My son Andrew and I decided to go on a father-son trip in May to Portland, Maine, and to venture into the neighboring White Mountains of New Hampshire. Our plans were to take day hikes on some of the beautiful mountains and hiking trails surrounding North Conway, which is located in the Mount Washington Valley. North Conway, a village of 2,400 people, is approximately a 90-minute ride from Portland. The beauty and majesty of the mountains in this region are breathtaking, and certainly places one's life priorities in perspective amid life's hur-
ried pace.
The mountains also provide interesting and basic teaching moments for individuals who hike their trails in an attempt to reach their highest points. Often, people arrive to climb these mountains excited and possibly unprepared in anticipation of spending time with family members, attempting new challenges and just having fun.
No need to rush
We certainly made some interesting discoveries as we attempted to methodically climb several mountains in the White Mountain National Forest, which consists of more than 700,000 acres of protected land, and in the Crawford Notch State Park region.
The first mountain we attempted to hike was Mount Willard, with a peak of 2,800 feet. This mountain is adjacent to the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center, which offers meals and lodging, trail information and equipment. This three-mile-plus hike was up a moderately steep, rocky trail with snow and ice in the upper portion. The continually rising trail clearly slows hikers and reminds them to take time to enjoy the beauty surrounding them. At the top, the views from the rocky ledge overlooking Crawford Notch and the surrounding valley were inspiring as we enjoyed our lunch and celebrated our simple achievement. Frequently, hikers attempt to rush to the top of the mountain, as many of us do in life, and we do not enjoy the simple pleasures that bring true meaning into our lives.
Moving on from disappointment
The next day the lessons seemed to continue to present themselves as we decided to hike Mount Potash in the national forest. Staff at the International Mountain Equipment (IME) store in North Conway recommended hiking this 2,660-foot mountain and provided practical advice for this and other climbs. As we arrived at the trailhead, we continued on a level pathway and reached a swollen stream with large boulders. The melting snow and ice had enlarged the swift stream with ice cold water to the point we were unable to cross it.
Disappointed, a frank and honest discussion was held as we decided we could not continue this hike. The possibility of unsafe conditions and an individual being hurt fording the rushing water was the main consideration. Although we really wanted to hike this mountain and spent time and energy to begin this hike, it was important to recognize the reality of this situation. The open communication between us provided a different alternative. We accepted the old adage that "the mountain will be there for another day," and looked to another nearby mountain to hike that morning; that was Mount Hedgehog. It would have been easy to wallow in frustration, but the key was to let go of emotion and discuss positive alternatives.
Be prepared
The trail for Mount Hedgehog, a 2,532-foot challenging climb, was located near Mount Potash. This mountain presented level trails that transcended into much steeper and rocky trails. The top of the mountain opens up into large rocky ledges and allows spectacular views of the Tripyramids and other surrounding mountains. After a relaxing lunch on the ledge, dark rain clouds gathered to our backs and quickly enveloped the mountain. It began to rain heavily. We began to move down the steep and slippery mountain. Our hiking poles saved us from many slips and falls and are essential in these types of hikes, whether wet or dry. However, we were not totally prepared. We left our rain gear in the car because the weather was sunny and the temperature was in the low 80s as we entered the trailhead. With the temperatures dropping rapidly and being wet as a result of the rain, it would be very easy to suffer from hyperthermia.
It is very important on these types of hikes, as well as in achieving life goals, to ensure you have the proper resources and preparation, which requires time and patience. Minimally, day hikes require proper footwear for the trail, walking poles and a waterproof backpack with plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a weatherproof trail map, rain gear, matches, a compass and a flashlight/head lamp. There are various reliable hiking books, websites and other resources to help hikers make the necessary preparation for changing conditions.
Offering encouragement
One of the final challenges that we undertook was to hike up Mount Black Cap near North Conway. This mountain is 2,369 feet tall and is moderately steep as you approach the top. The top of this mountain has a rock ledge for its summit and provides a 360-degree view. After hiking for several days, your legs and your mindset can begin to fatigue and feelings of frustration can occur even in an easier climb. This situation occurred on this mountain.
The trail seemed to become more difficult. My son provided the needed encouragement and support as a team member throughout the early part of this trail. Simple words like "one foot in front of the other" or reaching with a hand to lift you over a rock on the trail provided both the physical and mental encouragement and support that was needed to continue the climb and the hike. How often it is the simple aspects of life such as encouragement, support and being there for another individual that can help to make real differences in the lives of people.
Spend quality time
As we concluded our trip with hikes to Arethusa Falls, Diana's Baths and the River Walk, it was time to talk and reflect on the time that we spent together and some of the lessons that the mountains of New Hampshire helped us learn.
Probably the most important and basic lesson we realized was to spend more quality time with family members and other people in our lives. The ability to talk, walk and enjoy one another's company or to discuss important personal issues can really make the differences in their lives and ultimately affect the quality of life in our homes and in our communities. Too often, other events, priorities in our busy lives and careers seem to overshadow the most basic necessities of life.
(Robert Wislock lives in Shamokin and his son lives in Nescopeck.)