Day 124 - Mt. Washington! (Plus 5Stack has a meltdown)

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[@Loweezy82898]

As a child in the 70s whose parents took them up Mt Washington, I was aghast when mooned by hikers.

[@wendygrw]

We southerners would not be hospitable if we designed our mountain trails straight up and down and intentionally over rock fields. My goodness! Bless our hearts. In the south, we like lots of switchbacks to make that mountain climb easier, nice ridge hikes, lots of forest service roads to catch a ride if needed, and abundant hostel front porches to spend an early evening relaxing and telling stories. I mean no disrespect for rugged New Hampshire. Your rant was understandable in that challenging, rocky terrain. Great video! Thanks for taking us along.

[@ewokinthewoodscairn8908]

“What’s wrong with you? Make the trail over a boulder field. Ok. But not the whole way!” 😂 glad you got a sunny day for MT Washington. Those eggs looked delicious 😋

[@jeffanderson3584]

I went to Washington in Sept. '07. The temp @ the bottom was 92*F. When we reached the top, it was 35*F Wind Chill. I had brought my winter jacket in anticipation. The Prezzies are NO JOKE!!!

[@jamesbonner5989]

Some days are tougher than others. You pushed thru, good job !

[@user-oh9qm6ys9q]

I watch your videos faithfully , learning so much.. Also a southerner (Lowcountry of SC) My daughter and grandson on on the AT expecting to enter NH the end of the week. By the way, complain all you need, you deserve the vent. God Speed!

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

I used to be one of those “hiking fiends”. I’ve hiked most of the AT section in NH and have been atop Mt. Washington about 7 times and more than that for Madison. I have also been atop Kahtadin about 7 times. I spent most of my life in New England and these were the only mountains available. I’m down in your neck of the woods now but unfortunately, age and infirmity keep me from hiking in the beautiful mountains down here. I now hike vicariously by following through hikers on KZbin. Keep the faith, some of the best hiking is in front of you. Good luck.

[@gregharmon3797]

Rough day Stacks but you kicked ass !!!

[@MaineUSA]

You got this 🎉

[@mtadams2009]

As someone who hikes the Whites all the time that distance you did was truly a grind and I would have talked you out of that one. There was a camp area .4 from the Madison hut called the Valley Way. I am a bit surprised you did not stop there. Meltdowns in the Whites are fairly common, don’t be to hard on yourself . Either way you made it and you’re doing well. You had perfect weather for the cross, which is always hit or miss. Take care

[@todd4480]

Thank you. I plan to leave Springer next March, I'll keep Valley Way in mind

[@5StackHikes]

Agreed. That should have been "the move." I didn’t realize the camping area was so close.

[@richardross7219]

You were very lucky to get clear weather on Mt Washington. I'd say that you earned the luck. The trail designers had more than their share of sadists. When you get fatiqued, you make mistakes. Some poles can be splinted with a tent stake in the center. Take it easy on yourself. Good Luck, Rick

[@TheChantybb]

What an amazing weather to climb Mount Washington ❤

[@jameswhitman8710]

You got this!

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

New Hampshire's state moto is "Live Free or Die" and our unofficial tag line is "We don't care which one you pick!" That includes our trail selection.

[@maureenp7082]

Born and raised in NH and never heard that.

[@HypogymniaP]

For what it's worth, that's by far the longest section between campsites you'll see again! Most thru hikers will be doing work-for-stay within your day when the AMC Huts are fully open rather than doing that long day all in one.

[@lindatipton413]

Oh no!!!! But you have so much to be proud of!! You are not whiny!!! Look what you accomplished today!! You rock!!! How awesome your hike and memories will be!! How amazingly beautiful!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@JuneKoenig]

I'm sorry you had such a tough day, I'll keep you in my prayers and hope tomorrow is better, Your pictures are still very good and much appreciated.

[@elizabethmague9198]

What great weather you had! Beautiful photos! Coming down Madison is no joy!!!!!

[@todd4480]

It's like you're on a different planet there. I hope to see it myself 15 months from now. I appreciate the whiny session and the late evening talk. It's good to get a dose of mentally reality.

[@hikingmovie]

I got some rain and wind when I came over Washington except for just the part between Lake of the Clouds and the top. Madison was tough! The Whites are brutal. I may have cried a few times….a day.

[@doryliggett8407]

Your opening video looks like a movie set. I am so enjoying the wicked beauty of New Hampshire. You are doing amazing.

[@katfish000]

Just wanted you to know I'm listening. Also cheering you onward. 😊

[@KrizAkoni]

Glorious day to hike this section - there are not many nice days like this. OMG, pre season eggs! 😋 You have achieved fiend status today… The mountain is jealous and ate your pole…you’ll need to get even. I feel your pain.

[@DandyLight]

Wow! You were blessed with spectacular weather today. And, indeed, it was a challenging one. I have read that the White Mountains are a hiker’s wonderland or a hiker’s nightmare. Kudos to you for your accomplishments this day. Great pic of you at the Mt. Washington summit. Some say Mt. Madison is the hardest of all…and you did it twice?!? Wow! (😠those misleading cairns!). I do not see you as whiny today, but, if so, it was warranted. What sound does a grape make when you step on it??? It makes a little whine.🙂

[@theresagreeley9761]

You’re doing great 👍 Don’t get discouraged. NH is tough but you’re prepared and you can do it. Stay safe please. Maine a little better. There’s a reason why so many start and so few finish. You’re going to finish!! ⛰️⛰️⛰️

[@bettymerriman3422]

Amazing videos and epic hiking. Hang in there!

[@user-SahmJuanElse]

They had to dump the PA rocks somewhere. Now you know where they went. I missed a cairn on Mount Madison. I had to circle the top. The descent off Mount Madison is endless. You have turned out to be quite the backpacker.

[@jayray720]

🚶👟👟⛺🌞 5 stack you're doing amazing out there some very very beautiful views all the Rock seem like a class 5 stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@flowerpower1980]

Whiny is absolutely allowed when hiking the Presis. Dude! I feel your pain. We still have PTSD from last summer. Also, thank the good Lord they sold poles at the huts….my husband broke 2…oh, and had to pack them allllll out.

[@hope2someday691]

Mount Washington views were epic. You’re one of the few to get a perfectly clear day. Maybe Rockyness Level 4 requires aluminum trekking poles. I’ve pondered this before myself, carbon snaps in an instant.

[@christinetaylor4860]

Just when you feel your lowest, the trail lifts you up again. I mean that mentally and physically. You have lots of time. Take days off. Recoup and carry on.

[@skyhawk-1]

They say to be The GOAT, it's best to climb a few mountains ✅ and meet a few presidents ✅ 🐐They need to chisel the name 5 Stack into Stone Mountain!

[@stevendavis6556]

Excellent idea.!!

[@scott_seaandmtn]

That was no meltdown…. Now I had a true meltdown coming down Caps Ridge off Jefferson last summer. And let me add that, yes coming off Madison NB is a little tricky to stay on course…. Common navigation snafu spot. You are doing great handling NH w a realistic attitude and focus…. It is hard, and the sense of accomplishment will be real. Best wishes.

[@jerrym2367]

You're doing great! Thanks for sharing. ... I laughed at your "I've got three poles" comment.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with lots of bad rocky climbing up and down , with lots of great beautiful views, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@sandrahillman1639]

You are doing great! Sorry you had a tough day. You got this!!! 😊

[@susanmilam2346]

Those mountains are gorgeous!

[@melanymcallister8716]

Wow, beautiful footage! Tough terrain but you're doing great!

[@maxnbitsy]

Glad to see you’re enjoying NH, David… I told you it was going to be fun!

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. 👍41

[@greggorsag9787]

I hope it’s not too hard and unfeeling-this was obviously a tough day-but the video stretch after Mount Washington ran the gamut from dramatic to absolutely hilarious. Loved the fake NH hiking ad, but maybe you crossed the line there and turned it into a heavyweight title fight. I suppose NH’s rocks reserved the right to relieve you of your pole for calling them out like that. Reminded me of Frodo singing in the Old Forest. You can turn and give those boulders a piece of your mind at the Maine state line (Merry said a “rousing chorus” if I recall right, but same difference.) Tomorrow is (always) a new day!

[@dennisk905]

Beautiful day for Mount Washington. Great job 👍

[@wandahale8118]

That is a rough section for sure. We watch a lot of videos and seen it break several.

[@stevendavis6556]

Even If Madison Spring hut was not open yet. Could you have cowboy camped on their porch maybe?

[@5StackHikes]

Maybe. Also, if someone shows up & is in trouble, they would take them in.

[@daviddejong2756]

Sorry to see that there was another trekking pole fatality. I gave up on carbon fiber because of similar experiences. I now have a set of aluminum poles that have lasted for 3000+ miles and still going strong. ~StormDasher

[@5StackHikes]

That's right, you were there the last time!

[@daviddejong2756]

@@5StackHikes Indeed I was! 😁

[@jillaubin481]

I learned in the northern part of the AT if it is easy going up a mountain, it will be brutal going down. And vise versa. I ended up doing doing my highest mile days in the White and Maine to get to my deadline date. I don’t recommend doing that. I was pretty beat up by Kahtahdin.

[@Gollum-sn6bf]

Simply amazing!

[@user-qo6rq5hq2p]

I've hiked all the Presidential's. Madison was the hardest. Going up Wildcat is no joy. Better trails are ahead.

[@wildeone1636]

I don't think I'd be a hiker if I lived in New Hampshire 🤣

[@semsem8290]

I've made trails, and I always mark them from each direction. People are not bears and need clear markings. Trail makers have the responsibility to mark trails or people can die. Yes, make it interesting, tough in areas, but this trail is for the public, not professional hikers, mountaineers only, etc. If enough people complained the markings may get better. No excuse for no markings in alpine, exposed, isolated areas where only a small percentage of people are. No apologies needed sir. The trail makers need to apologize.

[@gerardhoward5321]

We are in North Conway NH if you need a ride to get let me know

[@AMCD18]

Oh man! What a day 😮. Any luko tape to fix the pole? Tomorrow I will be a better day. 🙏🏻

[@schmitzcj]

Someday, you'll look back at this video and say to yourself, "yup,.. I stand by my beliefs,.. it sucked"

[@JaruWalks]

I asked Benton Mackaye why he sent the AT over Mt. Washington. He said, “BECAUSE F YOU.”

[@5StackHikes]

😂

[@excession3076]

As the AT allows you to get a canoe across that river rather than forcing you to swim. I don't see why you can't use the train to get up and down the mountain? It's like "you must be a purist here but not there". The excuse of course it's that it's "wrong" to expect you to be able to swim that far and you might drown. But one could argue that it's also "wrong" to expect you to risk a broken neck on loads of rocks. Bit contrived if you ask me.

[@jamesking9941]

Been there. I have never been pissed off at the trail but sure have given some the trail blazers $!&@#€ what for.

[@maureenp7082]

Some quit in the Whites. You're whining is justified. You make me laugh. 😂

[@binerman1366]

Welcome to my stomping grounds of NH trails!

[@suehancock5573]

Give yourself a big Pat on the back!! You came, you hiked,and you conquered!! Congratulations on the summit of Mt Washington! You are doing great! You gotta right to be tired and whiny! Get some rest and worry about your pole tomorrow! Hike On! 🇺🇸🧗‍♀️🏕️🥾

[@user-SahmJuanElse]

Smart attitude and excellent use of all of your gear. A book written about Mount Washington is “Not without Peril”. It’s about those that died by not giving respect to the mountain. ⛰️