There’s magic in the Whites.
Anyone who has searched for mushrooms or been startled by a spruce grouse on the way to the top of any of the 4000 footers would tell you the same. On my way to summit all 48 of these mountains, I have fallen in love with the Whites- mountains I used to jokingly call hills. These “hills” have taught me a lot of lessons- about myself, winter hiking, and so many other things.
I have always been a goal oriented person. Ever since I was young, I have felt a sort of vague and listless anxiety when I wasn’t actively working toward something. When I was younger, it manifested through achieving good grades or making a dance team. As an adult, my goals have grown larger. At the beginning of 2020, I had several things on my mind: hike the PCT, apply for grad school, and move out of my home state of Utah. Of course, 2020 wiped my slate clean, eliminating the possibility of walking across the country (at least that year), and setting back my graduate dreams, at least for a while.
Feeling more than a little heartache for what I had to give up, I spent a summer in Utah relearning my love of outdoor alone time, roller skating, and making fresh rolls, all while working part time at summer camp in Park City. I loved it, but spent a lot of time focusing on what I could do to work outside of Utah, moving away from my comfort zone and toward a lot of self-growth. When I got the opportunity to serve for the Squam Lakes Association, and move east, I knew I had to take it.
Before I did anything (before I even figured out what town I’d be living in), I looked up the hiking in New Hampshire. I knew the Appalachian Trail ran through the state, and that the White Mountains are known for being tough, rocky, and relentlessly steep. When I found that you can earn a patch for hiking the 48 highest peaks of NH, I knew I had to add them to my goal list.
I’m sitting here now, with only a handful of peaks left, and feeling quite emotional about leaving. I’ll miss these terribly steep trails, the people I met while serving in the LRCC, and maybe even the composting toilets. I’ll miss waking up to frogs in my room, the texture of my hair in this wild humidity, and the loon calls that haunt Squam. I don’t think I’ll ever live in New England again (the weather just doesn’t agree with me and I miss my western family), so I’m trying to treasure what short time I have left. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, I’ll hike the AT, and make my way back to New Hampshire (I said maybe!). If I do, I’ll definitely visit the SLA, catch a few frogs, and treat the LRCC to a well-deserved free lunch.
Kodi’s term here at Squam Lakes Association is coming to an end this month. The Long Trail awaits as her adventures continue. Learn more about Kodi here.