Took the boys up Mt. Washington for an overnight trip this past August. Had to skip it the year before since I was still recovering from a ruptured achilles tendon in January 2013. We had superb weather and it was a great experience as it marked what I consider the final chapter on the road to full rehabilitation for my ruptured achilles. Furthermore, I love being outdoors especially with my two boys and was very happy to have the opportunity to get away from things for a day.
The trip began at 6 am with the three of us piling into the car after I asked the boys if they had everything. Packing took place the night before and the boys typically do a great job gathering everything they personally need for trips like this. I don’t even think twice about it since they’re both Boy Scouts and have done these trips numerous times. So the next morning we drove off after one final check. Both boys fell asleep and it was around 8 after making a quick pitstop that Jake said in despair, “Dad, did you pack my hiking boots?” to which I responded, “No. You didn’t put them in the car like I asked you to?” Two hours into an almost 4 hour car drive to the trailhead and my oldest has flip flops to hike up Mt. Washington! I was annoyed to put it mildly…
That’s when the gps came to the rescue and I was able to find a Walmart on route. We stopped, bought boots, and continued driving to the trailhead….whew!! We arrived at the Pinkham Visitor Center later than planned around 10:30 am. When we got out of the car I said, “get your boots on and grab your packs.” It was at that time that Jordan (my youngest) said, “dad, where are my boots, didn’t you put them in the car?” To which I said, “are you bleepin kidding me??” He forgot his boots too!! I was so mad at that point and was debating whether or not to scrap the trip altogether. Within a minute or so, I angrily told the two of them to find out how much boots cost at the visitor center and to see if they even had Jordan’s size. As I waited for them to return I searched the gps and found another Walmart 19 miles away. To my surprise they returned with some good news: the visitor center has a boot loaner program allowing hikers to try out high end boots for free - I couldn’t believe it!! My mood changed from disbelief and anger to relief and excitement as we geared up and hit the trail.
We began our ascent from the Pinkham Visitor Center on Tuckerman’s Ravine trail. We climbed 1,700 feet in 2.5 miles and arrived at the Hermit’s Lake campsite where we dropped our packs at one of the 12 lean tos. We continued hiking the remaining 2 miles up Eagles Head trail and summited Mt. Washington around 4 pm.
The trip turned out to be a great success despite the initial hiccups. I really love being outdoors with my boys and it dawned on me that these trips may become fewer and fewer as the boys get older. I hope this isn’t the case but they’re getting busier and busier every summer. The initial difficulties with the boys forgetting their hiking boots helped remind me that a problem is just something that requires mindful consideration and patience to find a solution. The boys found a solution to not bringing their hiking boots and hopefully realize that they need to be more attentive even when they’re tired. I realize that they’re still young and need some help keeping organized. Overall, I feel like I handled the problem reasonably well considering the circumstances. Furthermore, martial arts has helped me find balance and react less emotionally when things get difficult. Something I’m grateful to have gained.
One of the bigger aspects of the trip was the sense of accomplishment I feel being able to hike up Mt. Washington after going through a very long recovery with my achilles. I’ve never had an injury take 9 months to fully recover. Some people give up doing active things like martial arts and strenuous hikes after sustaining an injury like this. I feel great about pushing myself through the obstacles, doing all the physical therapy, and getting back into the dojo. The mastery program has been an integral part of my recovery and the hike up Mt. Washington was truly a great personal goal I feel very proud accomplishing. I wasn’t sure I would return to karate after the injury, but can say doing so significantly helped me recover both physically and mentally.
