Today was on of my sister’s birthday. It was a big day for her and where was I? Not with her, but somewhere that was dear to her heart. Don’t worry I’m not a bad sister, not spending it with her. You see she is having a big bash with the entire family when we can be together later in the month. I wanted to give her a gift though today and that was a view of her favorite mountain, Mt. Washington.
My sister is a hiker. Before her knee replacements she hiked Mt. Washington on a regular basis. She loves that mountain. I would hear her tales of hikes in rain, thunder, sleet and in good weather. I would think that girl is crazy, but boy did I admire her for doing that. She would even hike it solo and I was so jealous, she had so much confidence to do it alone. I finally conquered Mt. Washington in August and thought of her the entire way up. Once was enough for me. I prefer finding viewpoints to look at Mt. Washington.
I knew I had to find a hike that gave me the view of that majestic beast, so I could send it to her in a birthday message. Imp Face was the logical choice. I owe this sister that much. She was my second mom as a baby. I would ask for her before our own mother.
Off to Imp Face we went.
The path started off easy through a pine covered trail with the roaring Imp brook to our left.
Mike scooted off the trail to snap a few pictures of the brook.
We had two large brook crossings, the second one almost stopped me from continuing on. For short legs, it was a big space between boulders, but after a bit of convincing from Mike, I stretched those legs and made it.
Typical White Mountain fashion, we ascended directly up from there.
After a bit of the up, we hit a large wooded area that was “flat” and the spring flowers started to dot the trail.
After this section it was time to ascend the stairs.
From the stairs we start some real New Hampshire White Mountains hiking. Rocks that you step up on, mud you squish in and snow you sink in.
Luckily we had snow as I suffered another flesh wound on this trail. Mike carried a snowball to the ledges, so he could ice and clean out my leg wound. What a good guy. We reached the summit and the views were spectacular. What a great birthday gift I could send my sister.
We spent around 45 minutes hanging out, snapping photos, eating, sending photos and attending to my minor flesh wound.
I was really happy to be here and to be able to send my sister a great birthday present, a view.
This was an amazing day for a beautiful hike. The views were even better than we anticipated and the sky was stunning.
Down we descended. Ready to return “home” to a much deserved glass of wine to toast my sister and finish off a perfect afternoon in the white mountains.
Happy Birthday My Hiking Birthday Sister.
The Details: 4.4 miles out and back. Four hours, including hanging on the ledges. 1875 elevation gain. Overall not a demanding hike, but I would not attempt water crossings in high water.
CTHikergal Travels 
Beautiful photo’s and I’m sure your sister will love it. What a great story. Hiking is the best. God Bless you both…….
Thank you Joyce. What a great day to be out and my sister loved the photo!! I wish she was still hiking these mountains.
Excellent blog report about an excellent birthday gift for your sister.
And I must also add that your description of “”real New Hampshire White Mountains hiking” is right on the mark, i.e.. Rocks that you step up on, mud you squish in and snow you sink in. 🙂
John
Have to love hiking this time of year up here, you get all kinds of conditions that make it an adventure. Thanks for your comments.
You have to bring me sometime!!!!!