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Today we got up a little earlier than usual and had a hearty breakfast before heading off to Jaffrey, NH for our planned Mt. Monadnock summit trip.  I used the Kelty pack for McKenna and my brother was nice enough to load all of the drinks and snacks in his day pack.  We couldn’t have hoped for better weather. 

The three of us have been doing lots of short 4-5 hour hikes all summer long, but this was the most challenging one of the year.  I also think it was the most fun.  Even though we took different trails up and down there were a few parts on both the ascent and descent where the trail resembled a river of boulders.  It was fun to lean in and find the right hand holds.  Reminded me of my first rock climbing experience years ago.  

After weeks of tweaking and adjusting, I think the fit on the Kelty pack was just right.  The 25+ pounds of extra weight was seated squarely on my hips and my back didn’t have that post-hike ache like the first week I took her out.  Visibility was outstanding.  We could easily see Mount Wachusett to the south, and there were just enough clouds in the sky to give you those short 5 minute reprieves from the direct sun.There were quite a few kids on the climb, but surprisingly, McKenna was the youngest “climber” of the day.  A few parents asked about my pack and I gladly gave them my endorsement.  

The downside of it being such a nice day, was that the summit was quite crowded.  Not that I am in any way comparing the two, but I recently heard a story on NPR that talked about how climbers of Mount Everest were now confronted with a line of other climbers waiting to finish the last part of the ascent.  Can you imagine all the training, expense, and time devoted to climbing Everest only to find that you have to wait in line like you’re at Starbucks?  Next thing you know they’ll have the numbered roll of paper like at the supermarket deli. 

Anyway, we chilled out at the summit, waited our turn for the best photo op, and snacked.  Lately, McKenna has been all about the Kashi Trail Mix bars, so much so that the word “Snack” in our household has become synonymous with the Kashi bar.  After a quick diaper change, we headed back down.  It’s also been a treat to see the way in which McKenna has grown attached to her “Uncle Antny.”The outdoors…hanging out with my daughter and brother…crossing yet another peak off the to do list…it was a good day.

Mt. Monadnock