Two evenings ago, my attempt to reach the base for the summit of Mount Washington (elevation: 5,157 feet - Mt. Washington's elevation: 6,288 feet) was thwarted due to weather. Within the span of one hour, the temperature dropped 30° and I was pelted with rain and hail driven by 70 mph winds (recorded, not estimated). The first time the wind pushed me over I thought that someone had tackled me. Three miles of trail still lay ahead of me, including a 1,500 foot climb, all exposed, all above tree line. That night, for the first time on this hike, I walked south on purpose. It had taken me an hour to get to this point. My return trip to the safety of the hut took 2 1/2 hours.

Attempt number two begins this morning. The weather is supposed to be much better, with 120 miles of visibility from the summit.