What hiker would be foolish enough to climb to the summit of Mount Washington on the most beautiful weekend day of the entire summer? Well, that would be me of course. And not only that, I went right for the busiest trail up the mountain--the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Why? Because I wanted experience the full measure of what P.T. Barnum once called it "the Second Greatest Show on Earth."

I was not disappointed. The hike up Tuck's wasn't crowded at all until I reached the top of Tuckerman Headwall. From there on up the summit cone I was part of the mass of humanity that was using Mt. Washington as an outdoor playground on this killer summer day.

On top I joined hundreds (possibly thousands) of visitors who had arrived by car, van, motorcycle, Cog Railway or on foot. It was a crazy scene for sure, but I loved it!

"Did you actually walk up here," asked one couple in very clean vacation clothes who had just stepped out of their car. "Why, yes I did," I said. "YOU ACTUALLY WALKED ALL THE WAY UP HERE," they asked again, rather stunned. I explained that I do this all the time and have done so for many years. But to them such an endeavor was a completely alien concept. I couldn't imagine. No matter how others arrived, though, at least they were here, and were able to see the grand view and experience the majesty of Mt. Washington on such a fabulous day.

I spent several hours among the crowds milling about, shopping and chatting, reading and writing, and generally drinking in the hustle and bustle of this tourist Mecca. I also spent a good deal of time hanging over the railing on the observation deck and enjoying the view of the mountain wilderness stretching before me in every direction. In all my years of hiking up here, I'd never seen it so clear. For that reason alone, I'm glad I made the trek.

Finally, even I couldn't take any more of the crowds and slipped off down the trail. My pace quickened with the thought of some cold post-hike refreshment down in the valley at my favorite watering hole in the White Mountains, the Red Parka Pub.

9/5/04 update: Read the full account of my 8/22 up Mt. Washington.