February Vacation: Day 2

It had been a long time since Aaron and I had done anything outside, and as I have stated many times before, I am happiest when I am outside. I love nature. I have always been that way. When we were small, my mom would have to drag my sister and I into the house after being outside since the crack of dawn.

We woke up Sunday morning, our second day of vacation, and I immediately knew what I wanted to do. It was a gorgeous day, why waste it doing chores or watching the tube? I stated, "Let's go on a hike." Something I love about Aaron is that he is always up for any adventure. I say what I want and he organizes/plans it. He decided Mt. Kearsarge in Wilmot, NH (practically our back yard) would be the perfect climb considering the current conditions (icy & snowy.)

We got all packed up and after stopping at S&W Sports for a new hat (I, of course, needed a new hat to match my new jacket) we were on our way. The ride up was beautiful. I really enjoyed this climb. It seems each hike I always say "this is my favorite mountain" (with the exception of Mt. Lafayette)

This is Kearsarge. It is about a 4-mile-round- trip hike. Very strenuous this time of year due to the conditions. Additionally, it is not accessible by vehicle in the winter, so you have to hike the auto-road to the base of the mountain which adds another mile each way.

This tree was at the base of the Mountain. I do love and often photograph trees. One of my favorite things about hiking in observing the vegetation and how it varies as you near the summit.

A view, about half way up, of Mt. Monadnock

Aaron says this summer I have to start carrying a pack too... I guess I have to use the "stair- climber" a little harder at Planet Fitness :( But I bet I can weasel out of it ;)

If you look in the very back, a clear view of snow-covered Mt. Washington. You could see several peaks from this spot: Mt. Sunapee, Pat's Peak, Crotched Mt., Mt. Monadnock.

All in all it took us about 4 hours. Whew! Some spots were very icy and difficult to navigate, but it wouldn't be a challenge if it were easy.

After our hike, we went straight home, ate some leftovers and hung out in bed for the rest of the night... we were exhausted!