Ted has talked about the Bonds for over a decade, since I met him, back when he first interned at the Mount Washington Observatory. He had never hiked them, but always talked about how cool they were and what a beautiful backpack it would be. During one trip, we watched trail runners pass by, one after another, over Garfield, over North Twin. Something about the physical challenge of a single-day Pemi Loop resonated with Ted, and he decided he wanted to try it one day, after we’ve had time to leisurely enjoy these peaks.
Last year, we FINALLY made our way through the Pemigewassets over multiple day hikes and backpacks, thoroughly enjoying every bit of beauty we expected, finishing our New Hampshire 4,000-footers on Bondcliff. So this year, when the pandemic hit and everyone was told to stay close to home and skip the big vacations, the Pemi Loop became Ted’s summer goal. We, however, have different ideas of what fun is, and for me, supporting this endeavor and making it a two-sport day to save my knees sounded a little better.
He trail ran Mount Moosilauke, biked more, and we hauled heavy bags of bark mulch to a few Long Trail privies. We waited for a nice weekday in August, with plenty of daylight and smaller crowds, and planned a strategic day of goals for both of us. I dropped Ted off at Lincoln Woods at 4am, and into the darkness he disappeared. While he headed up over the Franconia Ridge, I drove up to the Garfield trailhead, rested my eyes for a bit, and then began hiking up to meet Ted on the ridge. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, with a reasonable temperature. I packed up some water and a few extra snacks, and took in the scenery until Ted met me on the summit of Garfield. I offered moral support and topped off his water, and when he hit the trail again, I headed back down to my car.
My day wasn’t over, though. Ted got a new road bike recently and it’s become my obsession. It has saved me from a plantar fasciitis flare-up, and given me a way to keep in shape while healing. After 10 miles of hiking, I drove back to the Lincoln Woods area, and pulled Ted’s bike out of the car. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it, but my goal was to bike to the top of 112 - Kancamangus Pass. 1,700 feet of gain didn’t sound like a lot, but I’d never done that on a bicycle.
The most surprising thing about biking this section of the Kanc was that it never felt nearly as steep as I built it up to be in my mind. There were certainly points where I saw an overlook and thought, “I’m ONLY HERE!?” and then when I saw the hairpin turn, I pedaled with excitement knowing just how far in that was! The grade steepened and I was getting tired, and just as I had made the decision that I’d stop at the next overlook for a quick break, as I reached the driveway for it, up ahead was the “downhill” road sign. That was it. The top. I had made it! I skipped the overlook and went straight for the goal. A few people honked as they drove by, and before long, I was celebrating my victory with the best reward - 9 miles of downhill road.
When I got back to my car, I loaded the bike back in the car, stretched for a bit, and relaxed by the river. Ted had sent a text with the time and his location, so I estimated what time he might be back at Lincoln Woods. I drove into Lincoln and ordered pizzas, and opted to start hiking in the flat straightaway from the trailhead. I hiked with Ted’s pizza in hand, and after about a mile or so, I saw him up ahead. He was hiking out with a hiker he met on the trail, who’s girlfriend had hiked in to meet him for the last couple miles. The look on their faces was priceless when I reunited with Ted, and handed him a fresh pizza.
A single day Extended Pemi Loop is 33.5 miles and includes 10 summits over 4,000 feet. I’d say he deserved a surprise trailside pizza, and perhaps, it boosted morale and helped him finish a little sooner. 4:00am - 7:00pm, on the dot, and we still were back home before dark.