The First of Many Multi-Days Hikes
My first multi-day hike was a baptism by fire (or should I say, blister?). The Pemi Loop in the White Mountains had been on my bucket list for ages, and this year, I finally decided to take the plunge. Armed with a 30-pound backpack (which felt more like 60 pounds after a few miles), a brand new water filter, and a head full of optimism, I set off on my three-day adventure.
Things started off smoothly, but the universe apparently had other plans. The parking lot at the trailhead was overflowing, forcing me to park my car on the shoulder of the road – a slightly nerve-wracking start. Then, just three hours into the hike, the dreaded blisters decided to make an unwelcome appearance. I guess all that pre-hike research wasn't enough!
Food became a bit of a battleground. Turns out, meticulous meal planning isn't my forte. Half of the carefully curated snacks ended up being a total miss – a lesson learned the hard way (and with a slightly rumbly stomach).
But amidst the blisters and questionable food choices, there were moments of pure magic. Filtering brown stream water just to test out my new gadget and discovering it actually tasted… good? Who knew! The real highlight, however, was the scenery. The Pemi Loop boasts some of the most stunning views in the White Mountains, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Towering peaks, vibrant valleys, and endless stretches of pristine wilderness – it was a feast for the eyes.
The physical challenge was no joke either. Over those three days, I conquered more than 3,000 meters of elevation gain. It was grueling at times, but the sense of accomplishment at the summit of each climb was pure gold.
Looking back, my first multi-day hike was an experience I'll never forget. It was an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and moments of pure exhilaration. The Pemi Loop may have tested my limits, but it also showed me the incredible beauty and resilience the wilderness holds. And hey, at least I learned to trust my water filter a little more!
