Fitpacking

New Hampshire's White Mountains are a rugged and beautiful wilderness with enormous granite peaks that rise far above tree line, offering sweeping hundred-mile vistas on clear days. The Whites are also a land of primeval trees, tumbling waterfalls, and charismatic wildlife such as moose, bears, deer, and fox. We plan to hike some of the premiere trails the White Mountains have to offer.

This trip is a Day Hiking Only trip. It differs from our traditional backpacking excursions because instead of camping out, we spend every night at Cranmore Mountain Lodge in North Conway, a full service facility that provides amenities such as a full country breakfast every morning, wireless internet, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.

By "Day Hiking" we mean that we'll embark upon a series of 5 hikes, one per day for 5 days. Unlike backpacking, we drive to a trailhead every morning and carry only day packs containing a minimum of equipment. Most days we hike 5-10 miles, rain or shine.

This trip is ideal for those who want to jump start their fitness regimen or for those individuals who would find backpacking too strenuous. Some participants have summitted the first mountain in their life on this trip. However, no matter what your condtioning level, you will find the week challenging and hopefully enjoyable. Because we're carrying significantly less gear than we would on a backpacking trip, expect body composition change to be more moderate. One other note: This trip is intended for those people who would cannot stand the thought of being without plumbing, electricity, cell phone, and/or internet service.

This trip will take place September 26 - October 2, 2010. The hikes themselves will occur September 27 - October 1, 2010. Here is the proposed itinerary.

We will be hiking to some of the premier mountain destinations in the White Mountains. The hikes themselves will include Welch & Dickey Mountians, Sabbaday Brook Falls, Mt. Eisenhower, Lincoln Woods & Franconia Falls, Mt Crawford & Glen Falls, and the tallest peak in NH, Mt. Washington (6288')

The White Mountains are a 2 hour drive from the airport in Manchester, NH (MHT). Let us know if you plan to fly in and we'll shuttle you from the airport to North Conway, NH. You may also have the option of flying into Boston, MA (BOS) if you make advance arrangements, but check with us first to see if we can shuttle you.

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. While daytime temperatures in the lowlands may be in the 70s, there may be snow on the upper reaches of Mt. Washington. However, expect temperatures in the 50s & 60s during the day, but lower at elevation. Historical September weather averages in the 60s during the day and 40s & 50s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures as high as 80 and as low as 20 atop Mt. Washington.

Deborah Lusk, who lives in Phoenix, AZ is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder who has led this trip twice and also guides for Arizona Outback Adventures. She makes a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

2nd guide TBD

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. We can provide many of the items for you to borrow or rent for a nominal fee if you let us know far enough ahead of the trip to bring them for you. Please feel free to discuss any items of question with us before the trip.

$1350 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a room in the lodge with another trip participant. You will be responsible for getting to and from New Hampshire as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals.

If you drive, you will be responsible for transportation to North Conway, NH where there is plenty of secure parking at the lodge for the duration of the trip. If you plan to fly, fly in to Manchester, NH (MHT) we will pick you up and drop you off at the airport (over 2 hours away from the lodge).

Covered expenses include 6 nights lodging at Cranmore Mountain Lodge (made to order country breakfast included), ground transportation, 5 lunches, permits, National Forest usage fees, insurance, and awesome guides. Gratuities for hotel staff are not included.