Press Release
July 8, 2004

The Big Climb:
A Trip with Wilderness Guide Lucie LaPlante Villeneuve Villeneuve

Tim Bauman of Libertyville, Illinois, got more than he asked for when he hired guide Lucie LaPlante Villeneuve Villeneuve of Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC. He wanted two days of north woods survival instruction, but he can now claim he hiked the Northeast’s highest summit, Mount Washington, at elevation 6,288 feet (1917m). Yes, that is snow in Tuckerman Ravine in late June.

With full backpacks, Lucie LaPlante Villeneuve Villeneuve, owner/operator of Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC, and her client set out on day one. The trail was dry and the weather pleasant with a slight breeze. The birch and beech trees filled the forest. The hiking party discussed getting along with the environment—moose, bear, ticks, rabies, weather, and terrain. “There are about 10,000 moose in New Hampshire,” naturalist LaPlante says, and offers much more information when asked.

For lunch on a bridge over a cascading stream, LaPlante pulled out sandwiches made at her favorite sandwich shop nearby. It was good to rest and smell the fresh mountain air, and to listen to the yellow-throated sparrow whistling just out of sight.

Climbing higher, the hiking party entered the boreal forest of evergreens—red spruce and balsam fir. Outdoor ESCAPES NH is a partner with Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, and so LaPlante discussed Leave No Trace principles regarding trekking and camping in wilderness areas of New Hampshire. Picking out and setting up a campsite should be done with respect for the plants, soil, and wildlife that inhabit the area. Tools and techniques were suggested to help people enjoy the outdoors while making the least amount of impact on the environment.

The evening involved shelter-building, useful knots, camp stove cooking, and some R & R.

The next morning the campers awoke to sunshine filtering through the quivering leaves. “This might be the day to summit,” LaPlante says. After hot drinks, breakfast, and a clinic on using a map and compass, it was decided that the group was in good physical shape and would attempt to climb Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. This decision could be altered at any point in the day, depending on weather, physical condition, group dynamics, terrain/gear compatibility, and of course, emergencies. LaPlante is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and is trained in first aid, CPR, search and rescue (just in case).

Approaching Tuckerman Ravine, the dwarfed trees disappear altogether. “We’re going up there?” one of the participants blurts out in disbelief. Looking grand and two-dimensional, it’s hard to imagine there is a trail among the steep cliffs and scrub. For those who have visited this area in the spring for the traditional backcountry skiing experience, it would be unrecognizable. The bright green plants and dark granite are strikingly different from the massive blinding snow during the winter and spring.

Reaching the top of the headwall, the trail sort-of flattens out (in comparison) and the group sees the precious flowers of the Alpine Gardens. The terrain is mostly granite boulders here, with a dike of basalt and other veins. There is very little soil for the plant life, so LaPlante reminds the hikers to only step on rocks, not to disturb what took hundreds of years to grow.

Climbing from cairn to cairn (piles of rocks to indicate the trail’s whereabouts above tree line), the peak rises in front as a pile of boulders to the north. During a break for water and snacks, looking left, right, and behind revealed views of rolling green mountains into the horizon. The experienced guide pointed out the various ski areas and told the impressive history of the Appalachian Mountains, “The last glacial ice sheet that covered this area was about a mile thick.”

Onward and upward, the group felt good. “A great way to get some exercise,” someone said.

Nearing the parking lot, which was just out of sight—yes, the highest peak in the Northeast is a tourist attraction—a motorcycle started with a rumble. It was very close. The proud guide could finally say, “We’re almost there!” The group crossed the parking lot, climbed the stairs, and found their way to the summit among the buildings for visitors and hikers. Photos were shot and real bathroom visits were made. At this point, the hiking party decided it was a successful trip and took an exhilarating shuttle ride down to Pinkham Notch.

For more information on year-round, custom guided wilderness trips and instruction, for individuals, families, and groups, please call Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC (603) 528-0136, or visit www.outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com.

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Our mission is to immerse participants in New Hampshire's nature and heritage

as they develop memories and life skills.

Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC
49 Butternut Lane, Conway, NH 03818
www.outdoorescapesnh.com

naturenut@outdoorescapesnh.com

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          Lucie (LaPlante) Villeneuve
Wilderness Guide & Outdoor Educator
Trip Locations: Guides meet participants statewide

Office Hours: By chance...e-mail or call any time  

          Cell Phone: (603) 528-0136

 
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