Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Mt. Carrigain August 9, 2004

Carrigain lies right in the middle of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and has what many believe is the single best view in the Whites. We found the view to be spectacular but for various reasons to be inferior to other viewing experiences. We say experience because the view cannot be separated from the ambience. On most of other favorite views, such as Liberty and Zeacliff, there are open ledges from which you can soak in the panorama. On Carrigain the best view is from the fire tower.

This is not a small difference. The winds whip unmercifully at most high summits on most days. When you can sit on a ledge you usually are spared the full force of the wind. When you stand up in a fire tower the wind force is magnified. There is nothing to mitigate it. Try really appreciating a view with a steady 50-mile wind in your face!

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 3250 ft. Elevation: 4700 ft.

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