Saturday June 11, 2005

Sarah's 48th

Today along with many members of VFTT we joined Sarah as she completed here goal of hiking the 48 NH 4000 footers on top of Mt Moosilauke.

We met at the Ravine Lodge parking area and greeted new and old friends while waiting for John and Sarah to arrive.

They arrive and start getting ready - we have several hikers on there first 4000 footer today from the very young to the more mature.

Sarah and her father.

Today we were to hike the Gorge Brook trail for the ascent to the summit.

Along the way we enjoyed the views.

With the very humid weather there was a lot of Haze and morning fog.

After crossing the river on a high bridge you reach a sign pointing to the trails - away we go.

At the junction of the Gorge Brook and Snapper trails, we found the first of many red balloons that George Fitch had left.

A group decission was made that Sarah should keep the baloon.

The trail is next to the brook for some time providing some cooler temps.

ALthough only 70 degrees at teh start of the hike - the humidity made it warm enough that John and Charles (pictured here) braved the cold mountain water to cool off.

Here is MEB and Sponge Bob.

George Fitch who started the hike an hour before us, was carrying a helium tank up the mountain and filling balloons as he went. Here he left 4 balloons on the left and 8 balloons on the right - not every got it - it meant "48" John!

Sarah's pack was getting lighter as we atached more and more balloons to it (leave no trace).

As we reach tree line we look towards the summit and see even more ballons marking it.

MEB adding one more while Charles looks on.

Sarah and her Dad approaching the summit. This was Sarah's 48th and her Dad's first 4000 footer!

Sherpa John congrats Sarah as she completes her journey - some did suggest that they go get a room!

After 2 years 11 Months and 7 Days, Sarah Chretien - future Mrs Sherpa John - has completed her goal of summitting all 48 New Hampshire Four Thousand Footers.

Many others joined us in the celebration and gave Sarah a large round of applause on her success.

Although still under cloud cover we enjoyed a slight breeze.

Here we find Geri assisting George Fitch server ice cream cones. What??? Ice cream cones ?? Yes - George Fitch also carried up ice cream and cones packed in Dry Ice.

George went all out to make Sarah's day a very special one.

Sarah continueing her celebration.

John presented Satah with ner own autographed copy of the movie "48" that she is a co-star in, along with her AMC 4K patch.

Jim Lombard presented Sarah with a cartoon he had drawn depicted her and John's adventures.

The cartoon.

The celbration continues as a bottle of champagne

Sarah takes a sip (is she old enouigh to drink ???

Joel and Geri join in - notice the P. B. & J. in Joel's hand.

Arm and Steve (brother ?) skip the champagne but enjoy a cold beer.

A well travled pack.

Charles looking serious.

and a Boy Scout who was on the summit looking happy.

Jim Lombard's nephew Steve enjoys the welcome treat. Today was his first 4000 footer - congrats!

Heather's first hike with VFTT.

The group on the summit.

Words cannot describe the wonderfull things that George has done in support of John and Sarah - this is just one of the many warm hearted members of VFTT.

Joel and Sarah on top of the South Peak as we begin our descent.

Sherpa John enjoying some private moment - most likely filled with tears of joy.

MEB enjoying the slight breeze.

After the hike many of us joined in for a BBQ over at Cannon Mountain. Here George presents Sarah a little somthing to remember the day. The trail signs are from Mt Moosilauke.

George and John.

Great food and friends.

MichaelJ couldn't make the hike but drove up to join in the post celebration.

Geri being cooled off by Sherpa John's mother.

MichaelJ brought ice cream to the cookout.

Steve Smith on the left talking to MichealJ with Arm nearby as Sarah enjoys yet more ballons - Congrats Sarah!!! But what's next??? :>.

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