a few questions on the upcoming hike....

[Brad]

Thanks Mary. We've been up it before just not this early in the season. This is an "easy hike" to start training for STP. Not easy for me but just an afternoon walk for my sister and her husband (Tim&Val). It's a start for me.

Ah, so you are connected to Tim & Val! Or was that Val & Tim?

STP will happen for me. I am in Maine now - back to NC this coming weekend. Then will be back in Maine for Memorial Day weekend - mid-June to get the docks in - 4th of July week - then STP. It would be nice to get one additional summit attempt in before STP. Then another climb in August or Labor Day weekend would really cap off a good summer. 2 climbs in a summer is good. 3 climbs is wonderful.

[BlueDog]

gas prices wont stop us but we hiked mt monadnock in jaffrey saturday and a ranger there was saying how many cancellations theyve had for the camp ground this year.....mostly due to gas prices....pretty sad and i wondered how it would possibly effect others for this trip....

For me personally, I had such an incredible time last year that STP is a go no matter how high the gas prices are. However, I am budgeting other things around in order to compensate. Not so many races or hiking trips that are a further drive away.

I'm also planning on making the most out of the gas I use to get up there from VA (a good 10+ hour drive) by spending more then just the 2 1/2 days I did last year. My hiking buddy and I are going to take a few extra days and get a good 2 more days of hiking in before/after STP.

That area of NH is on the very short list of my favorite place in the country, so this is going to be my vacation.

[MeridenFF]

I get your point. It would help considerably. However, forum posts and virtual tours of Mt. Washington don't cut it for me. I love the Mt. too much and enjoy the comradarie of fellow hikers. Bill O is right. Gas prices be damned, I'm still there. I'll quit drinking beer in June if I have to. And that aint easy!! Right MeridenFF?

Geez if you quit drinking beer you will certainly save enough money for the gas to get there and back. I on the other hand will work more OT for the money to buy gas and beer. Also, if you quit drinking that doesn't mean you don't have to carry my beer to the top when I win the bet.

[Steve M]

Well, you guys don't have to bring me any beer. Since I will be working I can't drink it...at least until I come down.

[Great Guinness Ghost]

Well, you guys don't have to bring me any beer. Since I will be working I can't drink it...at least until I come down.

I'll see to it that MeridenFF saves you one!

[mtruman]

What if no one physically participated in STP and just donated the dollar amount that would be spent on their trip to the area to participate, gas money, hotel/campground fees, meals, etc.

The amount would for sure be greater than what we raise. Not to mention the amount saved on goodie bags, T-shirts, after hike party and any other non donated goods. I know, I know...I'm no fun!

We'd probably end up with more funds overall, but I think that those getting a lot of pledges would have a harder time if they weren't doing something (like hiking up the mountain) to show their committment for those who are supporting them. Interesting idea though. Problem is, I'd still need to go and do the hike no matter what...

[mtruman]

hi debi....monadnock is a great hike....off the top of my head i think its something like 3100 feet....its only a couple of hours from where we are so its easy to just go for a saturday and come back home....the views as most are....are amazing....i think anyone who hiked it would have a great time and really enjoy the day....

I agree - Monadnock is probably the best mountain hike for those in southern NE (CT, MA, RI). It's two hours from us in central RI and an easy drive. We've done it at least twice each year the last couple of years. The only down side is the crowds. The claim is that this is the most hiked mountain in the world - recently taking that "honor" from Mt Fuji. While there isn't any way to avoid the crowds on the summit (at least from late Spring to mid Fall) most people go up and down via just a couple of trails (white dot, white cross). If you avoid those trails it can be a reasonably solitary hike until near the summit and I like some of the other trails even better. My favorite is the Spellman which is supposed to be the hardest route (although it pales in comparison to anything even moderately tough in the Whites). Hoping to get up there for our first mountain of the season in the next week or so.

A couple of other really good "training hikes" for the southern NE'ers are Blue Hills Reservation (Skyline Trail) and Middlesex Fells (Rock Circuit Loop and Skyline Trail). Both are close to Boston and easily accessible. Info here: http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/strenuous.html and http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/strenuous2.html
Both have nice rocky trails with lots of ups and downs for good total elevation gain.

[KD Talbot]

Not drink as a summit volunteer? As one famous observer told me when I got there for my first week, "I'd be insulted if you didn't!" Plan on having a few, Steve, especially if I'm with you!

KDT

[Rich]

But, Steve will be the only one not on the clock...... "I drink alone!"

[Steve M]

Not drink as a summit volunteer? As one famous observer told me when I got there for my first week, "I'd be insulted if you didn't!" Plan on having a few, Steve, especially if I'm with you!

KDT

Will I need a bottle opener or are they twist offs???