Sunday we headed up Cannon Mountain for a spring hike, and while I’ve gone there many times in the spring before, it always surprises me how wintery it can still be up there in early May. For the first half mile or so, the trail felt as a spring trail should—brown, wet, and a little mucky. But soon we were back in a winter wonderland, and it brought to mind all of the mountain rescues the NH SAR teams have conducted this past month. It’s no wonder they’ve been so busy.
Risks Beyond Mount Washington
Much is made about the dangers of Mount Washington, with many citing it as one of the deadliest—if not the deadliest—mountain in the United States. Smaller than the mountains out west, it lures more hikers in, leading them to believe it doesn’t pose as much of a risk. But when they emerge above treeline, they come to find Mount Washington can have some of the most dangerous weather one can experience.
But what about the other mountains in New Hampshire, and in the entire Northeast corridor for that matter? New York? Maine? Vermont? An experienced young hiker lost her life on New York’s Mount Marcy this winter, after having an accident and falling off the trail. Within six hours she passed away from hypothermia because rescuers couldn’t get to her in time. Words cannot adequately express such a tragic loss. As so many young hikers—more than ever before—hear the call of the great outdoors, I hope they will hear about that story and take it to heart. Hiking can be a seriously risky business.
February vs. May
The Mount Marcy tragedy happened in February, however, and while winter hiking carries obvious risks, it’s May that concerns me more. In February, unless one has lost the ability to see and feel, they know that snow is everywhere, and the conditions require proper gear. But in May, people think that the same weather they have in the suburbs is going to be what they find in the peaks of New Hampshire, and so many bad accidents happen as a result.
Every year, without fail, I’ll see a hiker going up a 4000-footer with no water, no food, and looking more ready for a game of tennis than anything else. Definitely not prepared for what they may find on mountains like Lafayette, Jefferson, or Cannon. I love the optimism, but when I see these naive nomads of the world, all I want to do is offer them all of my gear so they can stay alive. Sometimes I do. And do you think they ever take it?
What makes people take on such activities without knowing the risks? Why do they still ignore advice? Why not do their research? With all of the information we have access to now in this digital age, there should be no excuse. Maybe in their determination to run away from technology they forgot that technology can actually help them achieve their escape.
When There’s Risk, Don’t Go It Alone
But for anyone looking for adventure, it’s critical to approach big adventure in the wilderness with curiosity and intention. It may seem silly to ask for advice that on the surface seems to be about something you’ve known how to do since you were a toddler, but that silly conversation could save you from a pretty miserable experience. Or worse.
Plus, it’s easy to consult with friends and others in the online hiking community, who are as active online as they are on the trail. Doing so will not only make you safer and give you a better understanding of what you’re getting yourself into, but there’s an added benefit: you’ll feel more connected to the people around you. And isn’t that what this is about? Connection? Connection to the earth, of course, but shouldn’t it also be about connecting with its occupants?
In the company of friends, you’ll learn to navigate on your own without needing to be alone. Don’t get me wrong, hiking alone is great and I enjoy it immensely—especially when I’m noodling something for my next writing effort. But hiking with a friend is better. It colors your life and gives you some good stuff to think about on your next solo hike. And if you are heading into a risky area, there’s no denying that a hiking buddy keeps you safer—sure it gives you someone who can go for help if you fall, but the conversation and laughter on the hike will give you more energy to finish the hike as well. Win-win.
So, when you head up to the mountains this spring, don’t forget it’s still winter up high, and it’s always better to have a companion for the adventure. As an added bonus, big risky hikes, when shared, bond people for life. That’s a dividend I’d like to keep cashing in on for a long, long time.