Hiking was never really my scene.
But I’m not sure if I’m to blame here…growing up as a Floridan doesn’t leave you many opportunities to get above sea level 😂
Hiking History
The first memory I have of willingly planning a hike was just after Freshman year of college: Mt. Monadnock in Southern New Hampshire. It was miserable. The trail is a 3.8 mile loop and gains 1,700ft in elevation to a 2,800ft peak. I felt severely out of shape which was crazy since I was studying dance and dancing 8-12 hours per day…
Surprise, but I didn’t plan any hikes after that experience.
Last year, my sister’s sweet 16 birthday plans were squashed because of the pandemic. She loves nature and the outdoors, so as the good big sis that I am, I offered to take a hiking trip in the White Mountains: Mt. Chocoura. The trail is a 7.4 mile out and back that gains 2,200ft in elevation to a 3,800ft peak. It was a breeze, like night and day from that experience a few years back.
The difference? My breath.
As much as hiking is a physical experience, it is far more of a mental exercise. Years ago, I only understood the physical demands and now, I see that my breath is the key to meeting much deeper demands.
In yoga, breath is know as pranayama or “life force.” It regulates our central nervous system, which is the source of all our mind and body functions, as well as preserves the connection between the two.
My breath…
- Paced me
- Slowed me down when I became fatigued
- Gave me a boost when I started to drag
- Proved mind over matter
- Told me I could even when my body thought no way in hell
I was proud of myself. Proud that I did it, but more proud of how far I had come. And, that yet again, was supported by yoga’s teachings. I told her let’s do it again next year and continue to practice.
Second Annual Hiking Trip 2021
This past weekend, we took our second annual trip up north: Franconia Ridge Loop. A 9.5 mile loop gaining 3,800ft in elevation to 3 peaks: Little Haystack 4,700ft, Mt. Lincoln, 5,000ft and Mt. Lafayette 5,250ft. But the best fact of all: it was forecasted to rain all day and potentially freeze above 5,000ft.
What the hell was I thinking? To be honest, I’m not sure except that I knew we very prepared (multiple rain layers, survival kits, etc.) and that I could rely on my breath when the going got tough.
It got tough alright….
3 Miles Up: Moderate
3 Miles across the ridge + 1,000ft scramble climbing + 40 MPH gust and 10ft visibility: Hard
3.5 Miles down while drenched in the freezing rain: Really, really hard
The victory dance in the parking lot: Worth it all
I NEVER would have imagined this hike possible years ago or even last year. The hike itself let alone the weather conditions. But guess what:
- When I got out of breath going up: I focused on my breath
- When we got above the tree line and couldn’t see anything (or anyone) in front of us: I focused on my breath
- When I looked at my watch and saw we had 1.5 hours to get across the ridge before the rain was expected to be the heaviest: I focused on my breath
- When we didn’t cross any other hiker’s path for a mile and could only here the wind and our own steps: I focused on my breath
- When we reached the last peak and the downpour soaked through our gloves, leggings, socks and boots almost instantly: I focused on my breath
- When the trail was poorly marked in low visibility: I focused on my breath
- When we had a mile until reaching the hut where we could finally eat lunch: I focused on my breath
- When we still had over 2 miles to finish: I focused on my breath
- When we saw the car again: I took one, HUGE deep breath
Our breath is connected to every movement. If you are able to pull focus towards it, to keep each inhale and exhale even, it will fuel you. It is life changing and a force to be reckoned with. We may not have had any stellar views, but this was an experience of a lifetime. Planning to try again, but a bit earlier in the year next time!
#Lettucebowandsay “Just when I think I’ve peaked, I realize the challenge isn’t the mountain, it is a grain of sand in my shoe.”
Our Itinerary
Day 1
Dinner: We stopped at the Covered Bridge Farm Table on the way up because it was just down the street from our AirBnB. Absolutely delicious and were very accommodating to a vegan dinner!
Airbnb: We stayed at a house in Campton, NH. Would highly recommended it was so easy and perfect for our stay.
Day 2
Hike: We left Campton at 6:30am to be at the Trail Head by 7:00am. I read that the parking lot filled up quickly.
We started the hike at 7:15am and we finished at 2:15pm.
A mile down from the ridge is the Greenleaf Hut. It was so necessary. There was coffee, tea and the best part: VEGAN CHOCOLATE CAKE!!
We pre-made our own falafel pita wraps for lunch. I’ll get this recipe up soon!
PSA: This was an extremely challenging hike. Do your research and do NOT go unprepared regardless of the weather forecast. I had a second layer of clothes I ended up changing into at the hut so I could be dry. It was 30 degrees colder on the ridge than the base not factoring in the windchill. Boots, layers & most importantly WATER! We carried 4.5L for the two of us and it was the right amount.
Dinner: Went to the pub! J.L. Sullivan’s Irish Pub. Sweet potato fries…need I say more?
Recover: We didn’t do too much else except shower and lay in bed!
Day 3
Breakfast: We went to Benton’s Sugar Shack! Not very plant-based friendly but the maple syrup is worth the trip alone. 🙂
Kangamangus Highway: I’ve never drove this full drive so we decided to do it. It was beautiful! Still cloudy like the mountain, but still worth it. FYI there’s 0 cell service so start your GPS early!
North Conway Craft Fair: We visited this fair last year too actually. Love this little town center!