Seeking Wisdom in Extremes - Going Solo

The past two weekends brought rain. We had grand plans to take in the Presi traverse and then on a subsequent weekend, OwlsHead.  Both unfortunately were postponed due to rain.  One of the things Sue and I firmly agree on; is safety first.  The mountain will be there.

Plan B this past Sunday in lieu of OwlsHead was another below treeline hike. Duck, Bucky and SkinnyMini + their extended families were to meet at the Gale River trailhead in Bethlehem, NH. Regardless of the hour, Duck always calls me while we are making our respective ways to the trailhead. This particular morning I did not hear from her via voice, Email or Facebook. In the North Country, although cellular service is improving, I never assume I'll have a proper connection. Praying that Sue and crew were OK...after an hour wait and no contact I decided to head on up. Alone! 

on the way to Mt. Lafayette

During one of our early April hikes I purchased the book "Solo: On Her Own Adventure" and made a pack with myself that I would gain the confidence, experience and knowledge to hike alone.   One step toward gaining the necessary education was attending a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course.  Told Duck once I had the course under my belt that I would embark on a solo journey.

Had kind of assumed the very popular/highly trafficked Lincoln and Lafayette mountains in the Franconia Notch would be my solo hike.  Instead, Duck, Bonnie and I took advantage of a beautiful clear Sunday and hiked that particular ridge together.  WOW!!!  After Moosilauke and now this, I CAN NOT wait for the opportunity to get above treeline again!

Even with the forecasted afternoon rain on July 3rd, I was not concerned about hiking alone.   We've been wet now more than once.  I could do this.  

Even without a companion, I was carrying enough water and food + medical supplies and a change of clothes to get by for a night if need be.  Mind you, I do not carry a pad or sleeping bag but knew there was a hut near the summit of this trail.  With plenty of cars in the parking lot upon my arrival at 6:30am, knowing most would be making their decent this morning...after leaving a note on the truck dashboard and an itinerary on Facebook, I put aside the jitters and awareness of an upset stomach and headed out into the woods.

This trail was a slow, gradual climb with the last 1800 feet being a series of rock stairs and then a single goat track to the summit.   Conditions were so nice, that without a full backpack, I may have entertained doing a bit of trail running.  I don't think I could have chosen a nicer trail as my first solo.  This was not at all technically challenging.

Some folks, including my husband have asked...why...why am I doing this.   Guess it's hard to put into words (perhaps failure to complete the CanAm 250 has alot to do with it).  A few years ago I sent friends a book entitled "Solitude:  Seeking Wisdom in Extremes".   I'd like to think that is what I am doing out here when making my way thru the list of 48 four thousand footers?!  

You can not spend time dwelling on much other than your breath and where you will be landing your next step.  

Till next time my friends...put one foot in front of the other.
- Pigeon