Thanks so much. You took some fantastic photos.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thank you. The photos are always a work in progress but those stars were the highlight of the trip.

Excellent video. Thanks for taking us along!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. It's a thrill to be out there at this time of year.

wonderful!! great video. Currently watching this in a morning while drinking coffee hhaha love the video. Keep it up and stay safe!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you! That makes it full circle for me, to have the adventure, make the video, and then know somebody is sitting there watching the story unfold.

great adventure, well equipt

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍 Can't wait for the next one!

Hi Rachel. I recently came across your channel since I hike many of the same areas you have documented, and I'm enjoying your vids! I'm leaving a commenting regarding the disclosure of stealth campsite locations per your request at around 7:22. I appreciate your thoughtfulness on the subject. There are obviously pros and cons. But, in this particular case, the location of the site you visited is pinpointed in the FarOut app guides that cover the area (the AT and White Mountains guides). I did the same thing you did on this trip 2 years ago, staying at the Hut and checking out the campsite for future use based on that info from FarOut. So there's no reason to feel like you are revealing a secret for this one. In general, I am grateful when others provide info about back country locations, especially those that are more than a few miles from a trailhead, as it helps me plan my trips and reduces anxiety. Like you, I just hope that people will use the sites responsibly. Comments like those you've included in your video should help. Separate topic: Thanks for sharing the weight of your pack. It's amazing that you are able to enjoy hiking with a 30 pound pack. I'm impressed! I'm in my 70's and have some joint issues, so I could never handle that much weight for more than a few miles. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing your experiences!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Oh, good to know. I got the Far Out app but I don't use it much. Yeah, my summer pack is more like 22 pounds and that is easier by far. But for winter, I've decided to go for it and use this other type of pack that manages more weight. But it's a limited thing where I can't go as far.

Nice you got one last hike to Zealand Hut before the road closed. Went up Sugarbush a few days before your hike to get that in before road close (no snow when I went). Great tip about the road gate and 24 hours before the lock goes on. Really like Zealand Hut, always great star views from that hut once the lights go out. If you want to see where that Zealand Cliffs trail goes and travel up that slide you turned back on, check out the video Laura Soule did recently where she and John hiked in that area. Thanks for sharing your trip … makes me want to visit Zealand Hut again…

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

OK thanks for the tips! I love the Soules' videos! It's nice there are several huts so we can let time pass and forget what it's like and then go again and experience it anew. Different in every season and different with each group of people. I had very clear memories on this trip of meeting some guys years ago who camped in full winter at Guyot and then on night two stayed at Zealand, sharing their fun stories around the wood stove.

@MikeRyder-ml2mb

8 ай бұрын

Nice to actually see there is a woodstove in Zealand Hut. Each time I went there in summer there was an empty space there we all wondered about. :) @@RachelWhelton

Rachel, I hve been enjoying your videos. I have done simialr hikes over the last few years. I did a long day hike in he Zealand area in August of 2019. I like your style and how much informatation you are sharing. Thanks for sharing!

@RachelWhelton

7 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Beautiful ! You are a pro ! Safety first. That is my motto. Go on girl, you are my hero ! I am watching your video with a wounded knee. My adventures as a hiker are finished for this year. You showed me beauty

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I am sorry for your knee. But it's great I can share the views while you are in recovery.

Nice hike, thanks for the information as always! Great photography as usual!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks to you (as usual) too!

The section of the Ethan Pond trail you walked is an old logging railroad bed. People rock climb on the cliffs you showed. Last fall I met a man just leaving the trail to head up there. Beautiful still shots!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. I love learning these details.

Loved the night shots! Did you stay on a weekday? I was just at Carter Notch Hut Friday night and it was pretty busy, more than I thought for a cold November night

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I stayed on a Wednesday night with a forecast for a winter weather advisory. Fridays and weekends are almost always busy. I always call first to make sure there isn't a big group on the day I plan to go. I've been there when there are groups and it is a fun atmosphere but also totally different than the super quiet version.

My goal is to do this some day, thank you for your amazing videos!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the nice comment. Sometimes it takes years for the plan to swirl around in the back of your mind. And then one day, it's TIME!

Very nice overnighter while enjoying the winter landscape but for me I really enjoy warm weather adventures

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I can understand, especially with the real possibility of freezing to death! I like all the seasons but this is the first year I am actually giving winter more effort. We shall see how it goes.

Nice clip! I'm more familiar with hiking ADK and Green Mountains, do these White Mt "huts" all have propane and electric? Are there many of them? Must broaden my horizons and put a few NH trails on the 2024 bucket list. 👍

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Yes, check out the Outdoors.org website. There are only three huts that stay open year round: Zealand, Lonesome Lake, and Carter Notch. Quite the discount and you get to make your own food (and carry out your own trash). Electricity is very limited so you bring a headlamp. No heat. There are more huts for summer but the routine is different due to more people - check my Lakes of the Clouds video. Also summer is rather expensive (but a unique trip so possibly worth it on occasion).