On the cool, crisp morning of October 13th Courtney and I opened our weary eyes before the sun had crested the mountains, to summit our final New Hampshire 4,000 footer – Mt. Carrigain.

Having heard on the trail that Sawyer River road was closed to the Carrigain’s trail head, we planned to hike the extra 2 miles up the road. As we arrived at the road the gate was open leaving the road exposed to the hill side. Little had we known Sawyer River Road was opened the preceding Saturday. This surprise gave Courtney and I a head start on Signal Ride Trail towards the summit, providing us the opportunity to experience the serenity of waking up amongst the mountain. There is something about peacefulness of a mountain can offer as it awakens with the rising sun. As the rays of sunlight break through the birch branches and the crisp orange leaves crinkle under our feet, Courtney and I leave the trail head at 7:10am to complete our challenge of summiting the forty-eight 4,000 footers in two years.

The wooded forest provided a friendly trail that was carpeted with the colors of fall foliage. The trail remained a constant flat for the first 1.7 miles. At the sole trail junction the trail begins to climb at a moderate grade. Courtney and I successfully crossed one small river crossing, that I could consider more of brook. Though, in the spring and at high waters I could see this water way swelling to be a more challenging crossing. There was also one other spot on the trail that we crossed a dry river bed, that again may swell in the wet times of the year.

The trail provided moments of awe and solitude. The white birch, fall foliage, and warm waking sun, with mountain as a back dropped reminded Courtney and I of all the amazing this the White Mountains have provided and taught us. As we continued to climb at a moderate pace the Carrigain began to show off her character. We could hear the whisper of the wind roaring through the neighboring mountains, and rumbling above. The air became crisper and ice was becoming noticeable along the side of the trail. It not soon after a light layer of snow was evident in the cups of the leaves and laying among the needles of the pines trees. Soon again, a dusting and then a half an inch of fresh snow carpeted the forest floor and trees. Courntey and I laid the fresh tracks as we ventured to be the first of the day to summit.

As we broke through the trees Mount Washington and the presidential peaks along side, stole our breath. The morning blue ski lay in the backdrop of the snow-crested mountaintops, illuminating the beauty of the White Mountains. With the fire tower making the summit under a mile away, Courtney and I strided off with excitement and joy to summit a beautiful peak and succeed in finishing the forty-eight.

At 10:30am we walked stride for stride up the steps of the tower to summit at the same time. What a breath taking experience, between the beauty of the 360 degree view, the crisp morning air, the serenity of the vast mountains, and accomplishment of a ambitious challenge among the side of a dear friend who could ask for more.

After some initial celebration Courtney and I bundled up as we cracked open a bottle of wine with some cheese and crackers to picnic on the fire tower in celebration.

An hour later, at 11:30am, when we stood up from our wine and cheese, was the first time we truly felt and understood how cold our bodies had become. We quickly got moving down the mountain, which soon warmed our bodies.

As we ventured down we stopped and talked to a number of hikers. Ironically we came across many hikers that were also summiting their 48th 4,000 footer. We all enjoyed sharing experience and congratulations. The careful hike down, slowed due to slippery snow that had been packed by boots and stopping to share conversation contributed to the joyful experience on the trail.

We made it back to the car at 3:20pm. So I guess now we will be taking on New England’s 100 highest…