Presidential Traverse - 9/7/14

On Sunday, September 7th, just 48 hours after the end of an exciting trip out west to climb Mt. Rainier, I set out to celebrate with a full Presidential Range Traverse.  I enjoy returning "home" and celebrating with a good adventure, taking those good feelings from a successful trip and bringing them back to savor on the peaks that got it all started.  I had eight Presidential Traverses under my belt, including four already in 2014, this would be my 5th.  I've done times of 20hrs, 15hrs, 13hrs, 10:50, 10:45, and my best previous time was 10:20.  Most of those times didn't include Jackson, or they were at night, or in winter or I was trying to do a Double Presidential Traverse.  However, the 10:20 best time was a north-bound full, including Jackson, so I found myself in Crawford Notch, with a goal to see if I could get under 10hrs.  I also just could not pass up a Presi Day, because that is what the forecast called for.

Walking from the shuttle to the Jackson-Webster Trailhead 

Jackson-Webster Trail

So then started the theme of the day, I passed some hikers on the way up.  I prefer the northbound presi traverse, as the route to the ridge and Mt. Jackson is pretty short and easy compared to the Valley Way.  From my previous traverses, I've been able to get great starts starting this way because its a lot easier when you get to the ridge faster.  When I got to the summit of Jackson, it was cool and in some clouds.  I noticed that I was at about an hour or a few minutes over that, so I was about 20 minutes behind what I've done before up to Jackson.  In true peak-bagger fashion, I was off to Pierce after a quick summit snapshot and a look around.  There were some folks enjoying the now crystal clear views from Mt. Pierce, as the clouds disappeared mostly for good.

Mt. Jackson 

Coming right up.....a beautiful and lucky September day on the Presi's

Mt. Pierce summit (1hr49min)

Even though I was cruising along, as I started to ascend Eisenhower the views and magnitude of this beautiful day started to take full effect.  It was just so fun to be up there taking it all in on such a nice day, yet at the same time I was enjoying kicking my own ass as much as possible with this workout.  Eisenhower was busy, and it was nice to see some friends Michael and Monica again (albeit quickly), who I've bumped into all over New England.  I basically left Eisenhower in a good run.  I felt like I was certainly making up for the few minutes I was disappointed about back on Jackson.  The next section over Franklin to Mt. Monroe is almost always pretty peaceful and quiet.

Mt. Eisenhower (in 2hrs 23min) 

Leaving Mt. Eisenhower 

Jefferson, Washington, and Monroe, and Oakes Gulf, and the Montalban Ridge behind it (I think)

Mt. Monroe (3hrs 20min with only 10 minutes of stopped time)

As you can see, I'm  on par with my plans, making great time at the beginning of a northbound traverse.  In 3hrs 20min, I was on Mt. Monroe, a little over seven miles and 4,700 feet of gain from the start.  It was my 14th summit of Mt. Monroe, and its always nice to think back to that morning I finished my 48 here.  After a quick pause, I ran to Lake of the Clouds Hut where I stopped only to switch out my t-shirt for my long-sleeved shirt with hood.  A quick check of the weather informed me that the wind chill was about 31 degrees up on Washington.  I was looking forward to it, as this was my 20th summit push for Mt. Washington.

Lake of the Clouds 

Final push up the summit cone         

I passed the always spectacular Lake of the Clouds, and pushed my legs up the highest peak in New England.  It took me about 45 minutes to reach the summit from LOC.  While that is a pretty solid section I was happy about, this is where it starts to get tough and I've always watched my pace start to diminish from this point on.  When I got the summit, I immediately walked past the sign and touched it.  The wind was definitely making it feel like 31 degrees which is pretty cold, especially with shorts and no windbreaker.  There, of course, was a line at the summit.  I quickly stepped in line, but after about 45 seconds, I said screw this, this is going to come back to haunt me and my goal of breaking my previous time.  I walked forward and snapped a quick summit selfie and a couple of shots of the views.

What its like to wait in line 

20th Mt. Washington summit 

On to the Northern Presidentials...

I remember taking about a 5-10 minute break on the Gulfside Trail overlooking the ravine.  Much better to take a break over here where its nice and peaceful.  After that, I continued onto Clay.  I bumped into another acquaintance from VFTT, Tim, along this section, enjoying a northern presi hike on this day.  Next was the long stretch of ascent on the approach to Mt. Jefferson.  This is where it sometimes really starts to slow you.  Trying to overcome that adversity which I was aware of, I kept pushing.  I arrived at the summit of Mt. Jefferson in six hours, just a few minutes before 3:00pm.

Mt. Jefferson, my 100th White Mountain 4000-footer in 2014 

Mt. Adams as seen from Mt. Jefferson

Certainly, I was doing well on this traverse, but I was thinking about the next four hours and the remaining 7 miles or so which puts up a beating every time.  Would I get the two remaining peaks and all the way down the 4 mile Valley Way in those four hours or was I going to fall off the pace? After a couple minutes of pondering, the mind snaps and reminds me that if its going to happen, I have keep going and not think.

The section coming down Jefferson into Edmands col can be tiring on the legs, but without stopping, I descended and then head back up about 900 feet to the summit of Mt. Adams.  It took me an hour from Mt. Jefferson.

Looking back from Mt. Adams

It was really windy, as usual, with some clouds building over Washington.  After a quick stop, I labored on using all 4 limbs to quickly make my way down the Airline Trail to Madison Hut.  Without stopping for anything, not even a pack drop, I continued up the Osgood Trail a half mile to Mt. Madison.

Mt. Madison summit (8hrs from the start)

View from Mt. Madison

Standing atop Mt. Madison, I now had just under two hours to make it down within 10 hours, and a little more to just match my best time of 10hrs 20min.  I knew I could do it, but it was going to be close.  The race was on.  I had such an incredible time above treeline on this hike.  You couldn't ask for a better gym.  I was seriously saddened to descend, but quickly my goal came back to mind, so I busted out my hiking poles, and I started my skipping, running, and jogging effort to get to my car.  Thankfully it was not as painful as it was descending here during my double presi.  I arrived at Appalachia, just a few minutes before sunset.  I finished in 9 hours and 50 minutes, beating my best time by a half hour, and getting under 10 hours.  After all, those minutes I didn't wait in line on Washington came into effect.  I was pretty darn happy about my effort, and its amazing how much you can still surprise yourself at what your capable of by always challenging yourself.  After this hike, where I pretty much didn't stop, I can say that I don't think I could do a northbound presi traverse any faster without shedding gear and the pack and running it.  I will have to try a "fast" southbound traverse someday, but for now I'm feeling good on this one, and looking forward to my next big traverse this week, the Mahoosuc Range, which I'm doing with some adventurous friends.

Hike Stats

Trails: Jackson-Webster Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Trinity Heights Connector, Gulfside Trail, Clay Loop, Jefferson Loop, Israel Ridge Path, Airline Trail, Osgood Trail, Valley Way Trail.

Distance: 19 miles

Elevation Gain: 8,503 ft.

Actual Book Time: 9:50
GPS Track: Garmin Adventures

Hut-to-Hut Attempt to a Windy Overnight Presidential Traverse + Wildcats - 7/5/14

About one month prior to this hike, I took on a Double Presidential Range Traverse, a 43 mile jaunt with over 18,000 feet of elevation gain going back and forth over the range.  After a couple of shorter hikes, long on my list to-do, was a Hut-to-Hut Traverse of the White Mountains.  A hut-to-hut doesn't have anything to do with 4,000-footers, but for me, trying to add all of the 4,000-footers along the way would be nothing new.  Lately, I've been connecting hikes and hike plans with the great history of the White Mountains.  All hut-to-huts prior to the 70s included Pinkham Notch (also called the MacPhail H2H), so I decided I wanted to add Pinkham Notch, and of course bag the Wildcats. To add to that, I wanted to do the full Presi Traverse, hitting every peak, so to grid the Presi's for July.  Then, I wanted Tom, Zealand, and Galehead as extras along the way.  It sure was possible, but things don't always turn out the way its planned.

River along Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

I planned to hike up to Carter Notch Hut Friday night for a midnight start, but heavy rains that never stopped kept me in my car overnight until about 8:30am on Saturday morning.  With a little under 48 hours before I have to report to work, and some additional rest, I figured I could still give this a go.  I had a nice walk up to Carter Notch Hut where I hung out for about 20 minutes, and I began my attempt to trek across the White Mountains to visit every hut, starting at 10:40am.

Nineteen Mile Brook Trail temporary bridge

Carter Notch Hut

Carter Lake and Wildcat A

I made satisfactory time over the Wildcats, down the Wildcat Ridge Trail and Lost Pond Trail to Pinkham Notch.  I refilled water and went to the bathroom, before quickly heading up the Old Jackson Road behind Pinkham Notch.  Here I was now on a bit of unfamiliar trail.  The trail climbs gradually up to the Auto Road.  When I arrived at the road, I thought it was sort of weird because I was on Mt. Washington, but headed to Madison, and crossing the auto road while on a hike for the first time ever. I pulled out the map, to make sure, and I continued onto the Madison Gulf Trail.  

Crossing the Auto Road

Things were going excellent until I got confused trying to get from Madison Gulf Trail to the Osgood Trail.  It was almost a Madison Gulf ascent, until I decided screw this, I can get across this river somehow.  However, it took a little extra ascent and scouting the river for a safe spot, which consumed precious minutes.  Then, when I got across, I had an approximately 10 minute bushwhack around a slope to the Osgood Cut-off.  Except when I arrived onto this trail, mid-trail, I questioned what trail it was, and pulled out the map.  A few people including a forest ranger came up just seconds after, and I asked if this was the Osgood Cut-off or Osgood.  I told them I just crossed the river, and came onto the middle of the trail.  With some clarification, and quick sigh of relief, I was fast continuing up the Osgood Cut-off and to the Osgood Trail.

From Osgood Ridge to Madison

The clouds appeared menacing, and it was a bit breezy at this point, but nothing out of control...yet.  This was my first time on the Osgood Ridge to Madison, and it was a fun stretch to climb.  It began to slow my progress a bit, though, but I arrived at a packed Madison Hut.  Here I re-aligned my gear for the strong winds pulling out my pretty much winter gear as those in the hut probably thought i was nuts. As I was stepping out the door, a few guys doing a northern presi traverse came in wearing jeans. Good thing they were nearly done. 

Madison Spring Hut

From Adams 

On Adams

Once I was close to Edmands Col, I started to see the sun setting. The picture doesn't do it justice, it was a defined orange ball - really pretty despite the thickening clouds above. 

Sunset from the Presi's

On Jefferson, there was the last light and a shaky summit picture. Winds really started to ramp up from here on out, likely 60-70mph as I made my way past Sphinx col and onto the Clay Loop.

Pretty eeriness on Jefferson 

Windy on Jefferson

After Clay, and once back onto the Gulfside Trail visibility went from pretty good, to almost 5-10 feet max, with the winds getting stronger. Instead of crossing the Cog, I hiked alongside it until I reached the front of the Adams summit building. I sat down on the bench for a quick break, as I watched the strongest winds I've ever experienced on Washington, blow the fog through the beams of the summit structures with such intensity. I didn't need to change any gear. I was still in shorts, but had my jacket, hat, and gloves on. The wind chill was about 25 degrees, but my legs were warm because everything around me was so intense, and my body was working hard.

I couldn't really stand up at the sign, had to hang onto rocks

I had no choice but make it to Lake of the Clouds Hut, which I knew I could do. I really didn't expect the high winds to linger so long into the night, and even the observatory posted a forecast of mostly clearing skies for the evening. As I exited the summit onto the Crawford Path, I immediately lost the trail as it takes a wide curve off the summit. I had to trust my instincts for a few minutes as I went in the general direction of the trail. Finally I found a rock where I did a quick glance at my map and GPS without falling over in the 80+mph winds, and continued about 5-10 more minutes before I came upon the recognizable trail, visible only at my feet.

A long story short, I walked into a pitch dark LOC Hut, and I found myself a cold bench among the many already sleeping on the floors and benches. I didn't sleep a wink, and was quite cold all night. I should have brought the sleeping bag instead of my hammock. I did have a decent time Sunday morning chatting with some thru and section hikers at the Hut about lots of familiar hiking.

The view back from Mt. Franklin

Around 8:30am or so, after the Hut stopped shaking from the wind, and I warmed up a lot, I got moving again with winds around 40-50 mph. Slowly, I started to feel back to normal, as if I had spent a regular night out but it was nothing like a regular night on the mountain. I continued on, hitting Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, and Pierce, all the summits I wanted. From there, I descended to the Highland Center, where just 30 minutes later, I caught the AMC Shuttle back to my car.

Me on Eisenhower 

Lenticular clouds from the summit of Mt. Pierce

The later start than planned, along with the high winds and extra focus needed to make it over Washington safely put an end to my attempt.  The next day was really nice, which allowed me to really enjoy the rest of this epic Presidential Range Traverse plus the Wildcats, which was still almost half the distance I was attempting to do.  I hope someday soon that I will try a normal Hut-to-Hut Traverse, but I definitely wouldn't change a thing about this one. Stay safe friends, and always bring the proper gear for the extremes of the Presidentials and Mt. Washington. This was my 8th Presidential Traverse, anywhere from my 7th-11th times on the Presi's and 19th summit of Mt. Washington.

Hike Stats

Trails: 19 Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Lost Pond Trail, Old Jackson Road, Madison Gulf Trail, Osgood Cut-off, Osgood Trail, Gulfside Trail, Airline Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Jefferson Loop, Clay Loop, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Webster-Cliff Trail (for Pierce), Crawford Path

Distance: 35 miles

Elevation Gain: 13,930 ft.

Actual Book Time: TBD

Double Presidential Range Traverse - May 31st & June 1st, 2014

The Presidential Range Traverse in the White Mountains is one of the most coveted hikes in all of the Northeast.  It's one of the most difficult day hikes in the country, and rightfully so, its almost all above tree-line in a place with unpredictable weather.  It takes careful planning and preparation, the right gear, and good physical condition to embark on a such a journey.  A Presidential Traverse may not always be the same, as one can choose from a small variation of routes and choose certain peaks to climb or leave out.  Most often, the traverse includes the seven 4000-Footers named after Presidents, (Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce). Sometimes, Mt. Jackson is added, although it is not named for the President Jackson, but a geologist.  In between, there are two popular sub-peaks that are sometimes added, Clay and Franklin.  Most of the other nearby sub-peaks tend to be targeted during other peak-bagging trips.  Although not official 4000-footers, Clay and Franklin have views to match their neighbors, and can be added easily to the route.  The most popular direction to complete a traverse is North to South, going from Appalachia to Crawford Notch, as the challenging terrain of the northern Presidential's is done early.

Washington from Monroe
June 30, 2013, Presidential Traverse

Since 2011, I have been lucky enough to complete a total of seven Presidential Traverses, including the two that made up last weekend's Double Presidential Traverse.  This also includes two winter traverses.  My first ever traverse just happened to be a full-moonlight Presidential Traverse to finish the 48 White Mountain 4000-Footers, which was one of the most magical hikes ever!  With some background information out of the way, let's get into my wacky White Mountain 48, Grid-Inspired Double Presidential Traverse.  This goal is much more challenging than your typical out-and-back of the Presidential Range, and perhaps its never been done this way.

For those who are working on the White Mountain 48x12 Grid, you would be most interested in the eight 4000-footers along the Presidential Traverse route. The goal of the Grid is to summit each peak in every month of the year.  So last year, I came up with the idea that I could try a Double Presidential Traverse and do it on the last day of the month and into the first day of the next month, so that I could attempt to hit the eight 4000-footers in two different months, and in two different days... a great way to check off 16 boxes quickly.  Of course, there are only twelve chances per a year that one could attempt this, and if you work full time like myself, it might fall on a weekend a few times per a year if you're lucky.  To add to the difficulty of the challenge, I wanted to try to complete it within a 24-hour period.

Last year, I gave this goal two attempts, but on both, failed to depart on the second (night-time) leg of the traverse due to rain and wet trail conditions. My first try was June 30-July 1, 2013.  I completed a north-bound Presidential Traverse in 10:20, essentially squeezing out a "Presi Day" on a day with an unsettled forecast.  At Appalachia, and before I could get the tarp from my small cache up and ready, it started to pour, and then I was wet, and then I was not happy. Although the rain stopped, my 24hr time was now no longer possible, and I wasn't feeling the desire to go up over wet northern Presi rocks.  I slept in my wet hammock at Appalchia, and took the shuttle to my car in the morning, defeated...but not really, I still completed a successful Presidential Traverse in my fastest time ever.

A foggy Lake of the Clouds, August 31, 2013,
Presidential Traverse

Just a month later, I gave it another shot, on August 31-September 1, 2013.  I chose a south-bound direction this time, and this traverse was done in warm, foggy, wet conditions.  By the end, the trails were a wet muddy mess, as was I, so I opted to call it off with the successful single traverse in very tough visibility.  There may have been some influence on this one too, as I hiked with my friend Jeff, and my brother met us on Pierce, and they were suggesting I was nuts to go back over when the trail was so wet.  The evening weather forecast was also questionable.  Therefore, summer 2013 came and went, and I had no success completing this challenge. When would I get to try again?

Here is some final info on the timing logistics required for this challenge.  In order to attempt this goal within 24 hours, but get the eight peaks in two different days, two different months, one must complete back-to-back traverses in 12 hours or under.  On the return traverse, it is imperative to not leave the first of eight peaks before midnight (the rules count for being on the summit on a certain date, so you can start your summit hike on the previous day).  This means I had to plan my start time in accordance with a really good idea as to how long I could complete the first traverse and give myself a chance on the second.  Basically, once started, my goal was to return to the first trail head before that time the next morning, but hit the summits twice, in two days, two different months, officially. Would my third time be a charm?

After trying this twice and starting from both directions, the best bet was to have the easy climb to Jackson be the route of re-ascent to the range, meaning I planned to start at Appalachia for this 3rd attempt.  Even though I never actually did it, its silly to go down and then back up the 4 mile Valley Way.  Just like the previous times, I left a small cache with a change of shirt, socks, and stove and cook-set for a hot meal - a paddling dry-bag camouflaged by a green sack makes for a sweet no-hassle cache.  On a big hike like this, with timing being so important, I always make sure to give myself enough time to do the cache drop, and get to the trail head to prepare for my start, without being rushed.  My day started around 7:45am with a nice ride to Crawford Notch where I, like a ninja, hopped into the woods at the Webster-Jackson Trail head to drop my cache without anyone seeing me (the key to not worrying about your cache being disturbed all hike).  I stopped at the Irving for last stuff, and then off to Appalachia, arriving about 45 minutes before I would eventually start.

Appalachia, 10:15am

Before such a big a hike, you'd be crazy to not think I'm incredibly anxious with massive stomach butterflies. What the hell am I about to do, and why? After all, since I tried this twice last year, I no longer needed the peaks for June, and I only needed 5 of the 8 for May, so this attempt was merely just for fun now (unless I find myself doing 2-3 grids someday, I'll think back to this double, but either way I wanted to complete the challenge). After doing some stretches and walking off the jitters, I was ready to go. SPOT Tracker on, and pretty darn excited.  The weekend prior, I hiked 5 separate hikes, 7 4000-footers, over 42 miles, and all on wet muddy trails to finish my 5th round on Passaconaway.  It was the perfect training, as I was determined to not let any wet weather or terrain stop me.  In addition to prepping the body, its all about prepping the mind and re-assuring yourself that your ready to take on all that's possible on the Presidential Range.

At 10:15am, I had begun my way up the Valley Way at a steady hiking pace.  I arrived the famous warning sign, which I love seeing, and then a few minutes later at a foggy Madison Spring Hut.  Heading straight to the summit of Madison, I arrived in about 2hrs and 5min.  Although it didn't look pleasant, the temperature was warm, winds were calm, and I was aware this weather would be short-lived.  Already noon, it had to be clearing soon.  

Welcome to the Alpine Zone, and be forewarned

Madison Spring Hut in the fog

Mt. Madison summit

I still had plenty of water, so I didn't even stop at the hut, and shot right to the Airline to ascend Adams.  I always love climbing Adams.  It's the second highest in the Northeast, and it always feels good to be there in the middle of the Northern Presi's.  With no views yet, my visit was just as quick as Madison, and I was on my way, still under three hours from my start.  As I left Adams, the breeze picked up a bit, and some clearing started as promised by the weathermen.

Partial views leaving Adams

A magnificent view of Jefferson Ravine 

the Mt. Jefferson snowfield 

Mt. Jefferson summit, about 4 hrs from my start

Unfortunately, clouds lingered for a short while more, and swooped in for my two short minutes on the summit pile of Jefferson.  The breeze was still going, but I only knew it was the front coming across to sweep the clouds out for the rest of my journey.  That it did, as I descended into Sphinx Col and past, the clouds made their exit, and it was instantly a Presi Day right before my eyes - a pretty interesting thing to watch happen in just minutes.  I pressed on, maintaining a consistent pace as I went right over Clay and towards Mt. Washington.  The section of trail along the Great Gulf is always very impressive.

Leaving Mt. Jefferson 

Mt. Clay Summit 

The Gulfside Trail next to the Great Gulf 

In 4hrs and 45 minutes, I reached the summit of Mt. Washington for my 17th time to its summit.  It was not very crowded, which was nice.  I was able to walk right up the to sign for my photo with the help of someone else.  I took a really quick walk to the southern side of the observatory for a Northern Presidential photo, but quickly kept on my way down the Crawford Path. I still had water, and there was no need to go inside and get sucked in by the food or anything, as I would be at Lake of the Clouds in short time, and would make a definite stop there. It was beautiful for my few minutes at the top of the Northeast.

Mt. Washington (4:00pm)

Jefferson, Adams, & Madison from Mt. Washington

Mt. Monroe from the Crawford Path

Lake of the Clouds with remaining icebergs

Thirty minutes and 1.5 miles later, I passed the lake and arrived at the hut. There wasn't much going on except some of the Hut Croo getting it set up for the summer.  The dining area was filled with boxes. I used the bathroom, refilled my water, and continued on my way, quickly heading up to Mt. Monroe. Once past Monroe, the going was pretty easy compared to everything I had faced to this point, and it was smooth sailing in the warm afternoon heat, yet I found a way to sweat minimally.

Mt. Washington from Mt. Monroe Summit

Mt. Franklin Summit (5:15pm, 7hrs in)

Looking back from Mt. Eisenhower (5:50pm)

At this time, I took advantage of the easy terrain, and my consistent pace overcame that of a pair of quick-moving hikers, and I blitzed up to Eisenhower, where it seemed the afternoon was only getting better - the view back was simply amazing every time.  Even though I'm doing it, and I done it, its still ridiculous to myself, that when I look back, its hard to believe I've just come over that behind me.  I say it every time still, but the awesome-ness of being up there makes it much easier than it appears :)

Looking off Eisenhower to Pierce and Jackson, final two peaks

Mt. Pierce (6:37pm, about 8hrs 20 min)

The section between the southern end of the Eisenhower Loop and Pierce summit seemed to drag for a little bit, and the sinking sun made for some interesting glare through the trees as cruised through this section.  Unlike in the snow, there was no question as to where the trail goes, and without stopping, I found myself on Pierce to yet another beautiful view back.  Continuing on, the trail increases in rockiness as it descends to Mizpah Spring Hut.  With water still, I walked right past the hut and continued towards Jackson.  Along this section, a group of 4 faster hikes snuck up on me and went ahead, while I maintained the same pace I was going at. Just a few short minutes behind, I met them on the summit of Mt. Jackson for a brief conversation and mutual enjoyment of the amazing views (and success of our respective Presidential Traverses).  Pretty interesting to see the reactions all day of those whom I told I was heading back over the range tonight.  I told the guys I'd likely seem them again down at the road as they head for Webster.  With the sun still slowly setting, I descended to Crawford Notch.

Mt. Jackson Summit (7:45pm)

Route 302 (8:45pm)

I finished my first traverse in about 10hrs 45 minutes, just at the last of sunset at Crawford Notch.   I grabbed my cache, and cooked up and ate a packet of Shin Ramyun soup.  While it cooked, I changed my shirt, aired my feet and body out, and changed socks.  As I did this, I paid very close attention to the time, as I needed to make sure that I could get to Jackson just minutes before midnight, so that there was no lost time.  This was important because if I was going to complete this in under 24 hours, it would mean that from the summit of Mt. Jackson, I would need to be at Appalachia at 10:15am in order to do it under 24 hours, that's 10hrs 15 min from Jackson summit for dead-on 24 hrs.  Standing at the trail head, cache back in the woods, and all ready to go, I made a quick call to the family, who wished me luck.  The weather was going to be amazing, and surely they could sense my excitement.  Just as I was about to leave, I saw the  headlamps of the group of 4 coming down from Webster. They saw that I wasn't lying...I was on my way back up! It was 10:00pm.

Jackson (12:00am) 

Pierce (1:13am) 

What a beautiful night it was.  It was hard to not stop sometimes, turn off my lamp, and just stare up at the stars.  This is the type of night, you try to dream up when planning a Presi Traverse. I moved quickly though, as the section between Jackson and Eisenhower is wooded and there wasn't much reason to stop and stare.  If there was one thing I could have changed about this hike, it would've been to somehow capture what it was like from Eisenhower until Washington.  As I went up Eisenhower, I could see a campfire deep in the Dry-River Wilderness.  It was the only sign of people anywhere, but it was totally awesome because I can only imagine how nice of a night it was out there for them. I breezed down the Eisenhower loop in the dead calmness of the night, and hiked over Franklin to Monroe.

Eisenhower (2:06am)

Monroe (3:26am)

On Monroe, I felt that I still had a chance at this, but that it was going to be extremely difficult.  I stopped into the Lake of the Clouds Hut, and re-filled my water quickly, before heading up the Crawford Path to Mt. Washington.  At this time, the deep deep blue sky of the morning twilight was incredible sight to experience. This was because I could still see the enormous amount of stars in the sky. Mt. Washington's summit cone was so beautiful against the color of the sky, I wish I captured a photo. One of my favorite approaches to the summit ever, but truthfully though, I was laboring up the Crawford Path, making more frequent stops.  It seemed like it took forever to crest the summit cone.

Mt. Washington (4:58am) 

Sunrise from the summit of Mt. Washington

A beautiful sunrise for my 18th summit of Mt. Washington

It did take me a bit longer to do this section, over an hour and a half, but I arrived to the vacant summit sign literally minutes before actual sunrise for my 18th summit.  No matter how many times you've seen it, its always an incredible experience to see the sunrise from the highest point in the Northeast.  With water from my LOC re-fill, I pressed on descending Mt. Washington as the sun quickly rose over the horizon.  It was a hazy and bright morning.  I was getting close to the end, I figured I'd continue to work on my tan that got going yesterday afternoon.

Looking up to Mt. Jefferson

Jefferson (7:09am)

Once over Clay again, the going gets a lot tougher as the trail climbs gradually to Mt. Jefferson.  I was slowing down, and taking more frequent quick-stops.  After all this is where the Northern Presidentials come out to kick your ass, especially when you choose to take the harder way on the second traverse.  On the summit of Mt. Jefferson, I had about 3 hours remaining to make it within 24 hours.  Knowing my current pace, and that it would be a couple-hour slog down the Valley Way, I realized I wouldn't be able to make 24 hours. I did note to myself, however, that I was going to get this thing done, and that alone I could hardly believe that I would accomplish this.  I was content, so I trucked along, taking my frequent breaks but trying the best that I could. 

On the Israel Ridge Path, I took a longer break, where I rested in a cool spot with my head against my forearm against a big rock.  It was nice to close my eyes for a few minutes in the cool shade.  It was much needed. I did this twice between Jefferson and Adams, and it was so tranquil, peaceful and worth it, as I peered into the beautiful Jefferson Ravine as I did a half day ago.  Literally one minute after getting up from behind my rock, I ran into Scott, who was on his way to Pierce on his very first Presidential Range Traverse. You can read about his experience, on his blog HERE. It would have been funny if he came up on me as I cat-napped behind the rock. I pressed on to reach Mt. Adams at 9:05am, 11 hours in on the second traverse.  

Mt. Adams (9:05am) 

My final peak on the hike, Mt. Madison, in the distance 

With one hour and fifteen minutes to 24 hours, I really could have tightened the gap on this, but on Jefferson, I already had already let go from it, and I continued to try to enjoy everything I had left of this.  Just as I hit the summit of Madison for my 16th 4000-footer on this epic journey, some more familiar faces came up from Howker Ridge to reach the summit at the same time.  It was Heather, Karine, Jeff, and dog Kali, who have all accomplished some amazing hiking feats. Kali the dog had rounded the group up because she needed the Presi's for June. Meeting and chatting with them gave me some steam as we head down the Osgood Trail together and back to Madison Hut.

Mt. Madison (10:30am)

Before going up Madison, I took a long break at the hut with my socks off, and changed to a fresh pair once more.  As I wished the group well on their own Presi Traverse, I left the alpine zone after spending day and night up there. I could probably live up there, but once into the trees, I just wanted to get this done. The pain in my wet, sweaty feet was unbelievable.  The rubbing of my socks was tortuous, which made for a much slower than expected descent of the Valley Way. It took 3 hours of painful steps. When I arrived at my car, I had successfully completed my goal of hitting the eight 4000-footers on the Presidential Range in two different days, and two different months.  The only downside, was it took those 3 extra laboring hours and fifteen minutes longer.  I completed this amazing personal challenge in 27 hours and 15 minutes.  While many ultra-endurance athletes can easily do a regular double Presidential Traverse between 12 and 12 in under 24 hours, it took me 27:15 to do it in a unique and much more challenging manner, hitting the peaks in separate days and months.       

Appalachia (1:30pm)

To take on such a challenge, requires planning and preparation beyond belief, and not only physically, but mentally and psychologically.  After two previous tries, I am elated at having accomplished this, and proving to myself that I could do it, and that you don't have to be an ultra-marathoner to do ultra-marathoner things. You just need the drive to do it, and if you have it, you can do anything you put your mind to!
   

Hike Stats (According to White Mountain Guide)

Distance: 43.26 miles 

Elevation Gain: 18,824 ft.

Actual Book Time: 27:15
Guide Book Time: 31:07

Peaks
Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay, Washington, Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, Pierce, & Jackson.

Trails
Valley Way, Osgood Trail, Gulfside Trail, Airline Trail, Lowe's Path, Israel Ridge Path, Gulfside Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside Trail, Clay Loop, Gulfside Trail, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop (excluding Little Monroe), Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Crawford Path, Webster-Cliff Trail, Webster-Jackson Trail.

(Unfortunately, my GPS battery ran out, not leaving me any sort of tracking other than the time until it ran out.)