The climb up the mountain was quite daunting. You would think you would feel safe in a truck, but without guardrails along the road and the sheer drop, it’s not for the faint of heart. And, heaven forbid, beware if another car is coming in the opposite direction and you have to move closer to the edge. I normally don’t mind heights, but there were several “hold your breath” moments. As a matter of fact, there’s a sign at the base of the mountain, “If you have a fear of heights, you may not appreciate this driving experience.”
The views were spectacular and were ever-changing. At the start, there are dense forests with hardwood and evergreen trees, which gradually change to a rocky landscape with low-growing shrubs and unobstructed views. As you approach the summit, the road turns to gravel revealing a stark, rocky landscape.
As you stand at the very top of the mountain, a stunning view appears (130 miles in all directions) revealing hundreds of peaks of the surrounding mountains. Mt. Washington is the centerpiece of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, but the view encompasses several U.S. states and Canada.
Perfectly situated at the top is large cairn constructed by a fearless climber. It was the perfect spot for Dave.
So, as we drove down the 6,288 ft. mountain and gazed at the beauty surrounding us, I was happy to think of Dave and how he would have loved it here. However, I’m sure he would prefer hiking it and cause more gray hairs for Mom!
Leave a Reply