Carrying It Quietly

Good morning New England. Well! I am back stateside from my tour in Germany. Here visiting my family and friends. First I want to apologize. I am sorry I never took advantage you. Growing up, as a family we would occasionally come see some of your coastal views, colorful lakes and breathtaking mountains. But not sure we even touched the surface of all you really had to offer. I sure didn’t.

Mount Monadnock, you were my 1^st attempted back home to appreciate what you had to offer. I noticed you had 2 entrances. Since I was also going for a quiet hike, I thought the back entrance would be best. One of your Park Rangers greeted me at the door with open arms. “Welcome Sir, 1^st time at Monadnock? Yes Mam! Well, Park the truck over there and I will show you around”. She handed me a map, briefly explained the 37 trails you had from the easiest to the hardest. The excitement in her voice convinced me. You were the right choice. I couldn’t wait to get started. Strapped on my bag, popped my headphones in and took off. She did say it takes about 3 hours to the top and back so I took that as a challenge and wanted to finish you in less. Full Circle.

As I started I couldn’t help but to smell tranquil in the air, so I decided to just take my time and enjoy you. Felt as if I have been cheated. How come I never seen you like this before, Or seen you at all for that matter? How come we have never met? It’s no wonder why you are one of the most hiked mountains in the world. Trails ranging from beginners to intermediate level hikes. Your greens on either side of the trail keeping me on track and at peace. I can feel your Natures breeze softly moving through the tree lines. The closer I was getting to the top, the steep and more rugged you got. Definitely made me work. I was up for the challenge. It was completely worth navigating through some of the tough trails. Hiking through some rugged terrain and climbing some steep rocks. It’s a good thing you were so well-marked. I could have spent the entire day navigating with you getting to the top. Once I got to the top, I couldn’t catch my breath. Not because you had exhausted me but from the 360 view from your summit. Picked a good spot to sit, relax and grab one of  my favorite snacks. Sitting there, looking around, seeing some scattered but mostly blue skies. Birds landing next to me with no fear. Watching the ravens soar in circles. Either watching their prey or just enjoying the easy breeze. The ravens were magnificent. Well as excited as I was to climb you, I was just as excited to go down the other side and head back. On the decent I wanted to get the same work out you gave me on the way up. So I tried to speed walk down. OMG!  Now that was fun. Jumping down left and right, stomping from rock to rock had my heart racing. Sometimes momentum took over and came pretty close with colliding with your trees or boulders. That made my heart skip a beat. HAAH! When I stopped to catch my breath, I heard some chirping surrounding me. When I looked, it was the 2 of the tiniest chipmunks not even phased that I was just hands reach away. Probably telling each other, “look at this guy, he’s going to bust his ass”  LOL!!! Well! I finished my hike with out a scratch. Another hike I want to repeat. I think I will make you the one I do when I come home to visit. I will visit you as well. Monadnock, You by no means made this an easy one, but you made this one worth remembering. I am looking forward to seeing you again and this time, I plan on bringing company. Be ready!