Jenni next to the peak of Mount Liberty.
The weather looks ominous but no time for shortcuts.
The previous three hikes resulted in an elevation gain of a little under 13,000 feet. We don't mention
this to boast...well, maybe a little. Actually, to many strong hikers this might seem pathetic but to the old
editor, it is worthy. She has been strong and well since her knee made a miraculous healing. Unfortunately,
with nothing to whine about, she kicked a rock and now has an awful gash on her shin. She does not understand
that she cannot push the earth around like she does her husband. Of course, we thought we were doing extremely
well until we lost our footing and went for a spill that could have been ugly. These things occur in a
split second. Just to show it wasn't a fluke, we enjoyed another fall on the following hike. We often think that
in a typical day, we take well over twenty-thousand strides each. The chances of not missing a step seems
impossible—sobering to write (type).
Jenni rushes towards the marvelous Washington Hotel of Bretton Woods.
The other side of the structure from four miles distant plus nearly 3,000 feet higher. We're thinking of
buying a crow so as to obtain more accurate measurements.
From peak of Mount Eisenhower, the mist arrived and took away some clarity while improving the editor's beauty. Ahem!
We took a drive to the Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, a few miles down the road. Of course, this is the
sight of the famous Bretton Woods conference of 1944 when the world's financial system was overhauled and
the IMF formed. Nothing but the best of settings for the political class. It is positioned below some of
the Presidential Mountains—in fact, it looks most presidential itself. We sat on the balcony, stretching
what seemed like a mile, and drank tea for which we were able to raise a loan in advance. Little did we
know that on the following day, we would be viewing this majestic structure from, just below the peak as
well as on the peak of the General—Mount Eisenhower. Our camera was amazing as it captured detail from many
miles distant and three thousand feet above. Again, we take so much for granted. To think of the ability of
a camera to reproduce such authenticity is mind boggling; furthermore, it is just one of many inventions that
make life so much easier and comfortable...or complicated?
It's really time to leave, Jen...perhaps she's 'frozen'.
A different view, above the canopy.
Looking towards Mount Washington, perhaps it's getting ready to blow its top.
When we reached the peak of Mount Eisenhower, after climbing some 2,800 feet over 7 miles roundtrip,
we wondered why he was behind the introduction of the Interstate Freeway System in America and couldn't build
a smooth path up his own mountain. Go figure!
Two days later, we headed for the Liberty Trail to reach the mountaintop of the same name. The forecast was
expecting thunderstorms in the afternoon. We set out early in the morning hoping that we'd outwit the weather.
After all, two heads are better than one. Well, we are the exception that proves the rule. A couple of strikes
came close but we were fortunate. The canopy of the forest kept us reasonably dry, a less important aspect in
a thunderstorm though. We left the peak while things looked clear and only a little ominous but were an
hour-and-half shy of the trailhead when we spotted the first flashes. When we had reached the top earlier,
after climbing steeply for 3,000 feet, the whole of New Hampshire seemed covered in low clouds. Fortunately,
a few minutes later, it cleared—talk of good fortune. The roundtrip distance was about eight miles. As an aside,
because of the terrain, we estimate that some of the trails (most) feel a third longer than the typical trails
we usually travel.
After brunch, the editor relaxes and enjoys the magnificent surroundings not realizing
a thunderstorm is imminent.
A finale in the thick, wooded, greenery of New England. From Guilford looking towards Hartford on the left (CT).
As we hadn't eaten at time of peaking, we sat down to enjoy breakfast at which time the mountains suddenly
appeared in front of us, behind, too; the valley opened and we even got another sighting of the Washington Hotel.
We viewed glorious sights as far as the eye could see. It's difficult to say where the best views of the
White Mountains are. However, in seven outings on this range, we were overwhelmed each time—Liberty might be
the favorite. What added to the experience was the opportunity to have a little fun exploring and jumping over
the boulders. Well, you had to be there.
Cheers from the top; we just noticed the Surveyor-General's mark next to our feet.
We said our goodbyes and thanks after Iceland which turned out to be premature. So thank you again for
your interest. We loved having you travel with us and look forward to the next time.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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