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Mount Adams
While looking out on the magnificent mountains, I noted how wonderful they were. As I stood there, hunger rumbled in my stomach, and the wind blew hard on my face. I found a smooth rock and sat down. The ancient rocks sat there, like they had for many centuries, and, for the first time, I was seeing them. Among these rocks, I saw needle-size wildflowers with white flower petals that were trying so hard to live in the harsh environment. When I looked up, I realized how amazing the view was. As I stood half a mile above tree line, I could see into Maine, Canada, Vermont, and almost to the Atlantic Ocean, through the crisp blue sky. Suddenly the wind stopped and the temperature rose a few degrees. The black flies took this chance and came out to bite my family and me before the wind started back up. The small bites of the swarm of black flies itched, and I was glad when the wind started back up and they left. I rested my sore feet on a boulder as the wind whistled over the rocks. I could smell the fresh mountain air, the smell of lunches, and the smell of sap it carried along. All of this was especially breathtaking because I had to climb 4,500 feet to get to all of this. Everything was peaceful as I sat and listened to the sound of the blowing wind and voices of people on the mountain. The sweat on my clothes had cooled in the 50-degree weather and hard winds, and my shirt was sticking to my skin, which gave me a satisfied feeling. I took a deep breath and a small fly flew to my tongue. I spit the insect out and thought about the wonderful experience I was having. This is an experience that I will always remember. It was astonishing up on the top of the mountain, and looking out on all the other mountains near where I was. I love hiking, especially on clear days. This was a great experience for me, and it was special because I was able to do this with my family. Going to the mountains to hike is something I plan to do for the rest of my life. RMC member Will
Strayhorn is in 6th grade in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has
climbed 28 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers and hopes to
complete the list in the next 2 to 3 years. |
As
I scrambled up onto the final boulder, a huge gust of wind blew
and stung my face. I was on the top of Mount Adams in the White
Mountains. “Mount Adams is the second tallest mountain in
New Hampshire, and I’m standing on the top!” I thought
as I scanned the skyline.