Franconia Ridge Sunrise

I needed this one!

Little Haystack

A hiker influencer created a sunrise hike on Franconia Ridge on Sunday starting at 4 AM. I set my alarm clock at 1:20 AM but I forgot about Daylight Savings change the time moved ahead an hour so I ended up being late to hike with the group. That's ok I think I just needed an excuse to get this winter hike in and on the ridge that first started my hiking journey two years ago. I also know that I am not able to keep up with those crazy hikers. The other mistake I made was that I went the opposite way around the loop then the group. I went up Falling Waters trail to Little Haystack. I ended up crossing paths with the group on the ridge. I stopped and talked to the other characters I have seen on social media. So many familiar faces.

There is so much magic in a sunrise hike. It is a bit eerie hiking in the middle of the night in complete darkness with only your headlight to guide you... and it is sooooo quiet. A very visceral experience. Because of the weather and the hiking group I could see other headlamps, so it did not feel like you were completely alone which is a bit reassuring. We all were racing up to catch the sunrise. Because of that, plus a little game of try to stay ahead of the next group behind me, I was pushing myself to get up there. It was steep and my snowshoes stayed on my pack. It is harder when you have a heavy pack. I enjoy hiking alone as I stay in my own thoughts. I really needed this hike as work has been stressful lately and this activity calms me.

My thighs burned as I hike over two more peaks of Lincoln and up to Lafayette. The ridge is open with 360 views and the sun rising kept me company and gave that magical glow on the mountains. It is strange to be so tired but yet be so inspired to keep going because of the beauty around every step. I spent only 30 seconds on top of Lafayette, and it was cold, so I headed down the shady side of the mountain down to the hut and eventually to my car. Because of the time of day, it and the snow all around it was that blue blue color all around. Hitting the tree line created this cool tunnel of white, blue and green. My mind was still, and my body was tired and my life felt fulfilled.