The Easy Way or the Hard Way?

Many would not think of my mother as the mountaineer type. Yet you may be surprised to find out that she conquered the tallest peak with the worst weather in the northeastern United States. Books have been written about those who have perished trying to climb this mountain. Until recently, this infamous peak was the location of the all time highest wind velocity ever recorded on the surface of the earth, 231 mph! That’s right, we’re talkin’ Mt. Washington.

As part of annual summer vacation in New Hampshire, my father would plan outings for the family. For the record, I don’t think we got to vote on the proposed outings. This particular summer he decided it was time for the family to climb Mt. Washington. Being the considerate type, he planned that Mom would ride the Cog Railway up, and Anne, he and I would meet her at the summit.

On the appointed day, we arrived at the Cog Railway station at the bottom of the mountain. Pictures in brochures of the time didn’t do the Cog Railway justice. The engine looked like it was 100 years old (it probably was!), the passenger cars were open and made mostly of wood and when you turned your eye up the mountain to follow the track on its upward course you quickly wondered, cog or not, whether this poor little train would make it. I kind of remember reading sometime later that the Cog Railway didn’t have a perfect safety record as one or two accidents have become part of local legend. I think they may still be looking for remains.

While memories have faded and details have been lost, I remember a sidebar conversation between Mom and Dad that went something like this:

“ Jack if you think I’m getting on that thing you’re out of your mind!”

or words to that effect. So Dad tried to convince Mom that it was safe, but Mom was resolute. She wasn’t getting on that black smoke spark belching dilapidated excuse for a death trap.

When it was settled Mom was not riding up the mountain, I guess Anne and I thought Mom would head back to Squam for a couple of days of rest and relaxation. Perhaps it was just me, but I was surprised to hear Mom say she was going up the old fashion way, on foot.

Four hours later we arrived at the summit, 6228 feet above sea level, and Mom was right there with us a little worse for the wear.

I was very impressed with my Mom and told all of my friends at home that my Mother climbed Mt. Washington!

John 2009