I hate driving, especially in a van full of people I don't know. Little did I know at the time that this drive would change my whole perspective on life. My first indication that this my in fact be a cool trip about 16 hours into the drive and 2 miles from our destination. "look a moose !", shouted Greg from the drivers' seat. It was the first time I had ever seen one.

     The next night I woke up suddenly and got out of bed to get some fresh air and stretch my legs. As i stood outside in the cold black night I began to hear wolves or coyotes singing to the moon, one of the most beautiful sounds i have ever heard - and another first for me.

     I had never been to the northeast United States before and also didn't know that the hiking is the most difficult on the A T and was quite surprised at not only how rocky the terrain is but also NO SWITCHBACKS ! Rainy that week and man was it miserable. I slipped during a river crossing and smacked my knee on one of those rocks I mentioned earlier - it hurt but not enough to set me back.

      Hiking down from Ethan Pond I stepped on another blasted rock and this time rolled my ankle, the same one I have sprained at least 6 times since I was 21. I should have opted for the heavier, more sturdy boots than the lighter faster ones I settled on. File that one away for future reference. We went about 1\2 way up the back side of MT. Washington via the Amonoosuc Ravine Trail to Lake of the Clouds Hut where we stayed the night. I really needed that break. The kitchen had a bag of frozen peas that they loaned me to ice up my ankle and then Tim wrapped it up nice and snug.

       Tim and I left early to get a head start because of my bum ankle and I talked his ears off the whole way up just to distract myself from the pain. The cairns marking the trail were awesome to see from below and even cooler when we reached them - again another first. When the group caught up Tim went on ahead and Greg stayed with me to the summit.

      When we reached the summit even though I was in terrible pain and exhausted from the week of hiking, I just started running and laughing and crying all at the same time. I heard Greg give a small chuckle behind me because he new what I new.....I got it. Welcome to New Hampshire.