A few weeks back I had the opportunity to hike Mt Washington. I hiked up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to to Lake of the Clouds Hut to Crawford Path, to the Summit of Mt Washington. I then came down the Gulf Side Trail to the Jewel Trail. It was a glorious day the weather was perfect it was dry and comfortable with a steady 35mph breeze above treeline.

A T-Shirt at the Mt Washington Observatory

I really liked the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.. It really is a walk up the valley way of the ravine where you cross streams many times on your way up. As it gets steeper where you come into the headwall it almost seems like you are walking a stream bed. The route is great for good weather but could be treacherous if wet or chance of high water is elevated. Once on top the walking is typical of all the presidential’s..and easy open boulder walk and path. The only downside of the day was the Jewel Trail, the upper part is a pretty view but the growth is kind of tight. The scrub pines like short Christmas trees leave the trail narrow. Also on the Jewel Trail as you get into the trees there is not much opportunity to glimpse a view. It makes a great loop though of about 9-9 1/2 miles though and brings you right back to the parking just below the Cog Railway.

Crawford Patch Approaching Summit Cone

This was the first trip up Mt Washington since I snowshoed up the cog railway and set my parents ashes free in April 2010 (See Related Story) I was hiking solo again  today but felt them close with me all day. I was happy that day went so well last year, as I walked the woods and got above treeline I was so thankful for the way things worked out that day. The weather today as then was perfect. Being above treeline on days like this is so special, the views, the flora, the ruggedness just charges my inner being. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about them in some way.

Looking Back to Lake of the Clouds Hut and Mt Eisenhauer

I created a video using songs from  Eddie Vedder’s new Uke  album because I listened to that over and over all the way on my ride up up the the trail head. The songs were reaching out to me Goodbye, Healing, Love, Yearning, Loss, Satisfaction.. it is hard to explain but the threads all connected with my inner fabric and made a very fitting soundtrack so I fittingly used it literally in the collage of pics and video I shot that day.

Summit view looking back towards lake of the Clouds Hut, Mt Eisenhower, Mt Monroe, Mt Franklin, Mt Pierce

Days like this one are cherished moments in the Presidential’s and also in ones life..as every day should be cherished and lived to it’s fullest. The beauty of the mountains is so incredible and indescribable. Hiking them is special.. many will take the auto road to the summit, but to walk there you can experience the views and mountains for what they are and really connect. I find the beauty, calm and potential for extremes centering.

Gulf Side Trail Looking toward Mt Madison, Mt Jefferson, Mt Adams Coming Off Summit

Here is a collage of videos and pictures from the special day