New England 100 Highest Mountains - my last one.
It started out nice, but I saw the white on Lafayette on the way in and had a feeling, though I was hoping it was only rime ice. Not only was the white stuff really snow, but it started to rain/snow, making my glasses useless so I had a very difficult time finding a way through the woods and locating any herd paths. By the time I got to the top I was very cold, my fingers and toes were numb and I constantly kept monitoring them to make sure I didn't have to turn back. I didn't even open up the canister to sign the register, figured I would just get everything all wet anyways and was not sure how long I afford not to be moving to stay warm.
On the way down I just wanted to get down to a lower, dryer and hopefully warmer elevation as quickly as possible. Followed the herd path until it turned onto the illegal trail, which was a crazy steep decent that even in my desire to get down, did not seem like a wise way to go. I found a smaller herd path that lasted a little longer and followed that till it vanished.
I kept trying to turn to the right but mini rock cliffs. In good weather I would have easily found a way down, but I had no desire to try and negotiate the steep rocks with limited sight with wet logs and slippery rocks all covered with wet leaves. I was forced to steer my course a bit more to the left then I desired, but it was quick going. Finally found a nice logging road that took me in the general direction I wanted to go and allowed me to actually eat a sandwich (first food in three hours) while I continued walking.
Finally came out to the road 1.5 miles from my car. One the most I have been off in all the other trailless peaks I've done. But it was the best thing to do the journey was a success so that all that really counts in the end.
On the way home I was really cold. I cranked the heat and my legs started itching like crazy. My stomach or abs area felt like I had been doing sit-ups, which I think was due to shivering. Unfortunately my Garmin got shut off so I'm not sure of the actual mileage. Total time was about 4.5 hours and that includes the 1.5 mile road walk back to my car.
Next I guess I'll start working on NH 100 highest or whatever else is on the list. Maybe they will have more trails so Starry can come along with me.
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