Flags on the 48 Trip report.

“On Saturday September 14th, over 100 pople (my estimate) worked together to fly the flag of the USA over all 48 official 4,000+ ft. peaks in New Hampshire. This brought together people from all over New England - folks from many walks of life and many different political leanings, connected by our love of the this country, of the mountains and our feelings about the events of 9/11/01 (http://flags.alpinezone.com/ " target="_blank"> see the mission statement

MadRiver, a great guy who posts here from time to time and who hosted a few of his fellow TT'ers for a hike last year was involved in planning, organizing and promoting the event.

I volunteered to fly a flag from one of the peaks (North Hancock), hoping my sons and girl friend would come too. Everybody backed out on me (except my dog, who didn't have a say in the matter) - but I was enthusiastic about going out. It was great weather for hiking (cool, but not so cool that I'd be uncomfortable hanging out with the Flag from 12 - 2pm at the peak).

I planned to hike the traditional route for the Hancocks, which is 9.5 miles + .6 miles to get from the nearest legal parking space to the trail. A more convenient parking area was closed due to construction. I was surprised at how fast I was moving along the Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook trails (perhaps thanks to wearing trail runners instead of boots - see my post on the "NB 805 worked for me" thread?). We were way ahead of schedule when we reached the Hancock Loop trail, so I decided to head up the Cedar brook trail for a mile or so and turn back, rather than head straight up the Hancock loop trail and sit around and wait somewhere. I wanted to get in a few more miles for the day and I also figured that my dog would be more patient on the summit if I tired her out a little.

On my way up the Loop trail, I caught up with a gentleman I'd talked with briefly on my way up the Notch rail. He asked me how I'd managed to get behind him again and I explained what I was up to and why I'd gone up the other trail a ways. He turned out to be a really interesting guy and a nice person. Since I was still ahead of schedule, I hiked up to North Hancock with him. When we got to the peak, it was a little harder setting up the Flag than I'd thought. I'd planned to duct tape my hiking poles together to make a flag pole and to attach it to one of the dead trees at the summit. Unfortunately, this couldn't be done withot the wind whipping the flag into other trees. With help from the guy I'd summitted with, I attached a good piece of wood (it looked like a make shift hiking pole someone had discarded) to the end of my pole so that I could raise the flag far enough above the other tree tops to ensure that it could not hit the other trees.

My dog and I sat, ate and drank from about 12 to around 2:20. A lot of hikers stopped to talk. People were very enthusiastic about the the flag project and amazed that all 48 peaks had flags flying. People were also pretty amazed by how well mannered my dog was.

I had such a good time, I left the peak late - I felt tempted to hang around for a while longer. Everyone in the Flags project was committed to following "Leave No Trace" principles. I went one step further by carrying away some trash I found on the summit and along the trail during my return trip.

I completed the loop trail and then headed back the way I'd come. After changing into some presentable clothes, I dropped by the Woodstock Inn to meet some of the other Flags on the 48 hikers. I enjoyed the good beer, good chow and the good folks there who had been on the other peaks ("Hey North Hancock meet South Hancock!" "We're Moosilauke, and this is "Eisenhower").

Anyway, it was a wonderful thing to be a part of.

For the Flags on the 48 trail report thread (with links to some pics) check out http://alpinezone.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1233#1233/ " target="_blank"> trip reports and pics . I didn't take pics, my good camera (with the zoom) looks like it died. It was hazy enough that I could only see two other flags (Carrigan and South Hancock).”

“This was a great idea. Thanks for the report ped, and thanks for taking the time.”

“oh, what a good trip report. that sounds like a wonderful way to spend a weekend and commorate 9/11. congratulations!”

“Ped - thanks for doing that. And, telling us about it.

I did that trail last summer and really enjoyed it! Gorgeous views.”

“A special thanks from Geezr & Weezr to everyone who participated in this event. You're indeed special people.”

“Wow, that must be a wonderful feeling to be a part of that. Thanks for sharing Ped. Great report as well.”

“Ped, that sound like a really unique way to spend the day and to commemorate our recent past. I woulda loved to be a bird that could fly over the area to see them all. Thanks!”

“Thanks Bit, Lyra, Geezr (&weezr), Tara and Pennsy for the kind words.

It was pretty cool that Pathman responded to hearing about the plan by doing his own commemorative hike in New Mexico, too!”

“Thanks, Ped. Not only a great trip report, but a great trip.”

“Birch I just missed your post. Having seen you around TT over the past couple years, I know there was no double meaning in your comment about being a bird and flying over (lol!).

It would have been great if there had been a chopper taking photos.”

“LOL ped”

“Hey we got some press:

http://www4.fosters.com/news2002/sept_02/sept15_02/news/nh0915c.asp" target="_blank"> Foster's Sunday Citizen ”