The Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is probably the most rugged of all the states with the highlight of the trail here being the awe inspiring White Mountains. There are many steep ascents and descents, some of which require what I have always called: Four Wheel Drive. What I mean by this expression is that as you climb, it will be necessary to use your hands, some times even the seat of your pants.

Much of the trail in New Hampshire is above the treeline, not only offering more view in all directions but also prone to quickly changing temperature and weather. In fact, on Mount Washington, snow is recorded as falling in every month of the year.

Too, New Hampshire offers more miles above treeline than any other Appalachian Trail state.

Number of Days Afoot:

Distance in 1979: 148.6 miles

#4. Mount Washington 6288 feet, summited 14 July 1979

Fourth highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail.

14. 30 August 1978, Gorham, NH   Day 121 AT   Mail Pickup

18. 17 July 1979, Gorham, NH        Day 153 AT   Total Miles Afoot: 1918.2

White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington State Park

Leaving Conway, New Hampshire, I drive the Kancamagus Highway on SH 112, cross IH 93 and continue on SH 112, making several stops along the highway to take photos.

When I arrive at the where the Appalachian Trail crosses NH 112, I stop, park off the road and walk a distance south on Beaver Brook trail towards Mount Moosilaukee but when the trail becomes steep, my desire to be on it fades ever so quickly.

Excerpts from pages 325 -326

Yesterday, In Robinson Hall (Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH), I read on a board a quote of Ralph Waldo Emerson where he said: In the Woods we return to reason and faith. Awaking early today and listening to the birds as they begin awaking, Emerson's words sojourn with myself, for I have come to know them well and appreciate them immensely.

I rise from the bag at six, pack up my gear and begin taking steps before seven; ups, downs, roads, along the beautiful and unspoiled Clark Pond and then climb to this open ledge where I now sit with Babe in the sun. Only a few feet in front of me the mountain drops away hundreds of feet to a valley dotted with many lakes and more mountains beyond. Too, there is a melody of life here, singing and dancing all about. Yes the birds, bees, clouds, flowers, trees and wind all perform royally for me today.

Since it is early today, after eating I will push for over 32 kilos today by climbing to the summit of Mount Cube and set up camp on top. This push will also make Mount Moosilauke attainable for me tomorrow, my last major climb before the White Mountains. I fill my water bottles and then, off we go, upward to another summit, and what a beautiful summit Mount Cube (2911') turns out to be, especially at sunset.

The sun is warm on this solid rock bald and the views here are glorious. I focus on the way wherefrom I came and see the fire tower climbed earlier this day. Then, in the distance beyond the tower I sight Moose Mountain and then ridge after ridge the entire distance back to the Green Mountains. Too, my eyes scan northward over the many lakes and soon I pick out Moosilauke and then the Whites.

After setting up camp I spend the eve of this day reading my Bible and then pause to pray to God about how much I continue yearning to be with his people. I then give the Almighty thanks and praise for this wondrous day and the blessings received atop the mountain. Finally, there is a magnificent sunset and I notice that despite Àbabe being as tired as me, she loves being here too.

I must turn in and sleep now to be able to get an early start for the many steps to Moosilauke tomorrow. (Day 144, 32.2 km)