1 Comment
I just completed something I am very proud of: a 2-day, 20-mile solo hike. I stayed overnight in an AMC hut, so I sort of cheated, but it was 2 days of carrying my own 25-pound pack, no one to talk to, no one to take care of...just me, my thoughts, lots of granite, and ridiculous amounts of beauty. I was in need of some thinking time and space, and there is nothing more therapeutic for me than doing that to the cadence of hiking feet. Nine years ago, I did this hike with one of my closest friends in honor of her 30th birthday. I figured it would be a good first solo hike for me, as I was familiar with the trail and had done it successfully before. It is also one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and very peaceful. The Crawford Path starts in Bartlett, NH on Route 302 and is the oldest maintained trail in the US, built in 1819. It is 8.9 miles from the parking lot to the AMC hut named Lakes of the Clouds, which was where I had reserved a bunk for the night. I love the Crawford Path for several reasons. One is that it is a gradual climb (by NH standards) to the first 4,000 footer that you get to summit. And if you choose to, you can summit three on your way to the hut - Mt.Pierce, Mt.Eisenhower, and Mt. Monroe. And also, for much of it, you are above treeline and walking on a ridge. It is other-worldly up there - mossy and rocky with views in every direction. Summitting the 3 southern mountains on the way is more like taking short, rock-scrambling detours up to breathtaking views than anything, as the path already has you at high altitude. I'll be honest - I was nervous. I made a thorough packing list. I brought a map and compass, an emergency whistle and pepper spray, matches, rain gear, a down coat (it was 80 in the valley when I started out), lots of calories, matches, a flashlight...I was prepared for everything. (I didn't use any of it, except for the calories and down coat, but only to snuggle up as I sat on a rock to watch a sunset that night). I had never hiked alone before, and this was exciting but a little nerve-wracking. Mainly, I'm afraid of running into a bear. Irrational, I know. But still. The trail starts in the luscious New Hampshire forest and ambles alongside a river, then a waterfall, then continues higher into a thicker forest. Soon the trees start getting shorter, springs of water run across the trail, the moss carpets the forest floor, all sorts of interesting flowers blooming among the green moss. After a few miles of climbing, the higher alpine forest begins with even smaller trees and larger swaths of granite. I hike differently now than I did 9 years ago. I have a very sensitive knee, so I find I take smaller steps. I'm more contemplative. I take my time. I don't rush. I consider more carefully where I put my feet and how I bend my knees. I know that the more cautious I am, the more longevity I will have on the trail. I made great time, but also avoided injury. I got to the hut in about 4 hours. I lightened my pack, then I headed up to summit Mt. Washington for the 6th time in my life. It's 1.4 miles to the summit from the Lake of the Clouds hut. It's a long, granite staircase to the top, but it's a relatively gentle climb, and breathtaking views are a welcome distraction. I hung out at the summit for half an hour or so, then headed back down to the hut. My knee was starting to complain a bit. Dinner was served at 6, and around 8 a fabulous sunset began. I found a comfy patch of granite to sit on, wrapped up in my down jacket, and watched the sun sink into the sky over a panoramic view of the valley. It was breathtaking. The rest of the evening was spent reading, writing, thinking, and dreaming. From my bunk, I could watch the stars - thousands and thousands of them - move across the sky. (And I did watch for hours, as there were at least 6 people snoring like freight trains in the room with me.) I hiked out the next day, the same way I came in. I had another clear day with sweeping views the entire way. So much beauty - I could hardly stand it. Views to every side. By the time I got to my car, my feet were yelling, my body was tired of having 25 pounds hanging on it, and I was ready for a warm shower and a little relaxation.
But it didn't matter. I found the solace I was looking for in this time alone, and in the beauty I drank in, and in the accomplishment of doing this on my own. I would highly recommend. |
AuthorI'm Emily. I currently work in online education management, but I also have a Masters degree in Nutritional Sciences (my true passion). In addition, I am a mom, cook, avid reader, novice gardener, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. On my blog, you will find articles on food, fitness, weight management, and eating issues. ALL recipes on my blog are gluten-free. Many are low-carbohydrate. Most are grain free. Enjoy! Categories
All
Archives
June 2019
|