A windspeed of 231 miles per hour held the world record from 1934 until 1996, and still holds the record for highest measured wind speed not associated with a tornado or tropical cyclone. The summit experiences some of the most dangerous and erratic weather in the country. At 6,288 feet above sea level, Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Choking down a maple bacon sandwich from Dunkin Donuts I had stored away the day before, I set off to summit the mighty Mount Washington. Little did I know, this would be the last time I would see the sky. By the time I settle in and eat, clouds have taken over the sky which was shimmering with stars when I arrived. The two stack triple bunk beds are against the far walls and a loose window rattles in the wind. The smell of a dank basement fills the lungs. After a half-lap around the building, I see a large iron door.Ĭranking the lever down, unlocking the door, I pry it open to reveal a small room with only wooden bunk beds inside. A note on the door stated that they were closed for renovations and that there is shelter in the emergency bunker if needed. I arrived at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut a little bit before 20:00, and after 11 miles, was ready for bed. The forecast I have is calling for higher winds and potential rain overnight. A cotton candy sky, but gray clouds were coming in. Took rest and enjoyed some delicious minestrone soup at the Mizpah Hut while making the call to either hang for the afternoon and stay at the nearby Naumann Campsite or push to reach the Lakes of the Clouds Hut and catch sunset along the way.įrom Mount Eisenhower to Mount Franklin was all basking in the glow of the evening sunset. I tricked one to land on my hand while I had nothing to offer and the little bugger nipped my finger tip. A pair of gray jays harassed me for some treats roughly halfway between Mount Webster and Mount Jackson. A few great lookout points along the Webster Cliff Trail gives you a view down upon Crawford Notch. I went along a variant of a northbound route, ascending up Webster Cliffs to Mount Jackson, in hindsight wish I did the opposite – for the afternoon views and how awful it was going up. The latter being the experience I had for the entire second day. The risk of prolonged exposure to low temperatures and high winds is a concern, thunderstorms that can materialize quickly, and dense fog that limits visibility. The stretch between Mount Madison and Mount Pierce has the most prolonged stretch of above-treeline hiking in the Eastern US. It’s a ~21 mile trek with roughly half completely exposed in the Alpine Zone. It was THE most challenging hike I have done. I, for whatever reason, decided to do it in 2 days. While most do it in 3 days, Jack Kuenzle ran the traverse this past July, it took him 3h 38m 44s – setting the fastest known time.
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