think about it. I feel blessed.

Trail Magic – VT

MISC:

While technically not in the «white mountains», the subpleb mountain by smarts was difficult! And the climb of the Wildcats was ridiculous … thanks to Spirit (student ’21) for beers, fried potatoes and ice cream in USFS 10, and Tom for the Clarendon Gorge bridge of $ 40. I loved the farm stalls in VT – Stone Throus Farm Stand, and in the support of the Granja Edge, Dana was the best! Some of the best cakes and muffins along the way. Thanks to Lou’s for free donuts in Hanover, NH, restarting and patience in the welcome shelter to hikers, and hikers of the Scott & Andrew section for the Xtra Food and Captain Morgan @ mitzpah hut. And, of course, Gail, Tom and Al, hikers of a day that helped me enter Gorham, NH, when I was slowly moving on a bad ankle. Craig hiker section for beers in Rattlesnake Shelter, and Tom (friend of Binkass Buttercup) and Gray Jay (wife Alpha Gals), for walks inside/outside Gorham. The best homemade dinner was at the Knoll in Bethel, I, thanks to Homespun and Doogie!

Dinner @ the knoll (Betel, me)

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