Hatching Plans with the B.I.L.

It’s time. Time to get out there. My kids are older, and his are getting through the toddler phase. I’m not getting any younger, and he’s not likely to be getting any more sleep for a few years, so there’s no point in waiting anymore. It’s time to go.

But where? We thought about Iceland, but this is too spur-of-the-moment to travel to right now, away from our respective families. We thought about Colorado, but we don’t have enough time to adjust to the altitude. So we’re sticking to the Northeast for a couple of days to go into the backcountry. Now my brother-in-law and I just have to pin down where, exactly.

Option 1: The Adirondacks and Mount Marcy

I have a secret (not-so-secret) desire to climb all of the fifty highest mountains in the United States, so Mount Marcy has been on my radar for a while. Especially because Teddy Roosevelt was climbing it when he found out McKinley had been shot. I love history, and I love the great outdoors—what a great way to experience both!

Option 2: Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin

I’ve climbed Katahdin before, but it’s been twenty-four years or so. I think. Between jobs, while waiting for my future wife to wrap up her gig so that we could move to California and have an adventure, I spent the better part of a month exploring the great northern parts of Maine. I shaved my head, figuring that would help with my hygiene while I was in the bush, and slept in the wilderness for a few weeks. I slept by a pond in Baxter State Park, by the shores of Moosehead Lake, and at a bunch of other places I can no longer remember.

One of my favorite experiences was when I rented a canoe in Baxter for the bargain price of $1. Grabbing a wooden paddle, I made my way to the center of the pond (I believe it was South Branch) and enjoyed the most serene moment—not a soul in sight—while the evening light descended over Traveler Mountain. It was glorious.

While at Baxter, I climbed “The Knife Edge” of Katahdin. The Knife Edge wasn’t part of the original plan, but once I was up there, I couldn’t resist. The conditions were crazy, though, with people crawling on all fours because of the wind. When I passed over the top, I decided it wasn’t safe to retrace my steps. Fortunately, I was able to meet a couple of friendly hikers along the way, one of whom gave me and another hiker a ride back to our cars on the other side of the mountain. I don’t recommend hitchhiking, but I somehow find myself in that situation at least a couple of times every decade.

Wild stuff happens when you get out there. About halfway through the journey, I ran from what I believe was a bear, growling from behind a deep thicket of bushes. Man, my adrenaline was pumping. I think I ran the three miles back to my car in about twenty-one minutes—hiking boots and all. When I heard the growl, I was positive it was a bear. But I ran so fast that when I got back to my car, I was no longer sure what I heard. Whatever it was, I sure would like to head back up that way.

Option 3: Mount Mansfield in Vermont.

Another goal of mine—simply because it’s the highest peak in the state. But maybe I’ll save this one for ski season and try to do a little backcountry skiing off the other side of Stowe, once I skin up it or something. I don’t know. It’s on my radar, but I haven’t thought it through.

Option 4: New Hampshire Backcountry

This is probably the best option to take without trying too hard. I’ve been climbing New Hampshire’s “52 With a View” mountains lately, and I keep spotting awesome camping areas that would enable us to have a great hiking experience with expansive views. If we’re smart, this is probably the choice we should make. We’ll also be closer to home if we bonk or are met with difficult weather.

Option 5: Moose Alley & The Cohos Trail

Now mind you, I haven’t really researched any of these areas yet, but if we end up sticking to New Hampshire, this might be a good option. I’ve always wanted to get “way up there” and see if I can spot a ton of moose, and I only recently learned a little about the Cohos Trail. I’d like to explore it. We’re looking to do two nights out, and I imagine it will be easy enough to find something good up there—probably around Dixville Notch to get above treeline, if the internet can be trusted. But this one is more of a whimsical thought than the other options.

Opinions?

If anybody out there in the wilderverse has any opinions on what we should go for, please let me know! As far as I’m concerned, it’s all good—because it’s all new. Even Katahdin. Because, well, things look different in your late 40s. Gulp.

Heading to the Mountains

Each week, I try to head to the mountains for a little exercise and a mental reset. It helps me with my writing, and I always get a boost after being out in nature. I like to share some of the beautiful places I visit over at In the Mountains.