Adventure with Alex

For the last few years I have joined over 1000 hikers for the Mount Washington Observatory’s annual fundraiser. Billed as the “Nation’s Premier Hiking Event”, hundreds of hikers from the greater New England area (and sometimes further) gather donations to help support the non-profit organization in its 3 fold mission to observe the weather, research, and educate, in one of the most unique places on the planet.

Because this day, always the 3rd Saturday of July, draws so many hikers on what is already a typical busy weekend day, I tend to use it as an excuse to seek out a trail to the summit I have yet to climb. The Great Gulf trail climbs 5000 feet over a long 7.5 miles, and would assure me a pretty secluded day with a dramatic finish right before the summit. However, a few days before the event I found out I would not have a sitter for Alex.

I would be lying if a small part of me did not jealously want the long alpine day and great workout that speed hiking this trail alone would have brought me, however it didn’t take long for me to get physced for another hike with Alex and I pulled out my map.

Liebeskind’s Loop Trail and Lila’s Ledge

I’d glanced over at these ledges countless times from nearby Square Ledge. I knew there was a small loop trail around them, but never got around to doing it. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to check this loop off the list. I could drop Mommy off at Great Glen to set up for the Expo event, Alex and I could hit this loop, and then join her for the award ceremony, catered dinner, and vendor village.

We left Pinkham at about 10:30. Within 100 yards we stepped off the crowded Tuckerman Ravine Trail and headed north on Old Jackson Road. Earlier that morning as I rushed to get everything packed I somehow overlooked my map. Those who know me know I’m a bit of a “Land Navigation” geek…  hiking without a map made me feel a bit lacking. But I studied the map briefly at the visitor center and I was fairly certain taking my first right would put me on my loop trail. I crossed a ski trail that was obviously not the “Crew Cut Trail” that starts the loop, and then took my next right. It only took a minute for me to realize the cars on Rt 16 were sounding a bit to close so I consulted my phone GPS Ap and realized I hadn’t quite reached the loop. However, it was a short distance to tag the road and cross this small section of trail off my map so I continued.

After returning to Jackson Road we found the beginning of the loop and were on our merry way. Alex was coo’ing and ah’ing in his typical manner and I started to breathe a bit harder as we gained a couple hundred feet of elevation. About 40 minutes into our hike we rounded a corner and arrived at a sign notifying us of nearby Lila’s Ledge.

The trail just before Lila’s Ledge

The view south through Pinkham Notch

After taking in the vista we retreated 50 feet back into a shaded grove of pines. The trail was open and flat here and the pine needle floor was soft and spongy, a perfect place to let baby out of the pack. We munched on little dehydrated yogurt treats and shared some water. Alex doesn’t get how the CamelBak works so I poured some in his sippy cup. It was such a tranquil moment I decided to try to capture it on my iPhone.

http://youtu.be/xpmXBzFIERg

During these quiet moments I spent some time thinking of my Aunt, Marjorie Collins, who I dedicated this day to and who finished her battle with cancer April 29th 2011. I am so happy she was able to meet my wife and dance at my wedding, and I know she’s watching Alex with the same love she watched me with when I was a baby (and throughout my life). I love you Marjorie.

Marjorie Collins May 14th, 1955 – April 29th, 2011

Before leaving I decided to test out a stroller mosquito net I had picked up on my backpack. While a bit oversized it seemed like it would get the job done if the bugs were decidedly vicious.

Kind of weird looking

Alex didn’t seem to mind it, and it gave him something new to hold onto and feel. It was however designed to fit over a 2 person stroller, so there was plenty of extra fabric. I also would like to find something more suitable in black netting, as it is much easier to see through. Anyone have a lead on that?

It was time to continue so I hoisted the pack and we were on our way.

Then something new happened.

He let out a long wail… I held my breathe for a second then he let out another. This was our 7th hike together and he had never let out a cry so I set the pack down in order to determine the problem. Maybe he didn’t like the netting, so I removed it. 2 minutes later he starts to wail again. I set the pack down and check for any pinching or other discomfort. Nothing. Let’s check the diaper. Slightly damp. OK, new diaper, back in pack… so far so good…. WAAAAAAAAAA!

Maybe he’s still hungry. Off comes the pack. After a tube of pureed banana and blueberries he seems happy. Great, back in pack, back on the trail…. WAAAAAAAAAA!

Oh no… we are almost halfway around this loop and he is melting down. Let’s try a song. After butchering an old camp song I couldn’t really remember the words to I realized I don’t really know the lyrics to any kid songs. That needs to change. In desperation I launch into “99 bottles of beer on the wall”… by the 12th verse I am ready to start crying with him…

What to do? I start to sing/hum one of his favorite songs from a Renee & Jeremy album he’s listened to since birth. He quiets for a few seconds… ok, I got it… WAAAAAAAAAA!

I’m sorry Alex… I am a terrible singer and way off key. I know his song would calm him, sung by Renne & Jeremy, not me. Then I have a revelation! My iPhone! It has the album on it! I grab it and quickly locate his favorite song “It’s a Big World” while Alex hits 10 decibels in my left ear (remember, kid carriers keep kiddo right behind your head).

For a second I wonder if introducing this kind of technology on a hike is a good idea, and then Alex lets out a shriek so loud it clears the surrounding forest of any wildlife for over a mile.

I hit Play. Within 3 seconds his demeanor changes from red-faced upset to quiet contemplation. A few minutes later he lets out a few coo’s. 2 minutes later and he’s asleep. Ahhhhh… thank you Renee & Jeremy (and Apple).

We finish our hike and join Mommy at the Expo.

She’s busy meeting and greeting the hundreds of  MWOBS supporters so we play with our visiting friends from Quebec and flirt with the Subaru girls (Alex, not me). A highlight comes when we get to meet Alex and Sage, the two youngest people to have hiked the 48 four-thousand footers, and subjects of their mother’s recently published book, Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peak Bagging Adventure. Alex and I sit with them in the grass for a few minutes. They had climbed Washington via the Lion’s Head Trail, and kindly sign my copy of their mother’s book. While most the folks who climbed Mount Washington that day were resting their bodies these two girls were doing summersaults or chasing frisbees every time I saw them the rest of the event. Not to surprising giving what they had already accomplished. We say our goodbyes with informal plans to share a hike together in the future.

I would be extremely remiss if I did not finish this by thanking the gracious folks who supported my Seek The Peak hike with their contributions. The Hofmans, Jeanne, My Mother Janet Lottmann, Marilee, Mechanical Chris, John, Viet, Ralph and Besty, Mark, Jeffrey, Sydney, Lara, and Michelle N, and 1 anonymous donor.

Only 13 people responded to my pleas yet you all helped me raise over $500. I am humbled and thankful for your contributions. Thank you.

Coming soon, a detailed review on my Osprey Kid Carrier (I promise), and a trip report on “What not to do”. You should seriously consider subscribing if you haven’t already. The “What not to do” article is sure to entertain.