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 with one day of Kayaking (or canoeing if you prefer -- experience not necessary). It differs from our traditional backpacking excursions because instead of backpacking, we spend every night base camping at a front country campground.

By "Day Hiking" we mean that we'll embark upon 4 hikes, one per day for 4 days, separated by a day of kayaking. 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 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: We will be staying in a campground that has fire pits, picnic tables, running water, and coin operated showers.

This trip will take place June 2-8, 2012. The hikes themselves will occur June 3-7, 2012. Here is the proposed itinerary.

We will be hiking to some of the premier mountain destinations in the White Mountains tempered by a flat day of hiking and a day of kayaking. The hikes themselves will include Welch & Dickey Mountains, Sabbaday Falls, Mt. Chocorua, Lincoln Woods, Franconia Falls, and the tallest peak in NH, Mt. Washington (6288'), one of the most challenging and amazing hikes you'll ever undertake.

We'll also spend a day of kayaking on the Androscoggin River with kayaks from Great Glen Trails.

The White Mountains are a 2 hour drive from the airport in Manchester, NH (MHT). We'll shuttle you to and from the airport to North Conway, NH at the beginning and end of the trip or you can drive and park safely all week.

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. While daytime temperatures in the lowlands may be in the 80s, there may be snow on the upper reaches of Mt. Washington. However, expect temperatures in the 60s during the day, but in the 50s at elevation. Historical June weather averages in the 60s during the day and 50s at elevation. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures as high as 90 and as low as 30.

Deb Lusk, lives in Phoenix, AZ and has hiked all over the Arizona Desert. She had guided Fitpacking trips to the White Mountains in NH, The Four Peaks Wilderness in AZ, Shenandoah National Park, VA, and Olympic National Park, WA. Deb is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder and a Certified Food Handler.

Leslie Beckwith is from North Conway, NH and has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail twice (Trail Name: Llama) and the Pacific Crest Trail once. She has guided the White Mountains Trip several times.

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. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

$1100 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a room in Cranmore Mountain 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 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 2 nights lodging at Cranmore Mountain Lodge (made to order country breakfast included), 4 nights at Crawford Notch Campground & General Store, ground transportation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, kayaking, permits, National Forest usage fees, insurance, and awesome guides. Gratuities for lodge staff are not incuded.