Welcome to the 2009 Climb-A-4,000-Footer Final Challenge Reports
Eisenhower and Pierce, September 6, 2009
The Inaugural Challenge Team with Eisenhower in the background – from L to R – Sarah,
Adriana, Nancy, Melanie, Pat, Chuck, Fawn – seated – Beth, Linda
Stats
Mountains: Pierce (4,310) and Eisenhower (4,780)
Date: September 6, 2009
Time: 9 hours
Weather: Perfect
Elevation Gain: 3,052
Trails: Crawford Path — Webster Cliff Trail — Mt. Eisenhower Loop
- Final Report – Chuck
- Final Report – Fawn
- Final Report – Linda
- Final Report – Melanie
- Final Report – Sarah
- Final Report – Beth
- Final Report – Nancy
Chuck’s Hike Report
Back in April, I met with Pat at Panera Bread. I had been to The Challenge Presentation at the Keene Library and thought — to paraphrase — whooo hooo — that looks pretty cool.
Pat asked all the questions — who, what, where, when, and the biggie — why. Why did I want to participate in The Challenge? I listed what I felt were some basic goals — lose weight, get in better shape and my biggie – climb and hike with my daughter Olivia. I told Pat that playing with Barbie’s would not last forever.
There was one objective/goal that I did not talk about very much in this initial meeting. Walking held a bit of a dark place in my life.
When I completed high school, I worked for an American Legion Baseball Team as a stat guy, gopher, and cub reporter. I had done this all during high school. One night when coming back late from a tournament I came home to find my whole family awake and anxious. “What is up?” I asked close to midnight. Dad can’t sleep, he doesn’t feel good, something is not quite right. Go to the hospital, call a doctor, I though. My Mom was going nuts, my Dad said it would pass and it was just too big a dinner he had eaten at Bickford’s. Eventually things calmed down and we all went to sleep. The next day my Dad said to go the hospital.
At the age of 43 he had a heart attack on the night of the Baseball Tournament. He would be fine. Eat better, no smoking and exercise were to be his treatment, not surgery. Exercise…my Dad did none that I could remember. He always worked hard and had a demanding job. So…my Dad started walking. He rode a stationary bike, he cut back on his work…and he took long walks. One day he failed to come home from one of his walks. He suffered a stroke a little over two years from this heart attack. He was out walking and had a stroke. He somehow dragged himself to a building. A guy saw him on the sidewalk, might have thought him drunk or dead, saw his medical alert bracelet and called for help. My Dad was disabled for the rest of his life. He died 17 years later at the age of 62 (from cancer). So the walking aspect of the Challenge had some demons for me.
I wanted to walk and I kept thinking about my Dad. Early on in The Challenge I began picking up rocks from our hikes and mountain tops. The Jewish tradition is to put stones on cemetery headstones to show the deceased that you have visited and remembered them. Rocks and stones, unlike flowers, don’t wither with time and are thought to be a more permanent reminder.
The Challenge has come to give me a new focus on two areas. Most important is the fun that I now have the confidence to share with Olivia. The ageless joy of being together and climbing to the top. She always asks now, what are you following on the trail? She wants to know if it is white dots, blue dots, etc. I pray that I have the strength to keep going and not to lose sight of the wonderful gift.
The second area is a way to connect with my Dad gone over nine years now. I think of him with each rock that I pick up to leave in the future at this gravesite. It is a way to share my climb with him.
There were several highs over the last four plus months. Climbing Gap Mountain with Olivia for the first time (and second and third). The group’s first trip up Mount Monadnock on the Dublin Trail is a big high for me. It was on that day that I knew I could complete the Challenge (perhaps with sore feet) but still get to the top. The twin 4,000-footers were awesome and a trip that I will never forget. And last but not least – the chance to skip some stones across the Beaver Pond was very big fun.
I am trying not to think of the low moments – save one – the low that this phase of The Challenge is now over. I will miss the friendship, pushing each other, marveling at Linda and how great she does – thinking of all the kindness shown to me this summer. I give thanks for blueberry pie, New York Bagel sandwiches, backpack and backpack tips, kind words, food talk and knowing that we all are blessed.
Two big whooo hoooos to Pat and Nancy – great leaders and friends who know how to prepare us and how to torture us as well.
I read the blurb in the Shopper newspaper, attended the Hike presentation and completed the 4,000-footer Challenge. I rationalized that this was a God-scheduled opportunity, not a chance encounter that I came upon, but planned to help me learn, grow, and share these gifts and experiences with others.
Thanks again to my teammates. Next time perhaps we could have another guy or two. B’Shalom — in peace.
Chuck
Fawn’s Hike Report
Mount Eisenhower Summit
Four thousand seven hundred sixty-one feet
Exhaustion.
Hunger.
Awe.
Disbelief.
Relief.
Exhilaration.
Thoughts rattle through my mind. Are we there yet? Boy, that last bit of climbing seemed a bit hairy. Not looking forward to that part on the way down! Be sure to absorb the views. Note the rock lined paths designating the small area for hikers to congregate – most of which is consumed by an expansive cairn. Sure is crowded up here! Did we do it? Did I do it? I began the day brimming with excitement and, at the same time, doubt in my ability. What a breathtaking reward! Sun shining, wind whistling, and not a cloud in sight.
Bliss yet bittersweet.
I am distracted with pensiveness. Our adventure today marks the conclusion of an extraordinary experience. I am thankful for this eclectic, cohesive group of remarkable people. I have truly enjoyed the past four months with my hiking friends: sharing laughs, encouragement, conversations, grumblings, threats of mutiny, and smiles. How will I feel tomorrow? That is not important; I feel at peace in this moment.
What comes next? Will we each continue on our journeys? Thoughts of snowshoes and crampons. Fall hikes. A goal for next year. Another 4,000 footer or two? It sure is beautiful up here.
Reflections. Observations. Lessons.
- How to adjust a backpack and fit hiking shoes
- Wool socks will not make my feet hot
- How to endure rain, mud and mosquitoes while having fun
- Up is hard; down is never-ending
- Water is heavy
- Frequent drinking will lead to may pit stops
- A river can, indeed, run down my back
- Nancy is a professional cheerleader with a knack for knowing exactly when an encouraging word or a whooo hoooo is needed
- Pat brings laughter and smiles with her unforgettable facial expressions and is always willing to give much needed advice
- Rich is my biggest cheerleader and will rush out the door to meet me, full of excitement, to greet me and carry in my pack
- I am not sure how much I like hiking, but more importantly, I love how I feel about the accomplishment
- The realization that it is not about how I want to see myself, but rather an appreciation for who I am right now
Linda’s Hike Report
takes the form of a letter to her husband who died in the Spring.
Dear Carl,
I’m not sure what I’ve already mentioned, so I’ll start at the beginning of “it’s Not About the Hike.” You’re thinking what the heck could that be about.
Well, two neat women in their 50s and who are a bit loony because almost every weekend in all kinds of weather, they are to be found hiking the 4,000-foot mountains. They decided to share their enthusiasm and know-how and dreamed up the It’s Not About the Hike Challenge. I’ve been missing you terribly and this looked like a good way to be more active.
So after I checked on details, I decided to go for it and wrote the check for $650 – yes, you heard right. You just rolled over, didn’t you? I know it’s a lot, but it’s worth it. I promise I’m being pretty careful about spending.
Saying that, though, I had to shop. I bought some great trail shorts at Sam’s – they were on sale! Plus I bought something called a daypack. The backpack we had slipped up and over my head when I tripped the first time up Mt. Monadnock. The daypack has 2 straps that clip together in the front and is very comfortable. But, alas, it was not on sale. Oh well.
Anyway, the group has been exercising in various ways every Thursday from about 5:30-7 PM and every other Tuesday evening we met for team meetings. We’ve bonded as a group and have fun together. We’ve done three mini-hikes on Saturdays – one on Gap Mountain and two on Monadnock. The big hike we’ve been getting ready for was Eisenhower in the Presidentials. Our trek took place on September 6. The weather was heavenly. It’s gotta rival yours up there! We were truly blessed with a glorious day.
It did start out very early. Except for Beth, we met in the parking lot at Michaels at 4:15 – early, but we were all there. A few minutes later we hooked up with Beth in Nelson and were on our way to the Tilt’n Diner where we were the first customers. It won’t surprise you that I ordered a bowl of oatmeal and a pot of tea. Wee were off to a fine start, even ending our meal wearing Tilt’n Diner paper hats.
On the way to the trailhead we passed Canon Mountain and other places you and the kids and I have been to years ago. I can never go by the Old Man in the Mountain area without thinking of you and Dave and the others bringing down those two boys.
We started climbing at 8:54. I don’t know the time of return, it was after 6. Pat’s pedometer registered over 29,000 steps. WOW!
You know me on rocks – not like you, very sure footed. The trail was very rocky but the views at the top made it all worthwhile – spectacular! The only mountain obvious to me was Mt. Washington but there were mountains everywhere! We had a celebratory toast at the top with fizzy lemonade.
I forgot to mention that before we ascended Eisenhower, we were on Pierce for a few minutes. Then it was across and up to Eisenhower. What a wow factor it was. Each of us received a blue ribbon saying I DID IT!
We might have stayed longer but it was a bit cool and breezy. So after eating and toasting we went down for enough to take a picture without jackets on over our matching It’s Not About the Hike shirts.
When we were back at Pierce, we sat out of the wind and just enjoyed the experience – the views and the feelings of wonder and gratitude.
But we still had to get down to the parking lot so off we went. A while later Pat noticed a pair of gray jays and quietly said to get out trail mix. She and Nancy knew from experience that the gray jays will feed out of your hand. We held our hands out with trail mix on them – the jays selected what they wanted, flew away and returned a few times. That was a big thrill for me.
We moved on, arrived at the parking lot, changed socks and shoes, etc. and headed out to pick up preordered sandwich wraps. We ate those at a picnic area on a table covered with a matching cloth, napkins, and utensils. We dined in style.
After being told to save room for dessert, I wrapped half of my delicious turkey, cranberry dressing sandwich up and enjoyed it the next day. Dessert was mountain shaped cookies, brownies and whoopee pies. Who could choose – my whoopee pie came home with me to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. Time to head for Keene. The trip either way didn’t seem long. After good-byes at Michales I drove home and was here at 10:40.
The next day I had no aches and pains, but knew that using Scott’s birthday present, a “Body Revitalizer” would feel good. For the first time I turned on the heat plus all three settings on low. It felt really nice and used it again later.
So love, It’s Not About the Hike has been a positive thing for me. I’ve had fun, hiked in new places and made new friends.
Time to quit rambling on
Love Linda
PS: Gray jays are mentioned in our bird book
Melanie’s Hike Report
Just imagine if we had done the Avalon trail on that rainy humid day. And then seen the weather report for September 6th. We would have had to go again. But I am so glad we waited. It was the perfect day in all ways.
Getting up at 3:30 in the morning was a struggle. Should have taken another cup of tea with me. Breakfast at the Tilt’n Diner was wonderful. French toast with strawberries and whipped cream with a side of bacon, all the carbs I needed to get going. Stopped at the Mountain Bean and then on to the trailhead. We were on the trail at 8:55 under sunny skies, not a trace of a cloud. I just loved seeing all the plants, trees and mosses change with the altitude. Just beautiful. I need to have my camera more accessible on future hikes.
We had a rest stop on Mt. Pierce and snacks, enjoyed the views and companionship. Still no clouds except a few wispy ones way south of us. Then it was on to Mt. Eisenhower. Really felt my up muscles tiring by the time we reached the top. Had lunch, shared all our treats we brought, took lots of pictures. Very crowded at the top. Then we started our hike back down. Rested for a while by Mt. Pierce. It was such a beautiful day none ofus wanted to leave. One in a million.
At our next rest/pit stop, we were just about to get going when Nancy said we should each pick one phrase to say if anyone asked why it’s just not about the hike. And that’s when two gray jays came down looking for food. Several of us hand fed them. What a great experience. My own pet birds don’t even do this.
The last two miles my legs were tired. Next time I will take a caffeinated energy drink to drink early afternoon. We got back to the trailhead at 6 PM. Changed, stretched, had a cold drink. Then back to Mountain Bean to pick up diner and on to the picnic area. Great sandwiches, chips and dessert and conversation. Then we went to Dunkin Donuts for those who wanted coffee and then home. I was dozing in the care after a long exciting wonderful day. Home at 11 and in bed at 11:30.
The next day I was very tired and had sore calf muscles but I didn’t care. I was full of all the wonderful things from the day before.
This whole experience was the highlight of my summer especially with the dismal weather and losing Whisper. Great times and companionship. Shows how 9 totally different people can be together with a common goal and just enjoy each other for who we are.
Thank you so much Nancy and Pat.
And the bears were cool too!
Sarah’s Hike Report
This hiking program has been a boon, an escape, a challenge for fitness, balance and stick-to-it-tiveness, and the best thing since sliced bread!
I was very please how my body responded to the consistent exercise program. I noticed a vast improvement with aerobic capacity and muscle strength between the Dublin and Pumpelly hikes. Climbing the mountain is the strength builder – the icing on the cake.
I found the Eisenhower hike to be easier than anticipated, but long. The grey jays gave me the extra boost to get down. I was thrilled to be above tree-line and to see all those wonderful plants, which has inspired me to spend some time in the alpine zone next spring. I also feel more confident in signing up for an AMC hike – event. Or maybe a trek/walk in the United Kingdom or France. At least I am inspired to keep fit.
I knew I would be meeting a group of people with a variety of personalities and who would be bringing different levels of outdoor experiences and environmental awareness. I have had to be careful and thoughtful in how I brought my interest in the natural world and its protection to the group. That was a big challenge to me.
I have talked it up — my experience on Pierce and Eisenhower — to anyone who would listen. I am very proud of myself.
Thank you for a fine program and the opportunity to know myself better.
Beth’s Hike Report
Pat sent around an email that she and Nancy Sporborg would be giving a presentation in the Science Center. I had seen the pictures on her door of places she had been so I was really looking forward to seeing her story.
Little did I know just how their presentation was going to touch me. From the first slide and the first chord of music, I was in tears and continued to be until the end.
Read on – there’s more. Beth did her report in the form of a powerpoint. It is linked here as a PFD file.
The Clearest Day Ever on Eisenhower!
“Keep me in your heart for a while” ~ Warren Zevon
As I climb, the trees are getting shorter and there is less ground cover, which gives the feeling of open space around me. There is more sky above me, more room to breathe up here. The air has a hint of chill in it and it is lighter; it feels more like sweet refreshment when I draw it into my lungs. The sun is so bright I am squinting and it is warm on my face. Before I know it, I am above tree line on Mt. Pierce and there, off to my left, is Eisenhower. My breath snags on something way down deep and I stand there in awe. It is a PERFECT day. The wind is light and there is not one cloud in the sky. And the sky is so blue. Eisenhower’s dome dominates the view, with Washington and its towers clearly visible to the right. To the left of Eisenhower, I can see the castles on the Castle Ridge Trail and the caps on the Caps Ridge Trail on Jefferson. Oh, it feeds me, this vastness. I love tracing the trail as it winds its way to the top of Eisenhower. I can just barely see the cairns leading to the top, including the huge cairn on Eisenhower’s summit. I love that I am lucky enough to be seeing this. I love that my body got me here. I love that this is a part of my life. This is heaven to me. I want to breathe it in, let it become part of me so I never have to leave. How can it be this beautiful? It is the clearest day ever! I have not been in the Presidentials on such a glorious day. It seems almost unreal. I want to just hold onto this moment, but it is gone and the next moment is here…and it is still this glorious day. God, it is beautiful up here.
Adriana and Chuck catch up to me and I point excitedly, “There’s Eisenhower!” They follow my finger and take in their very first view of our 4,000-footer goal for the day. I remember my first incredible view above tree line and how stunned I was by the beauty. I couldn’t stop saying, “Oh my God this is beautiful!” As I settle into the view, waiting for the rest of our Challenge Team to catch up, I can feel the heavy weight of the rock in the pit of my stomach. It’s Rob. I felt it all the way up the mountain. It hasn’t left me since I found out.
Two days ago I was sharing with a dear friend. He told me he had not been feeling well, was having a hard time catching his breath, bruising easily, and was feeling really run down and lethargic. He was going to the doctor the next day. Shortly after his doctor visit I received an e-mail. “I have Leukemia. I am heading to Dartmouth Hitchcock this afternoon for tests and to start Chemo.” I felt the rock being birthed within me, stirring to life in the pit of in my stomach, and then sinking down into the depths of me as I froze. Oh my God!
How do I hold the glory of this crystal clear, perfect day and the devastating news of my friend’s disease at the same time? How is it that I am here on this mountain summit and he is tucked into a hospital bed, with his family holding his hand, all of them reeling from the life-changing nanosecond that it took for the physician to say Leukemia? How do I come to peace with the fact that my friend is fighting for his life and I am standing on a mountaintop seeing views that go on forever? Aarrrggggghh. I don’t know how to do this!
For a few hours after I found out about Rob’s diagnosis, I felt totally devastated. I imagined what he must be thinking and feeling, all of a sudden faced with a life-threatening disease. I thought about his wife and imagined how I would feel if Don had received the diagnosis and I immediately jumped to trying to imagine life without Don. Then I thought about Rob’s children, the oldest just a few days at College and what this news must feel like to them. It reduced me to tears.
Then I flashed back to a moment many years ago…
My mother was dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease and had very little time left. My husband’s aunt Betty, the person in his family I loved the most, was dying of cancer. And our Siberian husky, 13 years old, was on her last legs. I remember driving home one day, sobbing, totally overwhelmed by all that was happening. And then I just stopped. This voice within me said, “YOU are not dying. But you’re acting like you are. It is not happening to you. Live your life while you have it to live. You are not helping anyone by walking in their shoes.” That moment changed me. I stepped back into my own life and out of theirs. Of course I was sad, but I was no longer walking in their shoes, I was holding them in my heart. There is a difference. When I held my mother and Betty in my heart, I just felt my feelings, not what I imagined theirs to be.
Standing at that stunning spot just above tree-line, looking at that view of Eisenhower, I close my eyes and imagine that I am reaching down deep inside me, grabbing that heavy rock out of the pit of my stomach and throwing it aside. And then I scoop up Rob and his family and put them in my heart to hike Eisenhower with me.
The rest of the Challenge Team arrives and after giving everyone time to absorb the unbelievable view, we take the Webster Cliff Trail to bag Pierce, their first 4,000-footer. The It’s Not About the Hike 4,000-Footer Challenge is a program Pat and I started this spring. The program mirrors the beginning of our hiking journey and offers others the opportunity to try hiking, with Pat and I as their guides, coaches and cheerleaders. Seven people made the financial, physical and emotional commitment to join our inaugural Challenge Team and we couldn’t have asked for a greater group of people. Over the past four months we have been getting in shape to climb a 4,000-footer together — laughing, sweating, sucking wind, supporting each other, swatting mosquitoes, getting rained on, skipping rocks and climbing stairs. The Team is ready and today is our big day!
There it is! The Pierce summit cairn! One by one the team arrives and we celebrate with high fives and whooo hooooos. As I stand there, looking at the Team, I think back to our first exercise session. We walked from MoCo Arts on Elm Street to the Keene State College playing fields and back again. Wow…we have come a long way in the past four months! I wonder what sitting on the summit of Mt. Pierce feels like to them? Then I stop myself. I can’t know that either, just like I can’t know what it is like to be faced with the diagnosis of Leukemia. All I can know is my experience. As I look at each of them, laughing and joking, sharing trail mix and coming back from pee breaks, I realize I have become fond of each of them – Chuck joking about Oreo cookies, the Red sox and family dinners, Linda’s dry sense of humor that always makes me laugh, Melanie’s pride and love for her children, Beth’s inner draw to the mountains, Adriana’s alive spirit, Fawn’s inner beauty and belief in herself, and Sarah’s ability to deal with difficulties and continue on – all uniquely special. I realize in this moment that I am very proud of them and that I will miss them when this is over. I close my eyes and imagine putting each of them in my heart.
As we walk along the beautiful ridge, Pierce gets smaller and farther away as Eisenhower looms closer and larger. I am aware of my heart vibrating with the glorious views around me as it holds tight to Rob and his family, and now, the Team. I turn around and am brought to a standstill. Off to the left there are mountains beyond mountains beyond mountains, one behind the other, fading with distance, until they are so light blue they melt into the sky. It is so beautiful. The trail winding all the way back to Pierce is clearly visible. It is hard to believe we have come all that way already. That is the magic of perspective in the Whites.
There’s some grunting and groaning as we climb up the last steep section to the top. I see the Eisenhower summit cairn and I smile. One by one I cheer each member of the Team to the top. Whoooo Hoooooo! What a moment! As each person approaches, bringing their hands to mine in celebration, I think about them and their journey in the Challenge Program. Chuck signed up to get in shape to play with Olivia, his 4-year-old daughter. Now he hikes with her – it just doesn’t get any better than that. Linda is a role model for me. She just lost Carl, her husband of 48 years. I can see the hiking has helped her through some of her grief…and there is still more. Fawn, a devoted mother, decided to do something for herself and signed up for the program. Her smile is glowing with her inner beauty and strength as she realizes she made it and gives me a high five. Melanie had a difficult summer, losing her dog Whisper and having to work long hours at work. I have enjoyed getting to know her grown children through her. They are lucky kids. I can’t help but beam as smiling Adriana summits. Her enthusiasm for life and for hiking shines in her beautiful enthusiastic expression. Beth has worked hard to get in shape to climb this mountain and all I have to do is look in her eyes to know that the summit has given her all she had hoped for. She is beaming. Sarah has been on the summit of the whites before, but wanted to get back in shape to get up here again. Her hikes this summer have been a gift of respite to her, easing some of the stress of dealing with her son and his issues.
We break out the sparkling lemonade and our plastic champagne glasses and toast each other on our accomplishment. We hand out “I Did It” ribbons and, to my delight, people put them on. Then we sit back and enjoy our lunch under the biggest, clearest sky I have ever seen.
Reluctantly, we put our packs back on our backs and begin the trek down, or as Linda says, the “unfun part.” I can see that people are tired and struggling a bit. I could easily start to worry about them, ask them if they are all right, try to take care of them. But I know they are fine. I don’t need to walk in their shoes; I need to stay in mine.
We come to my favorite spot on the Crawford Path. On the ridge there is a place where the trail opens up next to a cairn and the never-ending view of the fading mountains is absolutely spectacular. Each time Pat and I have climbed Eisenhower, I have taken pictures at this spot. I pause and share my love for this place with the Team. I look up at Pat, at the back of the group, who is smiling at me and we connect. She knows this spot is special to me, I can see it in her smile. I am flooded with memories of our incredible hikes over the past three years, and I see just how special my journey has been and our friendship is. I consciously, with tremendous gratitude, put Pat in my heart.
We arrive back to that idyllic spot where we had our first glimpse of Eisenhower and we all linger, staring at the view. I am trying to etch this scene into my brain so I have it as a screen saver in my mind and can see it whenever I want. Standing here, about to hike down into the trees, I don’t feel the same anguish I felt climbing up. I am not walking in Rob’s shoes, or anyone else’s. I feel at peace, knowing I can’t fix or change anything for anyone. All I can do is love them. Holding the devastating news of Rob’s Leukemia and this perfect Challenge Team hike, together in my heart, brings me to a place of vulnerability and openness where I know I have no control. I am just living my life the best I can. It is this space that brings peace into the world.
We head down the mountain. We arrive at the Mizpah Cut Off and all of a sudden two grey jays flutter by. We quickly get some trail mix into the palms of our hands and everyone on the team has a chance to feed the birds. I am so glad the team has this amazing experience. I can see they are touched and awed by it.
Chuck arrives first back at the trailhead, on a bathroom mission, with Fawn and I close behind. We cheer everyone back to the parking lot. Whoooooooo Hoooooooo!
I call Don and let him know we are all down off the mountain safe and sound. Hearing his voice, I feel a surge of gratitude for his love and support of my hiking. As I put my phone away, I visualize putting Don in my heart with the rest of the gang.
At the Beaver Brook picnic tables in Twin Mountain, we enjoy a picnic supper complete with sandwich wraps tied up with 4,000-footer fortunes, whoopee pies and 4,000-footer cookies.
I arrive home with a full heart. Rob and his family, Pat, the Challenge Team, and Don…all snug in there. I will keep them in my heart for a while.