10 days and counting

summit, originally uploaded by ArcherVision.

Mount Monadnock serves as good training ground for Africa.

Mount Monadnock, originally uploaded by A glimpse of life.

With Kilimanjaro only a bit more than 2 weeks away, my friend Shawn and I drove an hour and a half to get some training in. Being in New England might end up being one of my weak points, once the altitude comes into play. I can train hard, but we are still only a few thousand feet above sea level and you really can't tell how the thin air above 10,000 feet will effect you.

The rugged terrain of New England, and New Hampshire in particular are hard going, especially with a pack and camera equipment to haul up the hill.

Mount Monadnock, originally uploaded by A glimpse of life.

The view is incredible, including three states. On a clear day you can see from Mt. Washington to Massachusetts.

Shooting the Summit

Mount Monadnock, originally uploaded by A glimpse of life.

We found what looked the like tallest rock outcropping on the summit. There was a good amount of people there, this being one of the most climbed mountains in the area. Mount Monadnock stands about 2000 feet above any other peak within 30 miles and is the tallest peak in southern New Hampshire.

Headed for the Summit

Mount Monadnock, originally uploaded by A glimpse of life.

After several long off glimpses of the top, we finally got there, only to find yet another drop off and gully, then a hundred feet back up. The view was worth the work. Getting back was pretty tough though. Took a few extra hours with the packs and all. But, we did make it in the end.