What a fantastic day! The weather started out gray but the clouds lifted with each passing hour. 5 of us, all from the White Mountain School in Bethlehem, headed up Caps Ridge at about 9am. Our numbers were limited this year because of class and sports commitments from some of our crew.
Just prior to our arrival, on the Jefferson Notch Road, we had come round a corner to meet a large cow moose staring at us – for one in our party, it was s first moose sighting. She eventually gave way allowing us to pass.
There were a few other hikers on the trail and our group, with two large sections of PVC, always prompted questions allowing us to explain the wonderful purpose of our hike. It also allowed us to try and convince a few folks that we were blow-dart hunting big game with our long tubes.
As we broke out above tree-line the clouds were starting to lift, allowing sweeping views across the valley. We reached the summit just about noon and set about hoisting our flag. We had a smaller flag this year, taken from the WMS Great Hall where we fly flags from every state and country of our current student population, but our 17 feet of flagpole allowed us to get Old Glory nice and high. The wind proved steady but never overwhelming for our set-up – great flag-flying weather.
We were able to spot flags on Adams, Eisenhower and Monroe (the clouds never lifted on Washington), and had occasion both to reflect with others who knew of FOT48 and to talk with others for whom it was new. This is always one of my favorite parts, having stangers lend a hand hoisting the flag and telling their own stories. DOing this with students only helps to make this even more special.
It was 2:00 before we knew it, so we dismantled and headed back down Caps Ridge. The hike down was quick. Luckily the day’s sun had dried out some of the slippery parts on the lower caps. We reached the parking lot around 4 and made the short (thankfully) drive home.
Thanks to everyone who has a hand in pulling this together and congratulations to all who helped make this another wonderful year. Already looking forward to ’09.
-snowball
