UP

In my early years I was a tom boy who swung from trees, played in underground forts, and attempted daring fetes that most boys would do, but I of course was a girl.  My parents would tell us to go outside and play in the yard.  Considering I was brought up on 57 acres of woodland that meant playing in the fresh air with trees, rabbits, deer, crayfish in the neighboring pond and the children that some how migrated to my yard every day.

Years ago when I was just a baby I climbed my first mountain on Uke's back.  I guess I didn't really climb the mountain as I was, at the tender age of 10 months, not yet able to walk.  I don't remember a thing about this journey except for the re-telling of my parents story.  Uke and Donny were my parents' best friends and they did most of the their weekend adventures together.

The next time, many years later, we tried to summit the very same mountain.  I stayed behind with my mom as her back with giving her difficulties.  She was just months away from having her back surgery.  Unfortunately I never got to see and remember the top of Poke-o-moonshine.  I've heard it was quite lovely from my dad and brother.  That's right rub it in that you didn't have to stay behind.

Alas my mountain climbing years were short lived.  Now most summits are merely faded memories.  I can barely remember climbing Mount Jo with my sixth grade class as a field trip.  I know that I was rather disappointed that we didn't get to climb Mount Marcy like the other sixth grade classes were doing that very same day.

If I had the chance to do it all over again, with UP as my inspiration I  would most definitely climb the remaining of the Adirondack Mountain range.  Maybe I can still make some short day hikes with my handicaps.  I guess I'll just have venture forth and give it my best while still taking precautions and deal with failure if it happens.

Maybe some day, if I'm lucky enough to have children they'll be able to go peakbagging.  There is so very much to learn while outside enjoying nature.

Trish Herr's then five year old daughter Alex wanted to hike all 48 of New Hampshire 's 4,000+ foot mountains. Would you let your five year old do the same? Join From Left to Write on April 12 as we discuss Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.