July 5, 2009.

4.3 mi | 1800′ ele. gain | 2.5 hr.

Since our 100-mile wilderness adventure didn’t quite go according to plan, my dad and I decided to do one last hike together: a quick trip up Mt. Monadnock.

We started at the Marlboro Trailhead on the mountain’s west side, hoping to avoid some of the crowds. It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day. In only a half an hour we were treated to some open views of the surrounding forest. The trail took us up some broad, rocky ledges that were fun to scramble up.

I was wearing my Vibram Five Fingers, which felt great walking up the rock. As we approached the summit, the wind picked up. There were lots of names, initials and symbols carved into the rocks on top. This had obviously been a destination for many travelers for generations.

The views went on forever. But the up close scenery was fascinating too. Pools of water trapped in indentations in the ledges rippled in the wind. It was like finding tidepools above treeline!

It’s too bad this mountain isn’t any bigger. In less than three hours, the whole thing is over. I enjoyed spending some time hiking with my dad. Although our AT adventure was cut short, we did have nice moments on the trail. It was my dad who first got me out hiking as a kid, and I’m glad I can still share this activity with him. I’ve got his curious, adventurous spirit and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!