This car climbed Mt. Washington!

Just to start off, the car climbed Mt. Washington! 

While trying to find what to do between Maine and NYC, we decided to try the White Mountains in New Hampshire.  

The White Mountains are a lush and peaky mountain range.  The area has always been a bit of a tourist attraction, at times it reminded me of Tahoe, but without the huge lake.  Over 100 years ago, the entire forest was decimated by logging.  While exploding with natural beauty, the area has been refined with world-class lodges, touristy towns, and ski resorts.

We found a camp site in National Forrest Sugarloaf area.  Despite it being 5pm, we set off to climb Mt. Hale and loop around to the Appalachian Trail and back to camp.  At the late hour, it was aggressive.  We planned to finish the last mile in the dark. 

 We ascended over 2500' in 2 miles or so.  Unfortunately, the view at the top of Hale is blocked by trees.  I had to climb one just to see what was there.  Apparently the trees are making quite the comeback after 100 years

We came back down into the Appalachian Trail and encountered one of the "huts."  There was a bunk-house and a kitchen.  It was a surprising encounter considering the location.  From there we went down by some beaver ponds and back.  We were thrilled to encounter some moose in the dark on our way home.

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The next day we drove to the top of Mt. Washington at 6,288' in elevation.  It's quite the tourist attraction!  There is a toll road that gains over 4,000' in 7 miles.  First gear the whole way.  We are proud to say the van made it without incident.  The hill also boasts it's own "cog railway."

On the last day, we did a quick hiked up Sugarloaf, which did indeed have an excellent view.  The top was also covered in wild blueberries.  

Our campsite in the White Mountains.