What idiot would do Zealand as his 48th?

[Bob Kittredge]

What can I say. Sometimes things just work out strangely.

For a long time I was in denial about being a peakbagger. When I traversed the Twinway some years ago, I refused to make the tenth of a mile walk into Zealand and its viewless peak just because it was on some stupid list. Then I thought I'd do the "interesting" peaks on the list; those with good views or fun scrambles. That left me with eight that languished for a couple years. I finally did Waumbek last July because it was a good warm-up hike for the following day's Mt. Adams hike. This year I finally said "what the heck". South and Middle Carter fell one rainy day in June to be followed by Cabot the next day. I joined Jazzbo and an AMC hike to Owlshead two weeks ago, and on Saturday I led an AMC hike of the Hancocks. I hadn't been able to squeeze Zealand in earlier in the schedule so off I trudged up humid, buggy Zealand Trail. I happened to fall in with a vacationing couple from Virginia a half mile from the summit, so I had someone to take the picture for me.

 

[marty]

Congratulations, Bob! Doing Zealand as #48 is well, unique. It's tough when that peakbag list gets you.

So are you going for the 67?

Regards,
marty

 

[Bobby]

Nice work Bob. Congratulations on #48.

 

[kmac]

whoo hoo on # 48!! : )
kmac

 

[eddie]

Atta Boy, Bob on completing the 48! It really doesn't matter where you finish anyway, does it?

 

[Pamola]

I'm that idiot too.
Finished my 48 and 67 up there.

 

[skiguy]

Nice Job. Zealand summit might not be all that awesome but the Hike and views getting there are quite nice. Hike on!

 

[BIGEarl]

Hmmm.... Playing "hard to get" with a list and the list won.

Congratulations, Bob. Well done.

Earl

 

[JohnL]

Congratulations, Bob! It doesn't matter where you finish but it matters how you finish. As long as you have a smile on your face, how bad can it be? I finished up my Winter 48 list on Zealand and with the sign down at about knee level due to the deep snow, there was a pretty good view from the summit. I would have been smiling even if there wasn't.

Just keep going. Nicely done.

JohnL

 

[p2piper]

Congratulations, Bob! I passed by you and Jazzbo on the way down from Owl's Head a couple of weeks ago. We tagged our 48th (Jefferson) on July 22. Way to go!

Pat

 

[Roxi]

Congrats!

I actually think it's pretty cool, Bob! Your 48th has the best sign on its summit. Loved your story! At least you can say you didn't leave Owl's Head till last. Here's to those of us who choose to be different. Cheers!

Roxi, who'll be finishing on Wildcat A soon.

 

[grouseking]

No shame finishing up on Zealand! I know there is no view from the summit, but the view from Zeacliff more than makes up for it, in my opinion. Plus, what other summit as an interesting of a sign? And most importantly, its quiet. Congrats!

grouseking

 

[Paradox]

Congratulations! I can't think of a smarter or dumber place to finish your forty eighth. Go get'em!

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Congrats!

I've gone to Zealand 3 times, that might be dumber than finishing there! Nice job!

KDT

 

[Hillwalker]

Still holding out

Congratulations Bob. I'm still holding out and eschewing the list even though I have been actively hiking in the Whites starting in 1954. Since June 21st I have been on 19 hikes so far, not counting my many trips up to the Summit of Smart's mountain to perform my ATC duties. Gawd it's great to be retired and healthy.

 

[McRat]

Congrats on #48!

Zealand isn't a showy peak, but it has some nice views and makes you work a bit to get it.

Sorry to see the sign vandalized. It's the highlight of the Zealand summit experience.

 

[Mike P.]

Congratulations Bob!

So if you continue on the 67 where should the last one be? For a comparable experience, maybe Spaulding or North Crocker (Read for a good view don't do these two last!)

 

[bigmoose]

Glad to see you came around, Bob! Congratulations!
But seeing the look on your mug, I gotta ask...
Is that a smug look showing a sense of accomplishment on finishing or a bemused smile showing your sense of humor regarding your attaining that last, mighty peak?
Anyway, now you can call yourself a Peakbragger!
jt

 

[Dugan]

Congratulations!

 

[Seeker]

LOL!!! Having read your trip descriptions and calls for coleaders in the HB list for a number of years--and having co-led a trip with you on the great Gully trail a number of years ago when I was working on my leadership coleads--I am amazed that you have only just finished your 48.

And I think it's cool as h*ll.