Mt Liberty: FOT48

[bobandgeri]

Today we along with many others participated in the 7th Flags on the 48 memorial hike. We signed up to be the coordinators for Mt Liberty. Shortly after signing up we were contacted by Cathy Crane asking if we would mind flying her son's flag, who gave his life 2 years ago in Iraq protecting our and others freedom. Not a hard decission to say yes - this is what FOT48 is all about.

Although the day started out cloudy, by 10 AM the sun was breaking through and we had mostly sunny skies the rest of the day. The flag was raised shortly before noon by Cathy and her husband Mark as over 2 dozen others looked on. Throughout the next 2 hours many made their way to the summit and the flag for photos. From Mt Liberty we could see flags flying on Flume, Lincoln, Lafayette, Garfield, West Bond, and others using binoculars.

A little after 2 we lowered and folded the flag before begining our descent. Back in the parking lot we enjoyed cold drinks and great conversations after which many returned to our site at the TarryHo campground in Twin Mountain where we were joined by others for drinks, dinner, and more memories.

Photos from the day can be viewed at:
http://rbhayes.net/latest/fot48-08/index.htm

 

[TrishandAlex]

Great photos! We were almost part of that crowd, but at the last minute chose to do Jackson instead (that peak is a better fit for my daughter this year). Looking forward to meeting you two at some point on the trails. I've been enjoying your posts and your blog.

 

[David Metsky]

I made a last minute (Saturday at 6:00 AM) decision to join the gang on Liberty. It was 11:59 when I arrived at the summit and met up with the whole crew up top. Lots of folks coming up Flume slide or who had run over to Flume from Liberty or who were passing through on a Pemi Loop. It was perfect weather for hanging out up top and remembering why we were there.

 

[1HappyHiker]

Terrific Job!

Hey guys . . . terrific job! Am always eager to read your TRs . . . they are superb!

 

[Jason Berard]

Nice report guys. The flag looked beautiful. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come along......but you certainly had a good cadre of hikers with you!

 

[poison ivy]

Thanks for leaving the flag up a little extra long, so it would still be flying when I got up there. Good to see you guys again!

- Ivy

 

[bobandgeri]

It was great to see old friends and meet new ones!

Although this probably needs a topic of it's own, he probably won't post it, so thought I'd share with the folks who were on Liberty.

Just as we were getting ready to leave the summit, a trail runner came up to the summit. We all heard him yell out: "Hey Bob" and then "I need a favor" :>

Youngblood, aka Charles Dona, was in the midst of a Pemi loop, and in need or water. Geri gave him a full bottle of gatorade to down, while I gave him @2 liters or water. Charles reported he was on a 8 hour pace. After 2 false starts in the wrong direction (lack of water can do that!) he was on his way.

Glad to report that Charles not only reached Lincoln Woods safely, but he made better time than expected after leaving Liberrty. He reported this morning that he completed the Pemi Loop in 7:26:31! To the best of our knowledge the current record is 7:15.

Great job Charles!!!

 

[una_dogger]

Beautiful photos! One of these days I have to experience a sunny day on Franconia Ridge!

What a great event -- I'm still smiling thinking about all the good energy we all put out there --- looking forward to reading more reports and seeing more pictures from the other peaks! <hint hint!>

 

[forestgnome]

My impressions of you folks have been confirmed with a bang! I appreciate your effort for FOT48, and you even handle the flag with proper protocol. Thanks for pics also. God bless America.

 

[Darl58]

Great pics and TR! Looks like you had a pretty happening party on the summit. So nice to see all ages of hikers participate in the event!

Wonder what age differences you had there, looked like quite a variance!

We were on Madison having a fun day too!

 

[TMax]

Topofgothics and I were on Bondcliff (later joined by 7summits!) for FOT48 flying two flags, one of which I carry for a friend who lost a fellow firefighter on 9-11. We could see your flag through the binoculars and the rest of the range as well. It really did turn out to be an awesome day!

 

[Tom Rankin]

Laurie and I did Middle Tri-Pyramid. We met about 20 people. None of them were aware of the event beforehand.

We had a great time, and the views were pretty good too!

Longer TR on Flags...

 

[ADKnBVI]

Hi Bob and Geri,

We were just "down the road" on the Lincoln/Lafayette for FOT48. There was even a flag on Little Haystack just for good measure! What a great day!

We saw the flags on Liberty, Garfield, Lincoln, Lafayette and Little Haystack. Didn't have appropriate binoculars to see anything further away.

Thank you for carrying the flag. It's a great tribute!
Sincerely,
Tim&Valerie