Diving up Rt. 91 |
False peak of Mt. Adams |
Hanging out |
Looking at Mt. Madison |
Looking down at Madison Springs Hut |
The climb up had kicked my butt so after dinner I headed for my bunk and relaxed and was soon fast asleep.
Sunset from Madison Springs Hut |
Day 2 dawned bright and sunny. It was cold, with temperatures not expected to get out of the 30’s and a steady wind. We knew we would need to dress is layers so we could maintain our body temps. Breakfast is at 7am and this morning there was pancakes with real maple syrup, scrambled eggs and bacon, and as always at the huts, oatmeal. I skipped the pancakes, which proved the smart move, and filled up my belly with the rest. Then we were off, our hardest day of the trip. We were headed for Lakes of the Clouds hut and would summit three more peaks, the tallest of them all, Adams, Jefferson, and Washington. The climb up Mt. Adams was steep, but fairly short.
We were all soon down to our shirts and sweating. After a final scramble up we made the summit and quickly put on our warm weather gear. Hats, gloves, and warm coats. It was cold and windy on the top so I didn’t linger.
Once at a lower elevation we were a little protected from the wind and could de-layer a little. The next peak was Mt. Jefferson, and as we approached the summit we could see that they were flying the American flag, for remembrance of 9/11. It is done every year the Sat. before 9/11. It was an awesome sight to come up over the top and see the flags flying, then we could look back at both Mt. Adams and Mt. Madison and see flags on those summits as well. Very cool and something I have wanted to see for a while.
Heading for Jefferson |
Looking back toward Mt. Adams |
Flags on the 48 |
Then there is the climb up Mt. Washington. Even being at the elevation we were, it was a climb that seemed to go on forever. We made it though and were in sight of the famous sign at the top, but there are hordes of people all over. We went inside to warm up and I grabbed a Coke and slice of pizza at the snack bar. I think we all had something to eat or drink. Then after gathering ourselves we made our way to get a picture at the sign.
From the summit it is 1.5 miles down to the Lakes of the Clouds hut and dinner. We arrived at the hut at 5pm. It had been a long day with a lot of elevation change. We were all tired. Some of our group hung out in the dining room, while I rested on my bunk. Dinner that night was a Thanksgiving dinner, turkey, mashed potatoes and veggies. Lentil soup and salad as well. After dinner I was back in my bunk and soon sleeping.
Day 3 also dawned bright and sunny.
Sunrise |
Lakes of the Clouds hut |
It is a quick steep climb with views all around. The trail then leads toward Mt. Eisenhower. It was much easier hiking, with less rocks, and we could stretch out our legs and get a pretty good pace going. The top of Eisenhower is wide open, nice views all around. We snapped a few pictures and then continued on.
Looking toward Mt. Eisenhower |
Summit of Mt. Eisenhower |
The trail drops down a little before climbing up our final peak, Mt. Pierce. It was a little anti-climactic finishing on Pierce, but we were all tired and ready to be done.
After a snack and break on Pierce we got back on the Crawford Path and began the 3.1 mile descent back to the Highland Center and our waiting cars. In total we hiked 23 miles and climbed 7 peaks.
Elevation of the peaks we climbed:
Mt. Washington 6288
Mt. Adams 5774
Mt. Jefferson 5712
Mt. Monroe 5384
Mt. Madison 5367
Mt. Eisenhower 4780
Mt. Pierce 4310
Overall it was a great hike, one of the best I’ve done. It was very challenging and tough. On to other peaks and other adventures.
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