Madison, JQ, & Adams

"OH, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, inciting at once to work and rest!"

Plan was to meet at Appalacia at 7:00am. Be prepared for some spring-like conditions and possible postholing mess, with a few curse words being thrown around heading up to the Hut.

6:30am came around and Trish, Alex, Sage, and John we already at the trail head parking lot as I pulled in. We were all early, per usual it seems like. Gave us time to get out stuff situated into our packs and get ready for a beautiful day that lie ahead of all of us.

On trail following Valley Way up we past several junctions. First sign you see as you hit the trail is

 "ATTENTION: Try this trail ONLY if you are in top physical condition, well clothed and carrying extra clothing and food. Many have died above timberline from exposure. Turn back at the first sign of bad weather."

Finally, coming to the Watson Path junction we had a quick discussion on taking that trail for the rest of the way up to the summit of Madison, then down to the hut instead of continuing up Valley Way to the hut, summit, then back down again. Trish, checked out the trail to see how firm it would be and it seemed manageable. So we were all in favor of checking this trail off the list.

Thank you to the person who had hit the trails a few days prior to us. You created some great foot work that helped us manage our steps as well as finding the trail. Shortly after following Watson path we came to this gorgeous water crossing (Duck Falls). With spring melt out in bloom, the waterfall looked amazing as we crossed. Once across, there was some changing of socks and then up we went. This trail continued steeply up for the next mile until reaching the summit. At one point we all put our traction on, as there were a few spots with very slick ice.

We came to the second sign just as we reached tree line. It said

"STOP: The area ahead has the worst weather in America. Many have died there from exposure even in summer. Turn back NOW if the weather is bad."

I am pretty sure we have the coolest mountains around. Any who, from treeline we continued up the boulders and rocks to the summit of Madison. There is what looks to be the summit as you approach the top, but it only gives you false hope, because it's not. Then you get over that bump, and see another. Once over the second bump then the last push up is for the actual summit of Madison.

Timberline, starting the scramble up Madison.

Once at the summit, we enjoyed the views of Mount Washington across, and Adams, our next summit to our right. This was also a dessert peak for Trish, Alex and Sage. We enjoyed M&M's on Madison for Desserts on the 48, John brought "Madison" Hazlenut Chocolate Cookies, and we all enjoyed what our snacks had to offer.

M&M's on Mount Madison

Everyone starting to ascend Adams

John taking a photo & Trish talking to the girls.

A little rain wont melt me.

Down to Madison Spring Hut we went. The Hut is CLOSED for the season at the moment. We stopped quickly to put our rain gear on as some showers were passing over us. We began our ascent of Madison via the Gulf Side Trail. Once at the Junction to continue up to Adams, I followed behind Sage and Trish up to John Quincy Adams Peak as Sage had to knock it off her Trail Wrights list.

Myself on the summit of JQ

As we headed up the summit of Adams we watched carefully as a black cloud was hovering overhead. Assessing, and reassessing the clouds above. We all verbally were discussing our options, as we knew there was a slight chance of thunderstorms. We all love the mountains, but not enough to risk our lives or put anyone else in danger. A good line of communication in a group is always key, as well as never making a call that could potentially put anyone else in danger. Trish and John respected my opinion on the clouds above and trusted my education and knowledge enough to keep going.

Looking back at Madison Spring Hut & Mount Madison

We hit the summit just in time for the cloud to have moved along and the sun was shining above us. We had talked about just eating the dessert I had bought, Apple Strudel Bites quickly, and then heading down out of any chance of lightning strikes to eat the Apple Pie Trish brought. We ate the Apple Strudel bites and then decided weather was looking good again, so we enjoyed out time on the summit of Adams, enjoying the Apple pie Trish brought. It was amazing that Trish packed an entire apple pie and it was still in once piece after 6 miles of hiking.

Apple Pie on Adams

While getting ready to leave Sage shouts out "you should do your headstand up here." I yelled out "GOOD CALL!" I had Sage do the Honors of taken my photo while I did it on the summit of Adams. Thank you for reminding me again Sage!

Headstand on Madison

We had done most of the hard work going up and had hit the peaks we wanted to, with only getting rained on a tiny bit. Now begins our descent down. We all agreed upon taking Valley Way all the way down. This trail was incredibly packed down, and obviously is a well traveled trail in the winter. We attempted the butt slide, however, the trail was too slanted and we all kept going off the trail. We walked the rest of the way out.

Timed Photo at Madison Spring Hut

By the last 2 miles everyone was quite quiet. We had all enjoyed our beautiful day above treeline. As always lots of fun and laughter was had by all and we can all say we had yet, another day enjoyed in the mountains. I am very much looking forward to hiking Seek the Peak with all of them!

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Hike Safe & Keep on Trekking