The victorious “I climbed a mountain!” photo shoot isn’t quite as impressive with only ten feet of visibility. But rest assured, I am having my internal organs frozen by the brisk summit winds of Mount Garfield, in the Franconia Notch region of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Not a good day for expansive views, but a fine day for hiking nonetheless. I’d agree with the guidebook that called Mt. Garfield a notably “pleasant” hike: 10 miles, 5 1/2 hours, 3500 feet trail altitude, and except for the last .2 miles, it’s a steady climb with few obstacles.
Reaching the summit to find the raved-about scenic view engulfed in a heavy mist (visible somewhat in the picture) was a bit disappointing. It had a Lords of the Rings ambience, and I sort of dug eating a sandwich in Middle Earth. Due to the hostile wind chill, I had to grasp my sandwich, like it was a banana. We literally fled the mountain.
