And then started the trek up Mount Moosilauke. We only planned on doing 10 miles today since this would be our first encounter with the Whites. It was a pretty steep climb but just incredibly beautiful. We have been climbing up and down mountains for months now, but "The Whites" sort of like the "The Smokies" have this sort of aura about them. They are much bigger, taller, and steeper and for whatever reason, cooler!!! It's one of the places we've worked so hard to get to on this journey.
View of the summit from the south peak.
Murphy and I hiked north, while 50/50 and Mambo slack packed south. We ran into them mid hike today.
From there we hiked on to above tree line, to the summit. Passed a lot of cool cairns marking the trail on the way up.
Breezy and chilly up there with incredible views of the mountains we have looming in our future.
The beginning of the climb down was some nice trail and then we started down one of the steepest descents in the Whites. Beaver Brook Trail. It was long and a real knee-buster.
It ran right beside a waterfall which was beautiful.
So... granted it's only been one day, but my initial thoughts. Hiking these mountains reminds me a lot of the Rockies. Longs Peak in particular. Steep, boulder filled climbs. Then, throw in the water element (waterfall) to add another degree if difficulty. BUT, there is plenty of oxygen to be had with the lower elevation, so that is a definite plus!!
Today is 50/50's birthday, so we are staying Lincoln, eating Mexican food and ice cream.
Hiking on tomorrow.
Mexican food and ice cream. Sounds fancy. Meanwhile were in Yountville just having salad (and a splash of wine). Did choke down a couple Buttercream Doughnuts this morning.
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