Our Harrowing Trip

Ever since we moved to New Hampshire, I've wanted to visit Mt. Washington. It's the highest peak East of the Mississippi. Even when we lived in New York, I would see bumper stickers that read "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington". I figured it must be an incredible drive if so many people have gone.

I never knew until Monday just what the words on that bumper sticker really implied.

The mountain is 6,288 feet above sea level. The auto road climbing to the top is very narrow, barely allowing two way traffic. The edge of the road, which by the way has no guardrails at any point, meets with a drop to certain death.
Beautiful day for a drive...off the cliff of death.

The road really magnifies the fact that SUVs and minivans are enormous monstrosities (we own a minivan).
"Uh pardon me, but I'm not in the mood for a game of "chicken".

Cars have to climb at 20 miles per hour. When coming down, there are numerous spaces off the side of the "road" where you can stop and let your brakes cool lest your brakes become so overheated that they lose their function and cause the vehicle to speed out of control and careen over the side of the path leading to death and destruction.

But, while traveling the road, you become mesmerized by the majestic views of the mountainous terrain. Terrain isn't even the word to describe it. It's otherworldly.
As seen from the peak of Mount Washington...no photo does any justice to the views.

In the end though, the bumper sticker should say "We made it up and down Mt. Washington ALIVE"