Mt. Washington is no joke! We started off on Tuckerman Ravine at a brisk 60° , with a beaming sun and slight breeze. We wandered past waterfalls, wildflowers, a beautiful pond nestled deep between the mountains, and literally climbed stone stairs into the center of clouds.

The further we ascended, the windier, foggier, and colder it got. I was acquainted with rime ice covering cairns and spat curse words I forgot existed.

We summited with rosy, windburned cheeks and a dire need for warmth. The Sherman Adam’s Building was nearly invisible behind the thick clouds and dense crowds, but after briefly walking in circles we discovered it. We quickly found seats and my frozen fingers fumbled to dig out my wrap. I took one bite and was shocked to find that my jaw was not as functional as usual. Slowly but very surely, the warmth returned to my face and summit sando was a success.

We descended via Lions Head which was beautiful but extremely steep. The clouds finally lifted (or maybe we escaped them?) and we were able to capture  photos of the endless peaks and valleys of the beautiful White Mountains.

This was definitely one of the most difficult hikes I have endured, and even though it was a complete whiteout at the summit, it was still one of the best hikes in my book.

It’s all about the journey anyway, right?