Summer?

Yes, it’s still summer and this was on a 90 degree day. But it wasn’t that warm 6000 ft up at the top of  Mt. Washington. We took the auto tour up to the highest mountain in New England. It is in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire about an hour drive from where we camped. It was 56 degrees up there with a 56 mile wind. We went for the view but as it turned out, when you got to about 5000 ft,  you were in a cloud. Cold and wet and very windy!

The drive up was hairy because there are no guard rails and the road is narrow. Once at the summit you can park and look around (not this day), have lunch at the cafe or visit the small museum. While in the museum it got really foggy and when we came out you could not see 2 feet in front of you. We had to hold on to each other for fear of getting lost. It was also tough to find the stairs down to the car. It took a while and it was the foggiest I have ever seen.

The major trek of the week was a hike in White Mountain National Forest up Mt. Jackson. Now when I thought of hiking in retirement I thought of pretty much what I have been used to. I never dreamed I would be climbing mountains.

After we climbed Cadillac Mountain in the Acadia National Forest, I thought I was prepared for anything. This one was tough. Going up was strenuous but with some breaks, made it to the top. Right before the top is a rock ledge that I basically went up like a mountain goat — on all fours. But once at the top the climb was definitely worth it. Views to die for and much cooler than down where we started.  So we sit on the rocks and have lunch and rest the tired legs.  All of a sudden there are some birds flying around.  Kean said he read they were Gray Jays and they eat out of your hand.  Sure enough, they do.  Here is a photo I took  of them feeding from Kean’s hand.  I did it too.  I fed them grapes.  You put your hand up, they fly and land on your arm, and take the food right out of your hand.  Now, I know you are not supposed to feed wild animals, but I had a bird feeder and hummingbird feeder at home so I didn’t see too much difference.

So after lunching with the birds, we head down the mountain.

I was thinking that it would be a piece of cake compared to up, but I was wrong. I made it about a third down and wham, my legs decide – that’s it for the day. They got rubbery and the ankles could no longer support my weight. I think the sitting down at the top was a mistake and I should have at least kept moving around. Anyway, this is where you really find out what you are made of as you still have to get down the mountain. So after a couple of falls, I suck it up and keep going. I do have to say that the traffic noise from the road we parked the car on was a welcome sound coming down. I knew then I was going to make it.

It was really embarrassing when this older couple breezed by me going down.  Kean tried to keep my spirits up by telling me that this wasn’t the second mountain they ever hiked like it was mine.  It did make me feel better. He is so sweet to me.  😉   I do have to say that I was sure sore that night.  First time that has happened after everything we have done so far.  I guess I am truly learning how hard I can push myself.  Now Kean didn’t have as much trouble as I did but he was popping Alleve as soon as we got back to the car.  I at least waited until bedtime.  Good news is WE LIVED!  Yea!!!

On the calmer, touristy side, we had a day trip to Portland and spent some time walking the waterfront area.  It was nice to see a good size city again.

Now we pack up and say goodbye to Maine.  We start our southbound push with a week in Massachusetts.  Until next time my friends……