Another wonderful video. Hope to get this one under my belt in 2025!! I also get that feeling “I need to go down now” lol. Have to learn to chill longer 🤷♀️ For me it is the fear of getting caught hiking down in the dark, especially if I’m alone (which I hate but….) Thank you for sharing….always enjoy your videos!
This one was on my list a long time and I didn't know if I'd ever get it. But it turned out to be just fine and I think the cool air helped me feel energized. I also have the darkness avoidance mindset. I feel ready to do my first sunrise hike but it's still this idea sitting on the plate, not yet done!
In the elbow season now we have to prepare for both cold and darkness. I carry 2 headlamps in case 1 fails. I had a headlight fail on a winter night on a small mt. hike. I also carry an oversized bivysac on winter hikes that I can get into while fully clothed with jacket and all. They are light safety gear and it lives at the bottom of my pack just in case.
Good tips. Learning about winter day hike safety gear is partly what led me to backpacking, because it seemed like you should sort of have this stuff all the time... so why not enjoy using it and stay the night! I have one of those bivysacs also but sometimes forget to throw it in the pack. But I figure the foam mat is good because if you had to sit or lay down for a while, you would surely want that foam mat. Nowadays I think not only about saving myself but possibly helping if I saw somebody else dealing with injury and the possible need for rescue.
What a beautiful video! The hike up Mount Chocorua looks stunning, especially with the crisp November skies and rocky summit views. The Champney Falls Trail seems like a rewarding challenge, and that summit scramble looked like quite the adventure. Loved how the video captured the serene woods and open mountain scenery so vividly.
Thank you for such a nice comment. I enjoyed making the video because although I had heard about this mountain so so so so many time, I had never seen footage of the top part. So it was really fun to discover it and video it as I went.
" Hello" from the "Percy" guy. I'm looking forward to hiking this special peak, but it won't be until next year. Keep up the good work and even better video segments!
Thanks. It's a cool mountain. One of my favorite things about it is that the old cabin blew off even though it was chained to the rock! Can you imagine!?
Great vid....yes eat more! Awesome that you recognize when you're a tad off. So many others get into trouble when they try to tough it out. And warm lunchs are the bomb. Soup in my Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug. Good to see the recovery is coming along!
That was nice hiking from the comfort of my dinning room table, I have been wanting to get up there and do some hiking but have jut been too busy. Thank you Rachel.
When I used to keep track of such things, one of the best days of my life was spent climbing Chocorua (I have to reserve the best for the first time climbing Katahdin). Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks. Yes, such a great place. There are other trails in this area, too. I might come again someday because I want to sleep at the Jim Liberty Cabin.
Chocorua is one of my favorites. It seems so much bigger and intimidating than it is. The summit looks so big from a distance, but it's surprisingly small when you get there and there's definitely some spicy parts for those of us who are afraid of heights. I took the same route as you but I did check out the falls which were pretty underwhelming when I was there. Just a trickle of water. Thanks for the video.
OK you must go to that waterfall in winter!!! I will try to go this winter and make a video. On a good day it is a magical, sparkling, white, winter wonderland of ice. Even better when the spunky, ice climbers are there.
EXCELLENT view of Mt Washington !!! And you've now conquered ANOTHER summit Rachel ..... 👌👍👍👍👍👍 Awesome scenery, COOL temps, So maybe plan a Hot drink to keep your core-temp "up" .... ?? "Thank you" for videoing this recent adventure 😉👌
Yes, thanks. Yes on the hot drink. That was my plan, as I had my cook stove in my backpack (and extra water). When I camp, I feel like I have all the time in the world to enjoy cooking and eating. But these day hikes make me a frantic on the timing. I will keep doing them and figure it out.
@@RachelWhelton You are "always" well prepared !! And yes, with the "now" shorter hours of daylight, time spent on a trail is more limited .... (especially as one "descends" between the mountains .... 🙂
Yes, right? That stillness is like one of those zen ringing chime bowls, whatever they are called.... You find yourself standing very still and feeling your own breathing as time slows down.
Great video, Rachel! I grew up spending every summer on Chocorua lake, and climbed the mountain many times, but I’ve never done the Champney Falls for some reason. I’ve done the Piper, Brook trail, Liberty Trail, Bee Line trail, and even an old “lost” trail called the Skull Cairn trail that you’d only find on an old map.
Wow. That's amazing. Sounds like you took the exciting trails as a priority, which makes me think of why I am always on Valley Way instead of Airline. Maybe next summer I will finally go on Airline Trail.
What a fantastic video! Hiking is such an almost cathartic experience, its like you are never quite the same person at the end of the trail as the one that started. Thanks for this.
Yeah, that is true. I was sort of grouchy the day before but the day after this hike I was cleansed of all grumpiness. I couldn't even remember what was irritating me before. The clarity of mind and attitude lasts about two days and then I start building up the need to get out again. People who live up there and hike twice a week must be very happy.
I love being able to look through the trees without the leaves and see the landscape, I haven’t done that since I lived in the farmhouse at the base of south moat Mountain where are used to ride up as far as I could with my snowmobile or four wheeler and then walk up with a completely different perspective then you get in the summertime, thank you for sharing the trip
Oooh, that would be fun riding up there on a snowmobile. I watch videos from a guy in Scotland. His channel is called "Scotland's Mountains." Their terrain is sometimes similar to ours but no trees so you can see it all. Also they allow drones and camping so he gets some amazing shots!
A beautiful hiking day. That scramble looks more fun than scary (says me from my armchair). We've never gone much beyond the falls, now I wanna. Thanks for the video.
Yes, I can see why people hike this one multiple times. It would build a lot of confidence to experience the shift from trepidation to enthusiasm, like being a kid and going on Space Mountain over and over after you realize there are no harsh loop-dee-loops, ha ha....
That squirrel came up to that log so close to me and didn't flinch while I fumbled with the camera. It was as if he enjoyed my company. The shot was slightly blurred due to darkness in the woods but should have been super crisp because he was so close, like a little pet.
Thanks, Rachel, wonderful hike and your knee is handling that like a boss. Vistas are terrific. Right, you don't want to tucker yourself out and have another slip.
Yes, the idea of getting injured "again" is heavy on my conscious. I think about it often during the hike, questioning, what CAUSED that to happen!? The new boots are a huge help. Other than that I just try to keep alert and focused, never taking a foot placement for grated.
If I'd known you were going to be in the neighborhood, I would have offered you some tea! I live on Page Hill, just at the other end of Lake Chocorua. Nice day for a hike, glad you didn't have our famous wind.
Oh, thanks. Yes, the lack of wind was noticeable and appreciated. You are near all the good stuff up there! After the hike I did some errands in Conway and took the last slice of pizza from Market Basket for a cheap dinner before the drive home.
Great hike! I did it in September and, like you, I had a bit of trouble finding the trail near the top but it all worked out. There are so many trails I want to hike in the Whites that I hardly ever repeat a trail but I would do that one again. I did the Middle Sister trail from the White Ledge campground and it had similar views out plus a great view of Chocorua so I would highly recommend it. Speaking of snacks, my recent favorite has been peanut butter and jelly in a soft oatmeal cookie (I think it’s called Pojos) that I get at Target. Anyway, that was an enjoyable video and it looks like your knee is holding up well so I’m happy for you.
Great comment, thanks! The Middle Sister side has a camp spot up high as well, which was on my list last year but I never got to it. Peanut Butter is awesome. Pojos I have not heard of before - interesting! It's true, there are so many good trails on offer in the WMNF.
Today was my day off and I did adult things instead of hiking and I kind of regret it. Oh well, next time. Instead I will enjoy your adventure! Thanks for taking the time to film it.
This time of year I am extra busy so each week I consider skipping the outing. But then I think about what would be missing if that chapter of the story wasn't there! So I try not to skip too many. I still feel annoyed that I didn't go out for that eclipse... or that solar storm with the northern lights, etc. Luckily we get more chances.
My favorite mountain that I climbed the most times. If you ever decide to do it again try it via Piper to Nickerson ledge to Carter ledge and the Middle Sisters to the top. That way has a lot more exposed ledge hiking.
OK. Good to know. I took Champney because I read it was the easiest way, which I definitely appreciated for my first visit! Liberty Trail also looks appealing.
Your videos are so calming. I miss hiking the White Mountains so much as I view them. I get that same feeling at the summit of every mountain. Instead of relaxing I have the thought I need to go down now. Its so annoying!
Ahhh, I am glad somebody knows what I am talking about with that idea. Sometimes I don't feel it - like if I am going to camp. Maybe it is a natural timing/daylight reaction. Our mind/body knows that something dangerous still lies ahead in the descent. It is better to manage risk in the daylight. But if I am backpacking, the concern shifts to setting up a safe camp. And then it's pretty fun!
I back packed 100 years ago up there. (Feels that long.) I'd like to try it again so Im training over the winter and building out my kit. It will be nice to spend a night up high and feel that peace and quiet in my mind😅
Nice video! Enjoyed it from my chair with a cup of coffee. Dangerous worst food for winter hikes (IMO)...Power Bars...tooth breaking hard as concrete when they freeze. In winter I want carbs on my hike. Choc. Chip Cookies, Packaged plain donuts, Oreo Cookies and Cheese.
This is great input on the snacks issue! It sure is fun to eat food in the wild. I'll enjoy figuring out what works for me. I felt dumb that I carried my stove and extra water up there to make coffee and then didn't make it!
Nice vid.. yes my vote would be find a spot out of the wind and break out the small stove.. ramen noodles warm would be good just add water, or mini can of beefaroni whatever you like.. you had a nice day for it and did a safe hike. Warm socks, gloves, insulate your head with a good hat. My fav for hiking is an under-armour synthetic hat the thing is amazing. the right gear makes you more comfortable.
Ah, yes, right on point here with very true advice. I had the socks and gloves and hat, (and other layers) but was experimenting with releasing heat to stay spry. Turns out I went too far to the cold side, especially with those leggings and the cold noodles. The bright side is that doing it a little bit wrong makes it more clear, whereas deciding what to bring while you are still at home in a warm house can be confusing.
@@RachelWhelton I agree.. comes with experience. Experiment with what to bring on smaller hikes in same weather conditions is what i did. But i have goofed too, one time hiking up and discovering my instep crampons were still back in my truck hiding under something out of sight..thought I had packed them. Thankfully minimal falling but ut was a lesson. And I always take hand and tow warmers in cold weather now. Happy hiking!
WOW - have never seen that parking lot with no other cars. Love those all-stone sidewalks looking trails as well (if they aren’t wet or icy). Never knew about the bad weather loop. Might be a nice option anytime as the piper trail can get a bit scary with all the rock and ledges. Congrats! Now you have a 52WAV summit knocked off your list. Middle Sister off one of those intersections (on 52WAV) has great views as well including Mt. Chocorua. And it has an old stone foundation from a prior tower too. Like you, I found the blazes on the rocky top to the summit to be lacking on blazes so followed others. Coming down the first part from the summit was the scariest part for me. Was happy when it was done. If you want a cheap way to know all the mountains you’re looking at, get the Peak Finder app for your phone (about $5, one time purchase). Works when your phone is in airplane mode. Even works with your camera and imprints on the diagram or pic the mountain name and elevation.
I had the Peak Finder app and then deleted it when my phone said it was giving my info all over the place. Maybe if you pay the money, they don't do that. I'll have to check the settings and maybe give it another try. As for the 52 WAV, I should have a look at the list and clean up my notes on that because I've hiked many of them over the years but not written it all down. I guess I made videos on most of my hikes. They sure are good mountains, no less enjoyable than the 48. Oh and the parking lot - I know what you mean! Also my memory of that parking lot is with snow mounded up so high that you can't even see the parking lot without driving in there. It was weird to see it so flat and dry.
@@RachelWhelton I never got that message. So must be if you buy it, they don't bother you. I really like the app, I use it on every hike and often show it to others struggling with naming peaks. Used it to tag all my NH42 and 52WAV, as once you’re on the peak, you can turn on the camera and take a pic and it tags the mountain name and elevation. The only "feature" I don't like is in the middle of a hike while on airplane mode it sometimes asks "do you want to download the latest maps?". Like there's WIFI in the middle of most the White Mountains (unless you’re near the Mt. Washington cell towers". Enjoy all your videos!
Thank you for sharing your hikes by video. Your photography is top notch, enjoyable. When you mentioned how much you would have enjoyed hot coffee, I wondered if you have tried the chocolate LMNT flavors that can be enjoyed hot? They provide the warmth, flavor and electrolytes all in one. I mix them with warm water or actually can be added to your warm coffee at home in a thermos to have on the hike. Happy trails.
Driving north in 89 early you can sometimes get an alpine glow. There used to be a wooden 360° stool uo there? Also, got car broken into once in parking lot a long time ago. Thieves were using walkie talkies. Police said that was common. Take all valuables...
The Liberty Trail was going to be my first choice but I decided to go as easy on my body as possible. But I'd like to go back for the Liberty Trail and the cabin!
It's like a strange and eerie pull, luring you to the edge of death and asking you to stop and save yourself! That's why you know how good it is to be alive!
No, that whole area has a camping ban except for very certain areas such as the Jim Liberty Cabin or the shelter over near Middle Sister. I would like to camp in one of those places someday.
Short cuts that take twice as long. I get it! I have been thinking about bushwhacking opportunities and going through the mental side of it, preparing for ways to feel safe even when off the beaten path. Interesting that you are a natural and instinctive path finder.
@@RachelWhelton 10 years with Search & Rescue I developed a cocky attitude. OK I was always Cocky.! You might consider joining a local team, they train you for free, Navigation, Wilderness Medical, Mountain Rescue and so forth. We had to run 4 miles w/ a 40lb pack in under 40 minutes, I usually did 35 minutes and this was on varying trail and 200 ft hills each year to re-qualify... Easy Peasy If I ever got lost and my team had to rescue me I'd never hear the end of it, so I would "DIE" first...! Hew Hampshire and western New York have unexpected terrain, very appealing.
Thank you for allowing us to join you on your trips! You bring a sense of peace and kindness naturally…stay safe and healthy always.
Thanks, it has become a part of the journey for me to make and share the videos.
Sweet! I've done that one. Brought back memories.
I’ve done this hike several times. It’s always satisfying.
It packs a punch!
Another wonderful video. Hope to get this one under my belt in 2025!! I also get that feeling “I need to go down now” lol. Have to learn to chill longer 🤷♀️ For me it is the fear of getting caught hiking down in the dark, especially if I’m alone (which I hate but….)
Thank you for sharing….always enjoy your videos!
This one was on my list a long time and I didn't know if I'd ever get it. But it turned out to be just fine and I think the cool air helped me feel energized. I also have the darkness avoidance mindset. I feel ready to do my first sunrise hike but it's still this idea sitting on the plate, not yet done!
In the elbow season now we have to prepare for both cold and darkness. I carry 2 headlamps in case 1 fails. I had a headlight fail on a winter night on a small mt. hike. I also carry an oversized bivysac on winter hikes that I can get into while fully clothed with jacket and all. They are light safety gear and it lives at the bottom of my pack just in case.
Good tips. Learning about winter day hike safety gear is partly what led me to backpacking, because it seemed like you should sort of have this stuff all the time... so why not enjoy using it and stay the night! I have one of those bivysacs also but sometimes forget to throw it in the pack. But I figure the foam mat is good because if you had to sit or lay down for a while, you would surely want that foam mat. Nowadays I think not only about saving myself but possibly helping if I saw somebody else dealing with injury and the possible need for rescue.
What a beautiful trail. And thanks for CC the hiking tips!
Yes, great area. Lots of history, also. Maybe if I go back, I can include some stories.
@@RachelWhelton Thanks. I , for one, shall be looking forward to the stories.
Very beautiful mountain and nature. 😊
What a beautiful video! The hike up Mount Chocorua looks stunning, especially with the crisp November skies and rocky summit views. The Champney Falls Trail seems like a rewarding challenge, and that summit scramble looked like quite the adventure. Loved how the video captured the serene woods and open mountain scenery so vividly.
Thank you for such a nice comment. I enjoyed making the video because although I had heard about this mountain so so so so many time, I had never seen footage of the top part. So it was really fun to discover it and video it as I went.
" Hello" from the "Percy" guy. I'm looking forward to hiking this special peak, but it won't be until next year. Keep up the good work and even better video segments!
Thanks. It's a cool mountain. One of my favorite things about it is that the old cabin blew off even though it was chained to the rock! Can you imagine!?
Great vid....yes eat more! Awesome that you recognize when you're a tad off. So many others get into trouble when they try to tough it out. And warm lunchs are the bomb. Soup in my Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug. Good to see the recovery is coming along!
Thanks Garvin! Soup sounds good. Easy to eat.
That was nice hiking from the comfort of my dinning room table, I have been wanting to get up there and do some hiking but have jut been too busy. Thank you Rachel.
Perfect, that is one of the good uses for UA-cam, to let people sample these experiences.
When I used to keep track of such things, one of the best days of my life was spent climbing Chocorua (I have to reserve the best for the first time climbing Katahdin). Thanks for the reminder!
One of the reasons I climbed up there to Chocorua was to prepare for Katahdin!
Very beautiful trail. Thanks for sharing. 👍27
Thanks. Yes, such a great place. There are other trails in this area, too. I might come again someday because I want to sleep at the Jim Liberty Cabin.
Just subscribed 👍
New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks!
Chocorua is one of my favorites. It seems so much bigger and intimidating than it is. The summit looks so big from a distance, but it's surprisingly small when you get there and there's definitely some spicy parts for those of us who are afraid of heights. I took the same route as you but I did check out the falls which were pretty underwhelming when I was there. Just a trickle of water. Thanks for the video.
OK you must go to that waterfall in winter!!! I will try to go this winter and make a video. On a good day it is a magical, sparkling, white, winter wonderland of ice. Even better when the spunky, ice climbers are there.
I have done it twice this year, its a wonderful experience. the summit is a bit hard to follow glad it was calm. thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it! I can understand why this is on the favorites list for many hikers.
EXCELLENT view of Mt Washington !!! And you've now conquered ANOTHER summit Rachel ..... 👌👍👍👍👍👍 Awesome scenery, COOL temps, So maybe plan a Hot drink to keep your core-temp "up" .... ?? "Thank you" for videoing this recent adventure 😉👌
Yes, thanks. Yes on the hot drink. That was my plan, as I had my cook stove in my backpack (and extra water). When I camp, I feel like I have all the time in the world to enjoy cooking and eating. But these day hikes make me a frantic on the timing. I will keep doing them and figure it out.
@@RachelWhelton You are "always" well prepared !! And yes, with the "now" shorter hours of daylight, time spent on a trail is more limited .... (especially as one "descends" between the mountains .... 🙂
beautiful!...stillness is good medicine indeed!
Yes, right? That stillness is like one of those zen ringing chime bowls, whatever they are called.... You find yourself standing very still and feeling your own breathing as time slows down.
Thanks for sharing, your videos are excellent.
Thanks. It's fun to make the videos and I appreciate the nice comment.
Great video, Rachel! I grew up spending every summer on Chocorua lake, and climbed the mountain many times, but I’ve never done the Champney Falls for some reason. I’ve done the Piper, Brook trail, Liberty Trail, Bee Line trail, and even an old “lost” trail called the Skull Cairn trail that you’d only find on an old map.
Wow. That's amazing. Sounds like you took the exciting trails as a priority, which makes me think of why I am always on Valley Way instead of Airline. Maybe next summer I will finally go on Airline Trail.
What a fantastic video! Hiking is such an almost cathartic experience, its like you are never quite the same person at the end of the trail as the one that started. Thanks for this.
Yeah, that is true. I was sort of grouchy the day before but the day after this hike I was cleansed of all grumpiness. I couldn't even remember what was irritating me before. The clarity of mind and attitude lasts about two days and then I start building up the need to get out again. People who live up there and hike twice a week must be very happy.
I love being able to look through the trees without the leaves and see the landscape, I haven’t done that since I lived in the farmhouse at the base of south moat Mountain where are used to ride up as far as I could with my snowmobile or four wheeler and then walk up with a completely different perspective then you get in the summertime, thank you for sharing the trip
Oooh, that would be fun riding up there on a snowmobile. I watch videos from a guy in Scotland. His channel is called "Scotland's Mountains." Their terrain is sometimes similar to ours but no trees so you can see it all. Also they allow drones and camping so he gets some amazing shots!
A beautiful hiking day. That scramble looks more fun than scary (says me from my armchair). We've never gone much beyond the falls, now I wanna. Thanks for the video.
Yes, I can see why people hike this one multiple times. It would build a lot of confidence to experience the shift from trepidation to enthusiasm, like being a kid and going on Space Mountain over and over after you realize there are no harsh loop-dee-loops, ha ha....
Wow! Beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your hike! 😊
Thanks, my pleasure. Making the video is part of the hike for me, very fun to see it all over again when editing it the next day.
Western Nebraska here again, I had no idea New Hampshire had such beautiful mountains! Really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to the next!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks.
The views from the mountain are magnificent! 🗻
15:55 The squirrel also sat down nicely for a snack! 🐿️
That squirrel came up to that log so close to me and didn't flinch while I fumbled with the camera. It was as if he enjoyed my company. The shot was slightly blurred due to darkness in the woods but should have been super crisp because he was so close, like a little pet.
Thanks, Rachel, wonderful hike and your knee is handling that like a boss. Vistas are terrific. Right, you don't want to tucker yourself out and have another slip.
Yes, the idea of getting injured "again" is heavy on my conscious. I think about it often during the hike, questioning, what CAUSED that to happen!? The new boots are a huge help. Other than that I just try to keep alert and focused, never taking a foot placement for grated.
@@RachelWhelton I sure like the sound of those boots. Wet roots scare the Dicken's out of me even in my heavy hiking boots. Right on!
If I'd known you were going to be in the neighborhood, I would have offered you some tea! I live on Page Hill, just at the other end of Lake Chocorua. Nice day for a hike, glad you didn't have our famous wind.
Oh, thanks. Yes, the lack of wind was noticeable and appreciated. You are near all the good stuff up there! After the hike I did some errands in Conway and took the last slice of pizza from Market Basket for a cheap dinner before the drive home.
Love this! Thank you Rachel! Coming up for Thanksgiving!! My favorite annual trip to visit my family….❤️🥾🥾🍂🍁⛺️
Oh good, that is nice of your family to live in such a beautiful place so you can have the holiday time and also see some nature.
Great hike! I did it in September and, like you, I had a bit of trouble finding the trail near the top but it all worked out. There are so many trails I want to hike in the Whites that I hardly ever repeat a trail but I would do that one again. I did the Middle Sister trail from the White Ledge campground and it had similar views out plus a great view of Chocorua so I would highly recommend it. Speaking of snacks, my recent favorite has been peanut butter and jelly in a soft oatmeal cookie (I think it’s called Pojos) that I get at Target. Anyway, that was an enjoyable video and it looks like your knee is holding up well so I’m happy for you.
Great comment, thanks! The Middle Sister side has a camp spot up high as well, which was on my list last year but I never got to it. Peanut Butter is awesome. Pojos I have not heard of before - interesting! It's true, there are so many good trails on offer in the WMNF.
Today was my day off and I did adult things instead of hiking and I kind of regret it. Oh well, next time. Instead I will enjoy your adventure! Thanks for taking the time to film it.
This time of year I am extra busy so each week I consider skipping the outing. But then I think about what would be missing if that chapter of the story wasn't there! So I try not to skip too many. I still feel annoyed that I didn't go out for that eclipse... or that solar storm with the northern lights, etc. Luckily we get more chances.
My favorite mountain that I climbed the most times. If you ever decide to do it again try it via Piper to Nickerson ledge to Carter ledge and the Middle Sisters to the top. That way has a lot more exposed ledge hiking.
OK. Good to know. I took Champney because I read it was the easiest way, which I definitely appreciated for my first visit! Liberty Trail also looks appealing.
Your videos are so calming. I miss hiking the White Mountains so much as I view them. I get that same feeling at the summit of every mountain. Instead of relaxing I have the thought I need to go down now. Its so annoying!
Ahhh, I am glad somebody knows what I am talking about with that idea. Sometimes I don't feel it - like if I am going to camp. Maybe it is a natural timing/daylight reaction. Our mind/body knows that something dangerous still lies ahead in the descent. It is better to manage risk in the daylight. But if I am backpacking, the concern shifts to setting up a safe camp. And then it's pretty fun!
I back packed 100 years ago up there. (Feels that long.) I'd like to try it again so Im training over the winter and building out my kit. It will be nice to spend a night up high and feel that peace and quiet in my mind😅
Nice video! Enjoyed it from my chair with a cup of coffee. Dangerous worst food for winter hikes (IMO)...Power Bars...tooth breaking hard as concrete when they freeze. In winter I want carbs on my hike. Choc. Chip Cookies, Packaged plain donuts, Oreo Cookies and Cheese.
This is great input on the snacks issue! It sure is fun to eat food in the wild. I'll enjoy figuring out what works for me. I felt dumb that I carried my stove and extra water up there to make coffee and then didn't make it!
Nice vid.. yes my vote would be find a spot out of the wind and break out the small stove.. ramen noodles warm would be good just add water, or mini can of beefaroni whatever you like.. you had a nice day for it and did a safe hike. Warm socks, gloves, insulate your head with a good hat. My fav for hiking is an under-armour synthetic hat the thing is amazing. the right gear makes you more comfortable.
Ah, yes, right on point here with very true advice. I had the socks and gloves and hat, (and other layers) but was experimenting with releasing heat to stay spry. Turns out I went too far to the cold side, especially with those leggings and the cold noodles. The bright side is that doing it a little bit wrong makes it more clear, whereas deciding what to bring while you are still at home in a warm house can be confusing.
@@RachelWhelton I agree.. comes with experience. Experiment with what to bring on smaller hikes in same weather conditions is what i did. But i have goofed too, one time hiking up and discovering my instep crampons were still back in my truck hiding under something out of sight..thought I had packed them. Thankfully minimal falling but ut was a lesson. And I always take hand and tow warmers in cold weather now. Happy hiking!
WOW - have never seen that parking lot with no other cars.
Love those all-stone sidewalks looking trails as well (if they aren’t wet or icy).
Never knew about the bad weather loop. Might be a nice option anytime as the piper trail can get a bit scary with all the rock and ledges.
Congrats! Now you have a 52WAV summit knocked off your list. Middle Sister off one of those intersections (on 52WAV) has great views as well including Mt. Chocorua. And it has an old stone foundation from a prior tower too. Like you, I found the blazes on the rocky top to the summit to be lacking on blazes so followed others.
Coming down the first part from the summit was the scariest part for me. Was happy when it was done.
If you want a cheap way to know all the mountains you’re looking at, get the Peak Finder app for your phone (about $5, one time purchase). Works when your phone is in airplane mode. Even works with your camera and imprints on the diagram or pic the mountain name and elevation.
I had the Peak Finder app and then deleted it when my phone said it was giving my info all over the place. Maybe if you pay the money, they don't do that. I'll have to check the settings and maybe give it another try. As for the 52 WAV, I should have a look at the list and clean up my notes on that because I've hiked many of them over the years but not written it all down. I guess I made videos on most of my hikes. They sure are good mountains, no less enjoyable than the 48. Oh and the parking lot - I know what you mean! Also my memory of that parking lot is with snow mounded up so high that you can't even see the parking lot without driving in there. It was weird to see it so flat and dry.
@@RachelWhelton I never got that message. So must be if you buy it, they don't bother you. I really like the app, I use it on every hike and often show it to others struggling with naming peaks. Used it to tag all my NH42 and 52WAV, as once you’re on the peak, you can turn on the camera and take a pic and it tags the mountain name and elevation. The only "feature" I don't like is in the middle of a hike while on airplane mode it sometimes asks "do you want to download the latest maps?". Like there's WIFI in the middle of most the White Mountains (unless you’re near the Mt. Washington cell towers". Enjoy all your videos!
Thank you for sharing your hikes by video. Your photography is top notch, enjoyable. When you mentioned how much you would have enjoyed hot coffee, I wondered if you have tried the chocolate LMNT flavors that can be enjoyed hot? They provide the warmth, flavor and electrolytes all in one. I mix them with warm water or actually can be added to your warm coffee at home in a thermos to have on the hike. Happy trails.
I haven't tried LMNT yet but I saw Taylor the NH Hiker likes them a lot, which inspired me to want to taste it. The thermos is very nice to have.
Driving north in 89 early you can sometimes get an alpine glow. There used to be a wooden 360° stool uo there? Also, got car broken into once in parking lot a long time ago. Thieves were using walkie talkies. Police said that was common. Take all valuables...
I didn't see the wooden stool up there. Maybe it blew off in the wind!
That was fun. New sub
Hooray - thanks!
Climbed Chocorua many times….usually from the Liberty trail…always watch the weather as the summit can be very slippery when wet
The Liberty Trail was going to be my first choice but I decided to go as easy on my body as possible. But I'd like to go back for the Liberty Trail and the cabin!
@9:05 me on any mountain hike hahaha
It's like a strange and eerie pull, luring you to the edge of death and asking you to stop and save yourself! That's why you know how good it is to be alive!
HI did you camp up there ?
No, that whole area has a camping ban except for very certain areas such as the Jim Liberty Cabin or the shelter over near Middle Sister. I would like to camp in one of those places someday.
Sorry i pushed the wrong tumb
I break all the rules cause I can't stick to the trails, I made my own way, I call them my short cuts that take twice as long.
Short cuts that take twice as long. I get it! I have been thinking about bushwhacking opportunities and going through the mental side of it, preparing for ways to feel safe even when off the beaten path. Interesting that you are a natural and instinctive path finder.
@@RachelWhelton
10 years with Search & Rescue I developed a cocky attitude. OK I was always Cocky.!
You might consider joining a local team, they train you for free, Navigation, Wilderness Medical, Mountain Rescue and so forth.
We had to run 4 miles w/ a 40lb pack in under 40 minutes, I usually did 35 minutes and this was on varying trail and 200 ft hills each year to re-qualify... Easy Peasy
If I ever got lost and my team had to rescue me I'd never hear the end of it, so I would "DIE" first...!
Hew Hampshire and western New York have unexpected terrain, very appealing.