Mt. Washington via Ammonoosuc ravine

 The old saying of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," took on a new meaning for four GO members (Eric, Rick, Ed, and Carlos) who faced with the prospect of having to cancel a hike to Mt. Washington due to bad weather, found a trip to the summit on the historic cog railway a rather rewarding consolation price.  The ride up to the summit was not only wonderful, but quite interesting, as we heard all sorts of fact about a cog railway that is one of the oldest in the world.  It was a feat of engineering when first completed in the 19th century, and it still is.  You ride up (and down, of course) at such a steep angle, that the whole world looks as if it is leaning.  It felt like we were cheating when we reached treeline, a view that we usually get after an arduous uphill hike. Yet, here we were sitting in comfort on a slow moving train.  The weather at the summit, however, convinced us that we had made a correct decision.  It was rainy, windy and very chilly.  And to make matters worst, the weather report noted that it was going to be worst in the afternoon.  After spending an hour on the summit, checking the small museum, and the two tourist shops, we were ready to head back.  We slowly came down from the clouds to the relative warmth of a cloudy summer day in the valley.  From there, we rode down to Woodstock for lunch, and made a promise to try to hike again to the summit some other day...with better weather.

 This is one of those classic hikes which while offering stunning views of Mt. Washington and the Presidentials, can be quite tough, and depending on weather, rather unforgiving.  We will hike up the Ammonoosuc ravine trail, which starts at the train depot for the cog railway.  This trail can be tough in sections, but it offers the most protected route up to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, right below the summit of Mt. Washington.  After a short break at the Hut, we will continue up to the summit for a short visit (you do not want to linger there, as it is full of tourists).  From there we will continue down the Gulfside trail to the top of the Jewell Trail, and down back to the train depot.  A good portion of this hike will be above treeline, and since we will be hiking to the top of the highest mountain in the Northeast (6,288 ft) we will be subjected to potentially quick changes in weather.  Even in sunny weather, the Presidential ridge can be windy and chilly.  So, come prepared, and carry a rain/wind proof parka, pants, and at least a medium fleece.  You can buy food at the Hut and at the summit (and also fill up with water), but I recommend carrying your own food, and plenty of water.  This is a strenuous hike, as the total mileage will be 9.6, with a 3,788 foot ascent.  Please note that if the weather looks bad I will either cancel this hike, or turn back from the Hut if the AMC crew suggests doing so.  (photos of the Lakes of the Clouds Hut and the summit, courtesy of the Mt. Washington Observatory website).