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Advice
I'm an intermediate hiker, but haven't done any SERIOUS hiking. Next summer I plan to do some hiking in the Whites, including Mt. Washington. I have read the thread "Whats in your pack" and read the responses. But, I was wondering if anyone had any advice about anything involving the Whites. I'm aware of being more than prepared for changing weather, but other than that, any advice? Where can I get good detailed maps? Thanks for any help.
Registered User
Go to the MWO giftshop online and get the AMC White Mountain Guide book. It's a great resource with 4 trail maps of the Whites. Actually here's the link:Originally Posted by Scott Provost
http://www.mountwashington.org/store...ex&cPath=6_7_9
If you get it here your purchase will benefit the Observatory!
Steve
Is there really any BAD weather???
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The AMC White Mountain Guide is a must have, but this you probably already know/have. If not any purchases made thru this website benefit the Observatory.
That being said great books and advice can be found at the Mountain Wanderer in Lincoln right on Rt. 112, the Kanc, Steve Smith being the shopkeeper is an indefinite volume of knowledge.
There is also a vast amount of experience here, just post a question about your route, when you're going, etc.
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I would say that the best map that I've found to date is the "White Mountain Trail Map" by Map Adventures. It offers a couple of helpful insets in areas of numerous junctions, very up to date trail names, mileage between "benchmarks" such as trail junctions or points of interest, and most slick of all, a waterproof coating!
Along with a map, you just need to get out there and experience it. If you plan to go with someone (highly suggested...company in the woods is good when you're starting off), tackle something slighlty more ambitious than you would going alone. Since you technically don't know your limits yet, you need to find them, so don't be ashamed to turn back or shorten your route plan. And as always, ALWAYS leave your trip details with a friend, family member, etc. This should include your exact planned route of travel, time you expect to be back, and any other important details about what you're planning.
Definitely check out what kinds of books you can buy through this site, too, as the proceeds benefit the OBS. Reading about the trails, mountains, history of the area, even the mishaps (as detailed in books like "Not Without Peril, by HOWE) can be very enlightening...careful, you'll get obsessed like a certain someone did some time ago...
Matthew I. Stearns
NH Native
Registered User
Thanks for the help. Cant wait to get started, well, after the snowboarding anyways. Im in fairly decent shape, so I'm not too worried about limits, although I should still be aware of them. But I'll be sure to post future endevours for more info.
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Don't forget to come back and post a trip report and some pics.
Steve
Is there really any BAD weather???
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Definitely will. I need to start using my toy (Minolta D7 DSLR) a little more anyways.
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It adds a ton of weight to my pack, but I ALMOST always pack my camera, too...
...Scott, do you live in NH? Either way, do you ride mostly at any particular ski mountain, or do you do mostly backcountry?
Matthew I. Stearns
NH Native
Registered User
I actually live in Ma., but I ride mostly in Vermont (Stratton, Okemo). I usualy make a few trips to Mount Sunapee every year though. A camera is a must. when I ride just keep my point and shoot with me, but when I hike I keep my DSLR close.
Registered User
I agree, the AMC guidebook is required baggage. But also with the map bring and know how to use a compass.
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