The Best & Worst of Climbing Mt Washington

There are many ways to climb Mount Washington.  Let’s start with the best:

 #1. BY CAMEL:
Meet Josh, the first Camel to reach the summit of Mt. Washington! On July 8, 2009, Josh and his entourage left the base at 3:00am to begin the 7.6-mile trek to the summit. Accompanying Josh were two horses named Kid and Mariah, an Irish wolfhound and handlers. Climbing through fog, mist and rain, the crew made good time up the Mt. Washington Auto Road until the final 100 yards.

Unaware that the summit was so close, Kid decided he no longer wanted to climb, and Josh refuses to go anywhere without his best buddy. After much cajoling, Josh and the rest of the group reached the summit in just over five and a half hours

When asked about the climb, Josh said, “Chomp, chomp, chomp.” Apparently, he worked up quite an appetite.

 

#2. BY HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE: In 1861, the Mt. Washington Carriage Road opened as a tourist attraction making it America’s first manmade tourist attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3. BY COG RAILWAY: In 1857, Sylvester Marsh’s idea for building a railway up Mt Washington was considered insane. It opened in 1868 as the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. The railway is sometimes called “Railway to the Moon” because one state legislator remarked that Marsh should not only be given a charter up Mount Washington but also to the moon. This railway remains one of the most popular ways up Mt. Washington.

#4. BY SNOW COACH: A specially constructed all-wheel drive and unique 4-track system allows the 9-passenger SnowCoach to deliver you to the world above tree line. The picture speaks for itself.

#5. BY RACE CAR: Since cars were invented, they have been climbing the Auto Road. The Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race, also known as the Climb to the Clouds, first took place in 1904. In 2010, Travis Pastrana reached the summit at 6 minutes 20.47 seconds, by traveling at an average speed of 72mph. This is the unofficial best record.

 #1. WORST WAY UP MT WASHINGTON? RUNNING! While hikers enjoy a nice day-long hike, someone had the crazy idea, “Let’s run up Mt. Washington!” The first road race (MWRR) took place in 1936. Now, elite runners from across New England, throughout the U.S., and from countries as far away as Kenya, come to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.  

In 19 days, one person with narcolepsy joins the race!  Support my quest here.

For a quick “tour” of the course, watch this awesome video:

6 Comments

  1. Lawrence Chen on May 28, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    Go Julie!

    • julie on May 28, 2012 at 10:10 pm

      Thank you, Lawrence! You played an important piece in making this all possible. During tough moments, I may not be so “thankful” for this grueling adventure, but in the end – I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and for your on-going support!! 🙂

  2. Debbie on May 31, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Very enjoyable entry! Best wishes on your adventure! Have a great day!

    • julie on May 31, 2012 at 10:14 pm

      Thank you, Debbie. I had so much fun exploring the history of Mount Washington. I can’t wait for race day! Your support means so much to me. With gratitude, Julie

  3. Lelia on June 3, 2012 at 2:51 am

    Julie-

    YOU GO GIRL!! Just when I think you can’t amaze me anymore, you prove me wrong!! You will do awesome because you are awesome!! (and because you have heart and passion) I am so proud of you and even though I may not have ever met you or your father, I have no doubts in my mind that he will send you wings and be by your side every step of the way. I wish you luck, even though you don’t need any.

    Thanks for all you do,

    Lelia

    • julie on June 3, 2012 at 3:14 am

      Thank you, Lelia! Your support means so much to me and thank you for these nice thoughts about my Dad being my side. I need ALL the luck I can get too!! With smiles and gratitude, Julie

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