Our car climbed Mt. Washington

"The air is distinctly fragrant with balsam and resin and mint, every breath of it a gift we may well thank God for. Who could ever guess that so rough a wilderness should yet be so fine, so full of good things. One seems to be in a majestic domed pavillion in which a grand play is being acted with scenery and music and incense, all the furniture and action so interesting we are in no danger of being called on to endure one dull moment. God himself seems to be always doing his best here, working like a man in a glow of enthusiasm."~~~John Muir

Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire

Opened in 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is a driving experience you will always remember, or perhaps you will want to forget! From the first horse drawn wagons to today's vehicles, vacationers on the Auto Road have been experiencing the wonders of Mt. Washington's weather, scenery and history for 150 years. Since opening, the world has grown and changed around the Road, but the route to the summit remains the same. When first opened as the Mt. Washington Carriage Road, Abraham Lincoln was president. In fact, the Road preceded many of today's most common items: the telephone, lightbulb and the camera. With the ever changing weather conditions on New England's highest peak, no two trips are the same. Clear blue skies and stunning views may greet you one day. The next day you could have the adventure of your lifetime in the 6,288 foot peak's strong winds, fog and rapidly moving clouds.

I cannot fathom taking a cog rail up and down that mountain!

Yes that is snow!

As we pulled up to the toll booth to pay our fee, Brian and I pretty much ignored and chuckled at the warning sign about stopping and checking your brakes along the drive down the mountain. If I remember correctly, it is a continuous 12% grade. We started our ascent, and at first I was doing fine. Enjoying the beautiful scenery and the scent of balsams. Now mind you, I've traveled the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and not once have I ever been afraid of heights. I wasn't afraid of the height so much on this mountain...it was the road. There were places just BARELY wide enough for two cars to pass one another. The cars ascending were to give the cars descending the right of way. I....was....scared. No guard rails. I was on the outside on the way up so I could see the crumbling blacktop along the edge. I was sitting there white knuckled and not feeling very well. One area of the road was muddy. All I could think of was our tires spinning out of control and losing traction. This part of the trip bothered Brian too. When we finally arrived at the top, I was relieved, though I was wondering how we could ever possibly make it down safely. We got to the peak and it was freezing cold and windy. I shot some pictures, and we eventually went into the gift center and had a little bit of food. This helped my queasy stomach some. I remember asking the young lady behind the counter how she and the other workers get to and from work every day. She told me it wasn't too bad. The employees pool in a van and are the only vehicle on the road! I then asked her if she thought the ascent down was more dangerous than the ascent up. She felt the descent was more dangerous since your brakes could give out. This was very reassuring! We saw many hikers in the gift shop. I cannot imagine hiking up that mountain. People have died attempting to do so! Thankfully the trip down wasn't as scary. We did have to stop quite a few times to cool off our brakes. I'm thankful we had a new car to drive! I will never never forget that experience, though I've tried!