Mt Willey

I’ve been hiking the Whites for three years, yet this year, my interest spiked. I got in 8 peaks, including my first winter summit. I read about climbers and the outdoors via John Krackaur, Chip Brown, Jack London and most recently, Tom Ryan. I printed out and aquired maps of the region, and finally experimented with new hiking techniques. Mearly going up and down wasn’t enough.

I enjoy the attempt at demystification of why people are drawn to the mountains. My own theories are young and deserve more mulling. We can all agree that the bohemouths do indeed draw; whatever the reason.

The company

I’m glad to have found two groups of friends to bag peaks with. Company on the long drive north, from southern ma, is welcomed. When the company also offers a cabin to stay - that is really worth something. For once one takes that first step on the parking lot again after a 10 hour hike, one does not look forward to sitting in a car, stiff and empty, and driving the 3 hours back. Spending the night up there is the only way to do it.

However, choosing company on the way up the mountain has become more important to me. Mindless blather helps move time along and catch up with friends, but it also cheats something from the mountain. I end up speaking to the mountain internally when with such groups. Even still, it’s not enough. I’m being rude. Treating it primarily as a hang-out session, secondly as a hike is the wrong order.

I don’t doubt that its felt throughout the group, but it is strange how little is said about recognizing the beauty and the why of hiking. I suspect testoserone assists in making such things taboo, but then again, everyone has their own reason to hike.

Going up

My pack was ready a week in advance and I knew my lore. I discovered the Willey House tragedy over the summer and was excited to see the area firsthand.

There was a morning audible. It was decided we were not to tackle the other two in the range, Tom and Field. Just Willey, because there wouldn’t be enough light. My night-hiking curiosity wasn’t to be fullfilled this night.

The hike went as planned; without a hitch and plenty of light. Preparation paid off. We knew we’d be reaching snow halfway up and pulled out the micro-spikes. By the time we hit the 4 wooden stairs, I conquored them with ease. I sucked down almond butter, GU packs and water while going up and was glad to have a half-frozen sandwich at the top. When we reached the below-tree-line-summit at noon, we practiced tradition by cheersing booze: for warmth and morale. Here here!

Adjustments going down

Being a Tim Ferriss reader, I see the 80/20 rule everywhere and try to get ‘big wins’ whenever possible. What’s the smallest change to get the maximum results. Use that precious energy as efficiently as possible whilst hiking.

Problem: spagetti legs by the end of hikes.

• solution 1: use arms to soften the impact on knees via trekking poles.

• verdict: they’ve become a staple and are helpful going up and down. I don’t know how to calculate how much they save help my knees, but they don’t hurt.

• solution 2: use ankle muscle to soften the impact on knees.

• verdict: my legs delayed the hurting some. The idea was to land on the toe more often instead of the heel. If anything, becoming more aware and experimenting with of small, repeating actions should lead to wins.

The base

We reached the bottom within view of the car and had to cross the tracks of the Conway Scenic Rail to get there. With a little energy left, I took out the camera and decided to explore for a few minutes. I was glad I did - 100 feet away was a decrepit, grown-in Willey House Station.

My camera and I took a few minutes to unwind before heading back to society. A nice, personal cap to the hike.

The cabin

One of the gang inherited the cabin from his folks and it is filled with mementos of their love for the mountains. It’as an uninsulated, two-bedroom, modest shelter north of the park with an amazing view of Mt. Adams. The location is perfect. Seasoned members of the group get the electric-headed rooms, while the young’ns get the floor in front of the fireplace - along with the proud duty of maintaining the fire.

Love that place.