| Every year on Mount Washington in the White | | | | Wandering from the trail is not only damaging to the |
| Mountains of New Hampshire, a hiker gets into | | | | fragile environment but is also reckless. The weather |
| difficulties and needs rescuing. Some year there's | | | | can fog you in quickly getting you lost if you're not |
| more than others. On occasions the outcome is | | | | on a trail, and causing falls into a ravine. Getting |
| tragic. | | | | rescued on Mount Washington can sometimes require |
| Since 1847, 146 deaths have been reported on and | | | | you spend the night on the mountain until help arrives |
| around the mountain - more lives claimed than on Mt. | | | | - life threatening even in the summer. Above treeline |
| McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. Mount | | | | keep as close to the Cairns as possible - they're |
| Washington is one of my favorite destinations in New | | | | there for a good reason. |
| England. But I've learnt not only to enjoy the | | | | 4. PACK EXTRA CLOTHES |
| mountain but respect it as well. | | | | Above treeline the temperature drops dramatically |
| At 6,288 feet Mount Washington is no giant. And the | | | | and the wind can pick up a "head of steam." Dress in |
| fact many people do hike to the summit successfully | | | | layers so you can add and subtract as necessary, |
| without any prior major climbing experience belies the | | | | and pack extra warm clothing - a fleece is good - |
| danger lurking on its slopes. | | | | and a change of clothes in case sweat or rain soaks |
| This mountain is in the direct path of three major | | | | everything. As a runner I can attest to the fact wet |
| storm tracks in the Northeast of North America, and | | | | socks = blisters. Keep dry as your body loses heat |
| its exposure means the difference in temperature | | | | three times as fast when it's wet. |
| between base and the summit can be 30 degrees. | | | | 5. TAKE YOUR TIME |
| Snow has fallen in all twelve months of the year. | | | | Make frequent rest stops to avoid fatigue, especially |
| In this article I'll cover six common mistakes that get | | | | in hot weather. Take plenty of water and energy |
| hikers into trouble and how to avoid them so you | | | | bars. It's easy to get wrapped-up in the climb and |
| have a safe and remarkable climb. | | | | then find yourself exhausted and stuck above |
| 1. BEWARE THE WEATHER | | | | treeline and no shade for recovery. Also make sure |
| The weather is Mount Washington. It's what makes it | | | | you have some snacks that contain protein - 'cause |
| both fascinating and dangerous. Blindly taking a | | | | you'll need it for the journey down, which in many |
| chance the weather will be fine or get better is | | | | respects can be as grueling on the body as the |
| foolhardy. Check the weather reports and predictions | | | | ascent. |
| the day before and be prepared to postpone your | | | | 6. TAKE A BASIC SURVIVAL PACK |
| hike. If you encounter poor visibility or worsening | | | | As corny as it sounds - be prepared for the worst |
| conditions when climbing be prepared to turn around | | | | and enjoy the best! A basic scout survival pack takes |
| and live to hike another day. | | | | up minimum space and consists of: a trail map (AMC |
| 2. AVOID HIKING ALONE | | | | publish excellent ones), compass, whistle, matches, |
| On Mount Washington if nobody is with you, or | | | | rain gear, pocket knife, extra food and water, first |
| knows where you're going, then nobody will know if | | | | aid kit, and a small flashlight. |
| you don't get there. Hiking this mountain with friends | | | | A FINAL WORD... |
| or a group is not only smart but also more enjoyable. | | | | Allow 9-10 hours for a round trip hike to the summit |
| A group size of 4-6 is best, but hiking in the White | | | | on one of the trails from Pinkham Notch. Depending |
| Mountains solo is for hermits and the bears. If you | | | | on the trail or trails you use you'll be climbing 4,300 |
| must hike alone make sure somebody knows your | | | | feet over a distance of 4-5 miles - not a walk in the |
| plans and you arrange check-in points with them. | | | | park for anybody. |
| 3. STAY ON THE TRAIL | | | | |