Exploring the White Mountains

by Augustus Teran

This summer I undertook my first solo backpacking trip. It was an adventure that I will not easily forget.

I have always loved backpacking. From a young age, I cherished the camping trips my family would go on. I enjoyed the fresh air and freedom of hiking, and I was not as intimidated by carrying a full pack as perhaps I should have been. I had my first experiences backpacking on summer camps in middle and early high school. Despite the rugged conditions we lived in, I always found myself content as long as I was out in the woods. Those summer backpacking trips turned longer and I took more and more of a leadership role as I reached my junior and senior years of high school. After all of this training, I felt comfortable leading some friends on short backpacking trips through the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Franconia Ridge

While leading other people could be stressful, I found that preparing to go alone was more terrifying. The stress of having to ensure that my friends were adequately equipped and ready to go, as well as that our route was doable and fun, would keep me up late the night before a trip. However, the social nature of the trip always put me at ease. Planning to go alone meant that I had to understand that it was only me out there and that there would be no one to help me up if I took a fall, or to cook dinner with. This was especially true because my phone had been completely bricked and did not function at all during this trip. It took a lot of convincing myself, but on August 13th I set out.

I quickly remembered why being alone is troublesome from the outset of my hike. I was cruising and having a blast flying uphill, but I was not diligent enough with my water reserves and ended up empty at the top of a New Hampshire Four Thousand Footer, far above any flowing streams. I had to climb down the steep descent feeling woozy and uncomfortable. I learned my lesson that day and made sure to always carry more than enough water for the rest of the trip. Cooking dinner by myself could once again be lonesome, but I found some peace and happiness watching the sunset with some of the other hikers at the Ethan Pond campground that night. In chatting with them I discovered that just because I was out here alone, does not mean I cannot be social.

Liberty Spring Campsite

One benefit of doing this trip by myself was that I could go at my own pace, and that opened mileage that I had never done before. My legs have never been quite as exhausted as they were after the massive 16+ mile second day; in the last half mile to the campground, they started spasming uncontrollably. The grueling hiking and beautiful views helped me settle into the wilderness and come to appreciate the simple things like a hot meal at the end of the day. My third day was designed to be much shorter to give myself a rest. It took me across the magnificent Franconia Ridge. A popular day hike is a loop of this ridge and I happened to be there on a weekend, so that stretch was the most crowded the trail ever was. A few day-hikers even got me confused for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker. It was fantastic to have such a beautiful day and to get to camp early. I met an old computer scientist at the campsite, and it was interesting to talk to someone who has loved working as a Software Engineer for decades.

Stream near Zealand Hut

By my fourth day, I was dreaming of Popeyes. I carefully planned my order for the next day. I later realized that this was an early sign of my caloric deficit for I had packed a normal three thousand calories but was actually burning double that. That day could also be a bit demoralizing when I went 12 miles without a view, and with only two trail markers along the way to tell me my progress. Yet that made it even sweeter when I finally reached the ridge above the treeline. That night after dinner, despite having done another 16 mile and 50k steps day, I went a mile from my campsite to Mt West Bond. It was absolutely magnificent. The whipping winds and strong sunlight-filled me with joy. I rested easy that night knowing I was going home tomorrow.

On my last day, I set out with a purpose, lead on by my aching hunger. I ate the last of my food: an apple, a breakfast bar, and half a chocolate bar to push through those 10 miles. This section was the most I was concerned about bears, as it was the first time all trip that I was taking a less used trail. However, I was lucky, and did not run into any wildlife all trip. My legs were worn out, and I felt the adrenaline of starvation. I almost cried out in joy when I saw my car and the extra snacks I left in it. I felt shivers of joy as I devoured a McChicken and finally got to listen to music again on my way back South.

Twinway Trail

All in all, it was a fantastic backpacking trip. I tagged the summit of 15 Four Thousand Footers and hiked 60 miles across those 5 days. Going alone was an interesting experiment, and COVID was probably a good time to test it. I found that I still love backpacking, but the people I go with make it a special experience. I could get accustomed to hiking alone, but it was the quiet times such as meals that really made me miss the companionship. Most of all though, I am glad to have got such a great trip in between long stretches at my desk for my internship and then for my IQP. The chance to relax, reset, and be out in nature for days on end is a wonderful thing.

Pemigewasset Wilderness from West Bond