- Don’t forget to look up every once in a while.
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Or …
- Bring a water filter. Unfortunately, I did neither.
- Don’t hike alone. It’s more fun with friends. Or …
- If you do hike alone, don’t tell your wife.
- Read the AMC guide. I didn’t because it scared me.
- I like single track. Well-pruned single track.
- I don’t like low, pointy, angry branches.
- I also don’t like clearing cobwebs with my face.
- Make a point of volunteering on a trail building crew.
- AMC Hut Croo are seriously awesome people.
- Views are great, but never guaranteed.
- Always have a Plan-B. And, a Plan-C. And …
- Never trust the local weather forecast.
- Ridgelines know no seasons.
- It never ALWAYS gets worse.
- Never underestimate the power of a hot shower.
- Or, the comfort of real food, for that matter.
- Know your animal scat. And …
- Keep yours at least 200 ft. from a water source.
- Don’t throw your pack across a river. It will break.
- Wait for a thunderstorm to pass before climbing.
- The mountain will always be there. Unlike you.
- No 4000 footer ever gives up her elevation easily.
- The best trail-ends are ones with cold rivers to sit in.
- Fear of missing a shuttle ride is a great motivator.
- Chaffing can ruin an otherwise great day.
- Bike shorts can be your best friend. Seriously.
- Keep your camera battery fully charged.
- Mount Clay (5333 ft) should be part of the 4k club.
- All mountains should come with fire towers.
- Able Crawford was a trail building genius.
- Hiking up out of notches is very hard work. And …
- Hiking down into notches can be quite terrifying.
- Mount Moosilauke is extremely underrated.
- Mount Washington is extremely overrated.
- Never turn your back on a mountain. It may bite.
- Wet rocks are vengeful rocks. In disguise.
- Don’t think too far ahead. You’ll fall on your behind.
- Leave bushwacking to the professionals.
- Tim Seaver is an absolute trail-running stud.
- It’s possible to be nauseous and hungry at the same time.
- It’s even possible to become sick of yourself.
- Be kind to your fellow hikers while out on the trail.
- It may hurt to walk but it doesn’t hurt to smile.
- Even the best solo hikers can’t do it all on their own.
- If something doesn’t scare you, it’s not worth doing.
- Plan
the next trip now. True regret is the path not taken.
Happy Trails!
Congratulations and great post Michael. I think #43 is my favorite... When things are going South, even I get sick of my whining! Great accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThanks AL. I think of it more as an experience than an accomplishment. I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to try this. Have fun out there!
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