This was the last peak I needed to cross off my list for this challenge and I almost wanted to prolong it as far as I could but the excitement was keeping  me from it. Waking up at the base of the mountain from hiking camels hump the day prior, I never knew I’d get to this point as quick as I did. My brother and I certainly took our time waking up, eating breakfast, and stretching out the aches from sleeping semi comfortably as we knew another day of hiking was waiting for us along with the 3 1/2hr drive back home. Traversing sunset ridge and seeing canteliver rock along with the placebo peaks that stood in our way to the chin had me in pure awe. Once at the chin, we took a hefty snack break as we brought more than enough food for our 2 day hike. Stupidly enough, I didn’t even fill up my bladder pouch after camels hump just so that I can carry a lighter back. In the long run I made out just fine, all while my brother fills his 3 liter bladder and forces it down way before making it halfway up Mt Washington. Yet while enjoying our snack break, we happened to notice hikers walking up barefoot without any shoes on. Only taken back a bit as I was once one of them, I applauded them. Then off we went south on the long trail to the maple ridge trailhead to continue down. As we were reaching the end of the loop we came across the same people who were walking barefoot, this time they thought otherwise and were wearing shoes. I knew it was too good to be true all along lol. That was our time up in VT, granted my brother and I ALMOST opted to hike the long trail peak to peak but had not prepared accordingly as we made the decision to plan for it on our way into VT.

I deeply express my gratitude towards the social hiker community and to all who helped with coming up with this challenge. It has helped me grow as an individual and has opened up my mind to newer ideas as a hiker. To continue with what has started my next plan is to summit the tallest peaks in Maine and New York! After that I may start planning backpacking trips. Cant wait to see what next year brings and always remember….to leave no trace. -Jordan