What Not to do in the White Mtns- TR

“ok, MarkO is gone now - you can put the ending up.”

“The pack bounced and slid down the rock face as the belay trailed behind it- the few seconds it took seemed like an eternity as it appeared the pack moved in slow motion as we all feared the outcome.

With the pack was our only belay.

The pack bounced on its end and slid on its front and miraculously stopped at a bush before a cliff. We all exhaled simultaneously.

One guy scrambled to get the pack and threw up the rope to belay more packs down; the girl wouldn't touch the belay again.

Exhaustion became an increasing concern- we were all tired and I felt some cramping. I also found myself constantly needing water as sweat poured out from exertion and nervousness. My legs shook slightly and I concentrated on every move. The girls needed more and more assistance.

Finally we neared the bottom of the headwall and the group was relieved. But one last challenge lay before us- or beneath us. A steep, sloping sheer rock ledge that was smooth with few holds. Furthermore springs ran over it with soil and debris. Beneath this slope was a cliff and a boulder filled ravine with a small stream.

One guy went ahead but got himself in trouble along a slick section; he advised I follow a ledge down. But this sloping ledge wwas tough, it was wet with few holds- and the ledge ended at a cliff. I crammed my body against the ledge and forced my feet into small cracks. I then stretched my legs as wide as possible to reach another foothold with my left foot and slowly brought myself over to the center of the slope. I then scooted down another crack to a ledge.

One of the girls was scared and asked me for help. I re-climbed the slope and guided her down, showing her the holds and the route. I got her down. She was very thankful. Severla of the Canadians were engineers, all were from Montreal. It's odd how lives can cross that you would never expect.

I then jumped across the ravine and onto the boulders. The trail follows huge boulders and I began to pick my way down. I said bye to the Canadians and went ahead since everyone made it down. One boulder shifted and I gashed my shin- another nearly pinned and twisted my ankle. Being tired, it was tough to cross the boulders.

Nearing exhaustion, I got a bite to eat and continued down along a stream into the forest with cascades. The trail was steep, with roots, and was slick. Two stream crossings later I was making progress down the mountain.

The shadows of the forest grew deeper and night was setting in- I was 4 hours late meeting my friend. I descended along Tuckermans Ravine Trail and moved fast- I was on pure adrenalin. I passed Crystal Cascade and reached Pinkham Notch. It was great to shower, even though all my cuts stung.

It was great to make it and overcome fears, but I was also dissapointed to put myself in that position. However, I also realized I really helped the girls down and maybe there was a reason why I came- maybe things would've been different, for better...or worse.
last edited: 6/29/06 2:31:16 PM”

“cool story - thanks!”

“VERY COOL!
Thanks.
Glad everyone made it out ok. Was you partner ready to start looking? He had to be getting concerned after 4 hours.”

“Nice story - good dramatic tension.”

“Wow! Glad you and everyone else was okay.”

“Wow, what a great story Jeff. Save it to put in your 4th book, "The Misadventures of Jmitch."”

“Great story! Harrowing! Scenic! Hot Canadian babes! I laughed, I cried, I cheered.


Seriously though, a really great story jmitch. Looking forward to the next one. Tx.”

“Of course, the last time I was headed down Huntington, I was passed by a group of roller bladers.”

“i honestly thought you were going to say "get nekkid, smother yourself with peanut-butter, and taunt bears", but i was wrong.”

“ok, MarkO is gone now - you can put the ending up.”
Roam Around
2:24:16 PM
6/29/06

Danged if he didn't!

Great adventure!”

“Thanks Jmitch! Excellant telling of the trek. You should save it for your next book!”

“Great trip report. I was on the edge of my seat while I read it.”

“"Severla" is an unusual name, even for a smokin' hot French Canadian chick.


You sure do write purty.”

“What was she wearing??”

“After a year and a half, finally uploaded pics to Webshots, enjoy.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/562189818leZRUG?vhost=outdoors”

“Great pictures, looks like a nice area for hiking.”

“Nice pics. It was fun to revisit the well told story of your adventure.”

“awesome pics”

“Great pics dude! That last one says it all though! That would have been a wicked climb.”

“Pretty place

Interesting the different look of summer over the mnt wash climb in winter

Fine pics. thnx.”

“gorgeous photos, was a nice break for me at work :)”