It was Friday morning when my good friend Willow started texting me for a weekend adventure – DD, she says – tomorrow is going to be amazing, we’re leaving Bangor at 5 am. 30 degrees, no wind, and bluebird skies. Are you in? I know better than to say to no Willow, she’s ALWAYS blazing some cool trail. She’s joining the 4,000 fter club and she’s pretty much my She-ro. So – I went to bed early Friday night, and 4:30 am on Saturday morning I was on my way to meet my friend and we began the trek to New Hampshire to the White Mountains. We left Winterport around 5:15 am and we hit the Whites around 9 am, with a breakfast stop in between. We took some time to repack and decide on our attire for the day and hit the trail around 9:30 am. Here’s how our adventure went….
My first glimpse of the White Mountains was a gloomy one.
We’re thrilled to see some blue shies and hopeful for a bluebird summit.
The Mizpah Spring Hut we believe was getting renovations, so this copter was running up and down the mountain carrying boards. It was a very cool thing to see.
At this point, we’e just crossing our fingers that the clouds will part and we’ll see blue skies.Here we are at the entrance to the trail. I had to get a photo with the White Mountain National Forest sign, since it was my first hike in the Whites.We took the Crawford Path upMicrospikes and Poles were a must.
This is the beginning of our hike. We already had on too many layers. I have on a down vest, a fleece hoodie, a neck fleece, and a dru wick undershirt. I was sweating in no time. I also had a winter coat in my pack. So many regrets there. haha.We hit Gibbs Brook right off. A nice little surprise to start our adventure. Willow has her trust Deuter pack.
Now I am starting to see why they are called the White Mountains. as we reach higher elevation, everything becomes just magical.I’m beginning to wonder if we’ve hiked into Narnia. I’m looking for a wardrobe.
Willlow, however keeps referencing Game of Thrones, and is inspiring me to get moving by saying “Winter is Coming!” – Whatever that means ::)
Here’s where the fun begins. Just as I was almost at the end of my rope – I see this glorious sign. (Too much in my pack, and the elevation was maxing out my heart rate)
This is pure joy and exuberance. I am using my poles to point to Mount Washington
Just breathtaking, the fog rolling out, and seeing the bluebird skies. Absolutely magical.
SUNAmazing views
There were only a few other people at the top, which made it even more magical.
Celebration was in order, as it was Willow’s final ascent in the Presidentials (She’s doing the New England 4,000 fters) and my first time in the Whites.
Rocking my Cairn Patch! www.getcairn.com and use my email if you sign up! DanielleDorrie@gmail.com
We quite literally FLEW down the mountain. It took us 3 hours going up and only 2 down.
The Frozen Gibbs Falls. An Amazing treat on the way down. You definitely need to stop on the way down and check it out.
This is my accomplishment face
And we’re done! An awesome afternoon hike. We started around 9:30, summited around 12:30, spent an hour at the hop, and then got back to the car around 3:30Conference Center and gift shop at the base of the mountain
Life was meant for good friends and great adventure. Thankful to have this rad babe in my life.
FMI on our hike and parking areas – http://4000footers.com/pierce.shtml#map
http://4000footers.com/pierce.shtml
Have you hiked in the White Mountains or have a recommendation for what we should do next? Let me know in the comments below!!
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or our Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/danielledorrie/ https://www.instagram.com/lovemaineadventures/- We love to meet new adventurers! #lovemaineadventures
Have questions about the hike? Send me an email – DanielleDorrie@gmail.com
