Looking to get into hiking/mountain climbing

[Water]

Hey everyone!
I am looking to get into hiking this summer of 09' and eventually hit up Mt. Washington to the summit. I am very excited.

I have climbed several mountains in Massachusetts, New Hampshire areas but they were only day trips. They all took between 45 min - 2-3 hours, so nothing too serious.

I am in great shape, train everyday and look forward to the challenge.

Ideally, I would like to start on some smaller mountains in New England area, spend the night in woods, camp out..etc

Once I began doing this, I will keep logs, pictures..etc of my journey's

[UncleFester]

Sounds Awesome, I'm in a similar boat...I've done a few small day hikes but my goal is something more serious like you mentioned.

Happy Trails

[ColdWeatherClimber]

Lots of talent here. You might try the SEARCH function for threads about climbing or mountaineering, and if you need further assistance don't be afraid to ask around.

[BlueDog]

Hmmm... might I suggest a July hike of Mount Washington?!

Before 2 years ago I had never done much hiking at all, and hadn't been camping for over 25 years. My first REAL hike, and first ever summit was MW back in July 07 for this great hike many of us do annually. You'll meet lots of great people, and have plenty of company if you like while on the trail.

Its not camping in the woods, but there are a good number of us that invade a local campground and make a multi-day event out of it.

But I'll give you a warning... there's a spirit of this mountain that will haunt you! After the first time you hike up through the ravine, climb over the rock fields and up the cone to stand on top, it'll stay with you and you won't be able to get it out of your head!

[FisherCat]

But I'll give you a warning... there's a spirit of this mountain that will haunt you! After the first time you hike up through the ravine, climb over the rock fields and up the cone to stand on top, it'll stay with you and you won't be able to get it out of your head!

Its definitely a spirit, but not a haunt, its a freedom! And it will stay with you and take you over. Embrace it.

[Brad]

I have taken many people to the summit of MW in the summer over the years. All said they were in great shape. One was a High School Senior who ended up more like a real senior - had to take the Cog down. The danger signal I missed going up was he was not talking enough about how he was doing and he was struggling more than he wanted to let on. I should have asked and probed more.

Another couple ran 5-8 miles a day on a regular basis - so, they said they were in shape. They did fine but they kept on being amazed at how much harder the climb was than they expected. It was the hardest thing they had ever done. And they said that for them the daily runs was not enough to be in shape for MW.

Others I knew would not make it to the summit or even close. So, we got as far as they could go - enjoyed the day and turned around. They loved it!

The best way of getting into hiking in the Whites is to hike. Start off small and work your way up. You don't always have to summit. You can come back for that later if you want to. MW for most people is a 4+ hour event of climbing irregular stairs - non-stop. It could be 6 hours going up. And some of the steps move when you do not expect it. But be ready to be grabbed by the beauty and power of the mountains - and the weather you find yourself in. You will keep on coming back.

I hike a bit in the NC mountains and it is nothing like being in the Whites. Have lots of fun and be safe.

[Water]

cool! thanks for info

When i train normally, I always sprint uphill, I try to drain both cardiovascular systems as well as muscular endurance. I am enticing my gf to join me on these ventures

[Bill O]

I try to drain both cardiovascular systems...

Both cardiovascular systems?

[Patrad Fischroy]

Both cardiovascular systems?

He's got a lot of heart(s)???

[Brad]

I try to drain both cardiovascular systems as well as muscular endurance.

He might have said "I try to drain both my cardiovascular system as well as muscular endurance" and been a little more accurate. But, we know what he meant. Just a slip of the "s".

I will just make sure I wave as he races up ahead of everyone else. I will stick to my "Charlie pace".