Mount Chocorua

Mount Chocorua, New Hampshire, USA

Fiona and I rested on the summit of Middle Sister, a sub peak of Mount Chocorua. Both mountains had been on my to do list for the 52 With A View. A slight breeze kept us cool in the late morning sun. Sitting by the remains of the old fire tower at the summit, we enjoyed spectacular views including Chocorua. I recalled hiking the peak years before from the opposite side. A large group of us had started at the Hammond Trail, before branching off to the Liberty Trail headed for Liberty Cabin. It was raining slightly when we started. The ground was littered with fallen leaves, the trees still shedding foliage in early October. Rain turned to snow at elevation, and the wind was blowing over the bare summit. The Liberty Cabin attested to the mountain’s ability to generate stronger winds than we were encountering. Heavy iron chains anchor the roof to the ground. The cabin was built in 1932 on the foundation of a hotel at the same location that was blown off the mountain in 1915.

Several of our party chose not to climb to the summit. The snow on the peak was crusted with ice. We broke through the layer to the powder beneath, searching for purchase with our crampon spikes. I half crawled, hunkered over, and reaching the top, turned to see – nothing. The summit was enveloped in the snow squall, icy flakes making me squint.

We soon gave up our position and headed down to the cabin to rejoin our friends and descend to the trailhead.

Now, sitting in the sun, I was able to view the beautiful summit. Someday, when other lists no longer consume me, I’ll retrace my steps up the Hammond Trail and collect the view denied me by the mountain and mother nature.