I’m not sure how we first found out about the Pemi Loop, but the idea to pursue that adventure spurred our recent project to complete the 48 recognized 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire that are generally referred to as the “NH 48.” Getting to a peak is fun, but the best part is the adventures and lessons you learn along the way, especially, in this case, about what “technical trails” means! I will try to capture bits of the mountains in poem form below (recorded in chronological order)!
Bondcliff
Midday summer, warm light, light wind
Delicious filtered stream water
Trail and peak the perfect prologue!
Bond
Picturesque ridge trail leading to apparently
A popular spot to stop for lunch
Water running a bit low.
West Bond
Spur as they call it
Big camping pack marking the turnoff
Nearly got concussed on an overhanging tree.
North Tripyramid
Naively up the Slide trail
Bare rock slick as playground plastic
To turn around and see the view is also to feel panic
Left foot, right foot
Left hand, right hand.
Middle Tripyramid
Heartbeat returning to normal
Panic receding
Along this short foresty, rooty, ridge.
Cannon
Trail gouged between mossy trees
Ridge piney and fresh and smooth
Climbing until the car noises dissipate, the evening starts to settle in.
Willey
Crossing a flume as the early morning
Lights up the big peaks across the notch
Scrambling up ladders mostly intact
Adding more tools to our mountain running toolbox.
Field
Deep scents of pine, birds slow to awaken,
Mini trees protective
Yet their open arms letting in the light of day.
Tom
Another spur,
These peaks piles of rocks no traditional views
But the trails are so fun to run.
Hale
First AMC hut experience
Helping a party manage some bee stings
Hoping we wouldn’t get the same
Lots of running boards over water
A few chirps, fat gray jays guard this peak.
Zealand
Steep energizing section to a smooth ridge
Zeacliff is the worst wet descent ever as inscribed in the sign
View of Whitewall, time on the AT descending
Wandering Ethan Pond bonked.
Tecumseh
Chillest and chilliest trail yet
Catching the sunset.
Flume
Early and gentle start to the Pemi
Quiet ascent under the stars
Sunrise at the peak.
Liberty
Not sure if I distinctly remember this one
Probably a little ridgy with good views and a campsite.
Lincoln
Rocky, exposed, wind is the only sound
Fabled Franconia Ridge
Excitement!
Lafayette
Favorite scramble of the bunch
“Wow”ed seeing the ridgeline we’re about to traverse.
Garfield
Summit turnoff easy to miss
Like the pretty pond on the
Treacherous descent
Where we meet thru-hikers from Georgia.
Galehead
Trail playing with us up down around
Brain tiring of the technicality
Galehead Hut twice a welcome sight.
South Twin
Nothing better than a straight steep climb
Like the stadiums we practice
To make the body feel strong.
North Twin
Stiff pine branches crowding the singletrack
Confused cheery hikers we pass multiple here.
Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, browns, shades of gray
Coloring trees and leaves and rocks sun bathing
Like the lizards.