Blueblaze
New member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2007
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 10
I knew that my son and I were going to have a great weekend when we were heading down 302 to check in at the campground and had a baby moose step out of the woods right up the street from us. I pulled over at a safe distance so my son could enjoy an animal that he has only seen and read about in books. He walked right beside our truck, stared at us for a few moments then went about his or her day. (not quite sure on making the sex of a moose.) The excitement in my sons voice made me smile for hours. I could go on and on but thats for another thread I suppose.
So with much careful thought (and computer updates of the summit from the owners of Crawford Notch Campground) we decided to try hiking Mt Washington on Sat. My son is pretty rugged but still also 5, so I did not want to push him or over do it. So I decided to try for the hut and if it looked like we werent going to make it we would turn around and head back.
We got to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail around 6:30 and strapped on our shoes. By the time we (ok me) stretched and finished our breakfast, took a picture of the start and headed off it was 7 on the nose. What a morning! Overcast but still comfortable. From the start of the hike I was amazed at all of the things that he pointed out. (his words..."Daddy,do you hear that woodpecker eating his breakfast? Daddy,listen to the sound the wind makes blowing through the trees. Daddy, are we there yet?") If you have never hiked with a child under the age of 7, you need to make the effort atleast once in your lifetime. I have been hiking the better part of the summer without him and the way he made me look at all that was around me completely opened my eyes to things I might not have ever noticed!
Well the trails were very well traveled and by our first hour we had maybe 30 people pass us on their way up. Amazingly all but a few stopped to say hi to my son and to tell him that he could make it. This made him feel really good. We actually leap frogged with quite a few people and he enjoyed the amount of people out on this trail with him.
By the time we reached Gem Pool he was having a blast and nothing was going to stop this little guy. We played I spy, and what he likes to call "picture hunt" The steep part of the trail was next and I had to make him take breaks just to save his energy for the long day ahead. By the time we reached the Cascades we were completely in the clouds. Try and explain that one to a 5yr old. He started running and dancin like crazy! Spent a little time there with some people that were backpacking and snacked. Yet again, more great people with "little kids" words of encouragement. So finally off to the hut.
By the time we reached the hut the wind had picked up but that actually seemed to blow the clouds out. As soon as we finished our little break and tour of the hut, the sun was shining! (love that choc. rasp cake) I know I keep repeating myself but the amount of people that took the time to congrat my son on his efforts and the steps ahead, were overwhelming! This "hiking" community that I have so recently come into could not be a better place to make friends. Even the non-english speaking folks stopped (and actually confused my son) but he new by there smiles what they meant!
That final ascent to the top was the most fun. He just got so excited and giggling! Made ME feel like a little kid again! Now understand...to this point...not one complaint! And he has walked every step of the way! The look of amazement on his face when we reached the top was worth every last minute of that day and as a father...I could not have been any more proud of my son! Of course after the "summit pic" it was time to eat. As we were walking into the building who walks right in front of us but my future brother in law Andy (trail dog) Thompson. He was running the Pinkham Notch race and grabbing a fast bite. Lots of high fives and hugs and he was off. Then on top of that we run into another friend who was hiking with a group of her friends. Small world on such a big mountain. So many people who passed us on the way came by to high five and congrat Tristin on such a big accomplishment!
After a lunch break(mostly Doritoes) we were off. The thought of that pizza and orange soda at the bottom got us trucking on our way! Now the Jewell trail can be pretty rocky dont ya think. Now imagine it with a body only 3'6. It made for some very slow going. BUT...that "little train that could" and the one running next to us seemed to be the motivating factor. That and all the people heading up smiling , completely in shock that he was out there! Amazingly he never complained and never asked me to carry him. By the time we got to the woods we were both tired and ready to get back to camp. Somehow he kicked it into overdrive and we flew down that trail. Passing those that crushed us on the upper portion of the trail.
My son loves trains so as a little reward we hopped off at the Cog trail so he could enjoy those trains for a bit. The look of pride on his face when he turned to look at that mountain....(speechless!!!) By the time we got back to the car we both just fell on the grass and sighed! Some people that were finishing up in the other direction,and had seen us up top sat with us and just laughed it up with T for a while. We all decided that we were going for the pizza. As we all sat at our table,devouring our food, I noticed Tristin staring out the window. I asked him what he was looking at. I will never forget the look on his face and his response. "Daddy, we climbed that whole mountain!" I said, "I know bubba. I am so proud of you!" He then goes on to say,"Daddy, I dont want to climb that mountain again for a very long time!" That almost brought the house down with the exasperated look on his face! After that it was back to the campground for a hot shower and the campfire with some friends and there kids. I felt he earned two smores that night!
Thank you to all of those who took the time to stop and encourage my son. The hellos,the high fives and the pats on the back are what helped him over that "hump." It also taught him that there are people who care about others and get excited for each other during great accomplishments! Hopefully we will see many of you all back out on the trails soon!
Be safe!
Blueblaze and squirrel
Pics of the trip!
http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/560196472eoANdJ
So with much careful thought (and computer updates of the summit from the owners of Crawford Notch Campground) we decided to try hiking Mt Washington on Sat. My son is pretty rugged but still also 5, so I did not want to push him or over do it. So I decided to try for the hut and if it looked like we werent going to make it we would turn around and head back.
We got to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail around 6:30 and strapped on our shoes. By the time we (ok me) stretched and finished our breakfast, took a picture of the start and headed off it was 7 on the nose. What a morning! Overcast but still comfortable. From the start of the hike I was amazed at all of the things that he pointed out. (his words..."Daddy,do you hear that woodpecker eating his breakfast? Daddy,listen to the sound the wind makes blowing through the trees. Daddy, are we there yet?") If you have never hiked with a child under the age of 7, you need to make the effort atleast once in your lifetime. I have been hiking the better part of the summer without him and the way he made me look at all that was around me completely opened my eyes to things I might not have ever noticed!
Well the trails were very well traveled and by our first hour we had maybe 30 people pass us on their way up. Amazingly all but a few stopped to say hi to my son and to tell him that he could make it. This made him feel really good. We actually leap frogged with quite a few people and he enjoyed the amount of people out on this trail with him.
By the time we reached Gem Pool he was having a blast and nothing was going to stop this little guy. We played I spy, and what he likes to call "picture hunt" The steep part of the trail was next and I had to make him take breaks just to save his energy for the long day ahead. By the time we reached the Cascades we were completely in the clouds. Try and explain that one to a 5yr old. He started running and dancin like crazy! Spent a little time there with some people that were backpacking and snacked. Yet again, more great people with "little kids" words of encouragement. So finally off to the hut.
By the time we reached the hut the wind had picked up but that actually seemed to blow the clouds out. As soon as we finished our little break and tour of the hut, the sun was shining! (love that choc. rasp cake) I know I keep repeating myself but the amount of people that took the time to congrat my son on his efforts and the steps ahead, were overwhelming! This "hiking" community that I have so recently come into could not be a better place to make friends. Even the non-english speaking folks stopped (and actually confused my son) but he new by there smiles what they meant!
That final ascent to the top was the most fun. He just got so excited and giggling! Made ME feel like a little kid again! Now understand...to this point...not one complaint! And he has walked every step of the way! The look of amazement on his face when we reached the top was worth every last minute of that day and as a father...I could not have been any more proud of my son! Of course after the "summit pic" it was time to eat. As we were walking into the building who walks right in front of us but my future brother in law Andy (trail dog) Thompson. He was running the Pinkham Notch race and grabbing a fast bite. Lots of high fives and hugs and he was off. Then on top of that we run into another friend who was hiking with a group of her friends. Small world on such a big mountain. So many people who passed us on the way came by to high five and congrat Tristin on such a big accomplishment!
After a lunch break(mostly Doritoes) we were off. The thought of that pizza and orange soda at the bottom got us trucking on our way! Now the Jewell trail can be pretty rocky dont ya think. Now imagine it with a body only 3'6. It made for some very slow going. BUT...that "little train that could" and the one running next to us seemed to be the motivating factor. That and all the people heading up smiling , completely in shock that he was out there! Amazingly he never complained and never asked me to carry him. By the time we got to the woods we were both tired and ready to get back to camp. Somehow he kicked it into overdrive and we flew down that trail. Passing those that crushed us on the upper portion of the trail.
My son loves trains so as a little reward we hopped off at the Cog trail so he could enjoy those trains for a bit. The look of pride on his face when he turned to look at that mountain....(speechless!!!) By the time we got back to the car we both just fell on the grass and sighed! Some people that were finishing up in the other direction,and had seen us up top sat with us and just laughed it up with T for a while. We all decided that we were going for the pizza. As we all sat at our table,devouring our food, I noticed Tristin staring out the window. I asked him what he was looking at. I will never forget the look on his face and his response. "Daddy, we climbed that whole mountain!" I said, "I know bubba. I am so proud of you!" He then goes on to say,"Daddy, I dont want to climb that mountain again for a very long time!" That almost brought the house down with the exasperated look on his face! After that it was back to the campground for a hot shower and the campfire with some friends and there kids. I felt he earned two smores that night!
Thank you to all of those who took the time to stop and encourage my son. The hellos,the high fives and the pats on the back are what helped him over that "hump." It also taught him that there are people who care about others and get excited for each other during great accomplishments! Hopefully we will see many of you all back out on the trails soon!
Be safe!
Blueblaze and squirrel
Pics of the trip!
http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/560196472eoANdJ
GREAT trip and report... sounds like a champion. 
