Buddies

I think it is pretty well established at this point that I am primarily a solo hiker. I just like it. I don’t worry if I am too slow, too fast, too quiet. I am not concerned if the trail selection is too difficult or too easy or that my companion is bored with my company. All that said, I am confident that I would enjoy some company.

I find it hard to describe what the mountains mean to me. Words can’t do it justice. When I emerge above tree line, for example, there is a deep spiritual feeling. It goes far beyond personal feelings of accomplishment. It’s peace, it’s beauty beyond compare, it’s freedom, it’s my head going empty of any other thoughts, it’s thorough happiness. When I say I would enjoy some company, those are the feeling I want to share. We don’t have to say a word, it’s just understood that’s why we do what we do. It’s why we struggle against fatigue and at times feel our hearts will pound from our chests. That’s what I look forward to sharing.

That said, to that end, I signed up and joined the Facebook group Hiking Buddies NH 48 or HBNH48. What better place to find like minded people right? Easy enough? I lurked in this group quietly watching what was going on. I did this for at least a year. For the reasons listed in the first paragraph above, I was self conscious and apprehensive. One day I was looking around the group and came across a group event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. In celebration of growing to 10,000 members, HBNH48 was doing a benefit fundraiser for them. I made the leap. I signed up for a team.

HBNH48 would have teams of 10 hikers assigned to different 4000 Footers. I selected team Mt Moosilauke. I know Moose, I’ve been up there several times and felt I could do this one without looking like an idiot. What I did not know at the time was that Julie, the team captain, was one of the admins of the group. Julie invited our team of 10 to some get to know each other hikes on Mt Monadnock, my home away from home. I met Julie and Bill for a first hike in the winter, then a second hike in the spring. There may have been a third, I’m not sure.

I guess my point is that I am enjoying hiking with others while I still mix in plenty of solo time. Bill and Julie brought just the right amount of conversation, humor, swearing, gasping and sweating to make me feel right at home. I am looking forward to the coming ALZ Hike of Moosilauke on June 11th. You can donate here if you’d like.

All of that brings me to yesterday. At this point I consider Julie a friend. She was slated to complete her journey for the 48 4000 footers on Mt Jefferson and invited me to join her and 20 others on a Buddy hike. We would celebrate her completion of the quest on the summit together. Best laid plans as they say…

Like any other trip up north I was driving by 4:30 or so and arrived at the trailhead just before 7:30. Several were there before me including Julie. Ben, the founder of the HBNH48 group arrived and we gathered as a group and prepared for the hike. Julie offered some very well spoken words to the group. She reminded us of the privilege it is for us to be able to do what we do while so many cannot. While so many are suffering so greatly in Texas with the latest school shooting. It was very moving and a great way to kick off a great day. With that, we were off.

We made our way along the flat lower section, across a powerline clearing, and into the woods. I did notice the sounds of rushing water and I was prepared for a water crossing. There were differing opinions in the trail reports about the intensity of the crossing. It turned out to be a decent crossing. Probably 25 feet wide, a couple feet deep in spots, and moving very quickly. It was interesting to hear the different plans of attack and watch various attempts. I kind of hung back, then made my way further upstream a bit, alone. I found what appeared to be a reasonable crossing point with several rocks well placed but partially submerged. My hope was they were only submerged a few inches (it can be deceiving to determine this). I pulled my trekking poles from my pack and set out across the water. Thankfully I was right about the depth and made it across dry. Several in the group had wisely chosen to take their shoes and socks off and wade through. Always best to go with your gut, water crossings are tough.

With the crew safely across the stream, we continued on the Castle trail. It was pretty flat for at least a mile. Then it started getting steep. Not silly steep but noticable. The pace slowed a bit but no one cared. I loved the lack of pressure and the complete understanding and easy going attitude. Joe was upfront as he was a slower hiker. He would set the pace for most of the ascent.

Thats Joe in the red shirt starting up one of the steeper sections. The trail kind of flattened out a bit which allowed us to quicken the pace a little. Then it got really steep really abruptly. We were scrambling at times using both hands, pulling ourselves up some tight spots and talking about best paths. We got through a particularly tough section to be greeted by a wet rock wall. It was almost verticle and probably 10 to 15 feet high. I was the first to go up this obstacle. I chose to go left where there were trees to assist me. If it was dry it would have been much easier but traction was tough, the trees really helped.

Once we had all ascended this slab, we were at the ‘castle’ section of the trail. The castles are large outcroppings of rock and ledge that look similar to what you would see on a medieval castle. They were challenging to negotiate and very exposed. Slipping here would not be good.

We arrived at a very prominent castle feature (pictured behind me below and in the distance in the first image above). All of us discussed where the trail actually went. One member of the group scouted to the left and found it impassable. Our path was clear, but not a lot of fun. Joe started up the slab but lost his balance. He was close to falling over backward in a very precarious place. He certainly would have been injured if he went over. Unfortunately in his efforts to maintain balance, he dislocated his shoulder. I have never done this but understand that it is VERY painful. The group gathered around. It was decided to splint and construct a sling. We all donated materials to the cause. Ben had just given us all HBNH48 bandanas, they came together to make a sling. Joe decided it would be best for him to not try to get over the current obstacle. This was a good decision. We discussed calling for help but Joe was able to walk.

Jaime and I volunteered to get Joe off the mountain. With Jaime in front finding the best path down for Joe, I followed with Joes pack on the front of me and mine on my back. There were some very difficult sections to get him through over the nearly 5 mile descent. He did very well considering the impact having one arm has on your balance and ability for hand holds on rocks.

On the way down we debated with Joe about the next steps. He considered having an ambulance at the trailhead, driving to Concord hospital or letting me drive him while Jaime came along in her car to drive she and I back to the trailhead. He decided to allow me to drive him to Gorham. We made sure he was being treated, gave him his keys, and then made our way back to the trailhead for a beer while we waited for the rest of the crew to descend.

One group arrived and let us know that the others went a different way and were still a way out. We swapped some stories from the day, enjoyed a beer, and then drove a little way for some dinner together.

My first real buddy hike in the books. A very interesting day! I honestly had a great time even with the unfortunate events. I really wanted to summit and celebrate with Julie. I had been up there before and will again. There were others who had not. I am happy with the way everything turned out.