| The 1990 Mount Washington trip was designed for Chiefs and CITs. Our game plan was to hike into the Great Gulf Wilderness Area with full packs and set up a base camp. We would then ascend several of the Presedential Peaks from the base camp. After picking up a few last minute supplies in North Conway, we left the Great Gulf trailhead parking lot around 10:00am. | 
Ready! Set! Hike! |
Catching a cool break! |
Our first day was fairly uneventful as we carefully ascended the floor of the Great Gulf ravine. We made several stops at scenic overlooks and to refresh ourselves in the mountain streams. Around 4:00pm, we found our base camp site near the junction of the Six Husbands Trail and the Great Gulf Trail. After a homemade stir fry dinner, we challenged each other to immersion in the nearby frigid mountain stream. Everyone managed to swim for at least 60 seconds!! |
| Day two had us ascending the very steep Six Husbands Trail to the summit of Mount Jefferson and across the ridge to the summit of Mount Washington. Just a few minutes into our hike, though, we found ourselves deviating from the trail. In an effort to rejoin the trail, we began to bushwack up the steep north knee of Jefferson. Ask someone who was there for details. Needless to say, we were very grateful to rejoin the trail about 30 minutes later. | 
Taking a break on Six Husbands. |
Looking back at the Great Gulf! |
Shortly after rejoining the Six Husbands Trail, we began to get our first views back into the valley. Shortly thereafter, we reached the rocky slopes of Mount Jefferson and the grassy Monticello Lawn. Now above treeline, the strong winds beat down on us as we turned south towards the summit of Mount Washington. |
| As clouds rolled across the summit of Mount Washington, we were treated to the occassional view of the surrounding region. Breathtaking views of the Franconia range to the west and the Carter/Wildcat range to the east. Finally around 2:00pm, we reached the summit of Mount Washington. We ducked into the summit lodge to escape the 40 degree temperatures and the 70 mile per hour winds. | 
We reach the summit! |
Stoking the camp fire |
After hiking back down the Great Gulf to our base camp, we treated ourselves to a hearty pasta supper. A leaky camp stove prompted an emergency evacuation, but order was quickly restored. Our group bonded even more after a firewood search led to a group "tree hug". Timber!! |
| Our final day saw us pack up our base camp and hike back out the Great Gulf Trail. Our group had some separation issues that were resolved shortly after we reached the parking lot. Ask someone who was there for the details. A memorable hike for everyone involved. | 
All present and accounted for! |