Someone said, "go take a hike!"

...and, so we did. Pat and I, at the request of our Great Niece Ashley, headed for Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH. Ashley has become extremely interested in mountain climbing so when she was looking for someone to hike with I was eager to put my boots on one more time. The last time I climbed Mt. Monadnock was back in the '70's. Out of shape and a whole lot older I was torn between what my ego and my body were telling me... go, do it, you still got it! ... wait, think this out, your out of shape and your knees have seen better days. Well, I "bit the bullet" and we headed back to see an "old friend," Mt. Monadnock.

I attended Franklin Pierce College in the mid '60's and was introduced to the Mt. by fellow classmates and I was hooked. Hiking Monadnock a number of times tends to endear the climber to a wonderful experience. Monadnock offers all level of climbers the opportunity to both "challenge" their ability or simply enjoy all of the beauty and majesty the mountain has to offer.

Normally shy, Ashley gives the "thumbs up" as we introduced her to the "Cathedral of the Pines" with the picturesque Mt. Monadnock in the background. As you can see Monadnock stands alone and its 3,165' peak is well above the tree line and somewhat rounded.

Pat decided she would pass on the climb and headed back to Ringe for some shopping. Ashley and I headed for the "White Dot" trail... the shortest route to the summit... but also the steepest and rockiest! Hiking with a teenager is most humbling. They can literally run up the mountain and they're nearly on the summit before you notice they're not even breathing hard!

Yours truly needed many more rest stops than Ashley and I really began to pay much more attention to my foot work. Your mind tells you you can do it but the body says "cool it" and pay attention, things don't work like they used to!

We made it to the top and enjoyed the panorama while snacking and talking about our accomplishment. It's said that Monadnock is the second most climbed mountain next to Mt. Fuji. Each time I've sumitted Monadnock it's like a traffic jam of people coming and going on the trails. People of all ages and abilities climb Monadnock. The "White Dot" trail is 1.9 miles and moderately steep with more than enough rocks to maneuver up, over, or around to satisfy most climbers. We returned via the 2.1 mile "White Cross" trail which suited us just fine. Still lots of rocks but an easier descent.

It was a wonderful day. The weather was perfect for the hike. Our trails took us up the leeward side of the mountain so the prevailing wind didn't bother us until the peak. After scanning the panoramic horizon we, like nearly everyone else, sat in the protection of the rocks to enjoy the moment.

You always take away something with you after this type of activity. For me, even though my foggy memories of my youthful agility and stamina toyed with me with each step, I left the mountain with an enormous feeling of satisfaction that I didn't need to be medevacked off the mountain and accomplished what I set out to do. For Ashley, I think the experience only heightened her quest for ever more adventure and deepened her love of life. Ashley is an outstanding climbing partner. Together we made a uniquely wonderful memory that will last a lifetime.

So, the next time someone says, "go take a hike" go for it! It may turn out to be the "time of your life!"