Photo courtesy of Nick Keating
Recently, while enjoying the ambiance and good company to be found in Littleton's newest brew/pub Schillings, I chance to meet the owners of Badass Outdoor Outfitters. We talked and enjoyed the pleasant evening and soon I found myself invited to join them on a guided Full Moon Hike up Mount Pemigewasset. No way could one turn down an opportunity like that!
We met at the trail head just as dusk was gathering. The six adventurers, led by Badass Outdoors guide Jim McCann, donned warm layers, hats, gloves, traction spikes, and trekking poles and set off for the top.
photo courtesy of Nick Keating
Mount Pemigewasset is a great mountain for out of shape adventurers like myself. I won't sugar coat it, I found myself struggling a bit on the way up, but guide Jim McCann and owners of Badass Outdoors Matt and Marie have an encouraging no-pressure way of blazing the trail. We reached the top in about an hour and a half.
At the top they had special treats for us, and shortly after we reached the summit, our guides set to work with their jet-boil stove to make everyone a round of spiced hot chocolate, a blend of cocoa and cayenne pepper that can be found locally at The Little Herbe Shoppe on Main St in Littleton.
Photo courtesy of Nick Keating
Photo courtesy of Nick Keating
Ok I took this photo...
Once at the top, and warmed by delicious hot beverages, we all took a few moments respite to take in the breathtaking beauty of the lights before us. Stretching out as far as we could see was the majestic town of Lincoln NH.
The photo at the very top of this post is a much better reflection of what it felt like to be at the top, and I can not thank Nick Keating enough for sharing his wonderful photographs.
After a rest (and a palpable drop in temperatures) we decided to head back down the trail. Of course we had to stop for a photo opp or two.
Photo courtesy of Matt Keating
We plunged down the trail and got to the bottom with enough time to spare to head back to Littleton and celebrate our victory at Schilling's Beer Co. Nothing tastes better after a great adventure than a cold drink and a hot meal, and good company to wash it all down.
Badass Outdoor Outfitters leads Full Moon Hikes once a month to different locations throughout the White Mountains Region. Follow them on twitter @BadassOutdoors or LIKE them on Facebook. Stop into their store on Main Street and ask how you can join their next Badass Adventure.
While you're in town stop in to Schilling's for a bite to eat and drink. Follow them on twitter @SchillingBeer or LIKE them on Facebook.
Follow free-lance photographer Nick Keating on his adventures by checking out his website or reading his Blog.
