Top 10 Moments of 2012

And just like that, 2012 and another incredible year in the outdoors has come to an end. I went on 36 total outings this year, climbed just over 100 total named mountains, 127,433 feet of elevation gain, hiked 400 miles, and nearly 300 hours were spent on the trail. And just like 2011, I've selected my top ten moments of the year. To think back that these top ten moments are even possible to accomplish in one year is just something beyond belief.

A few more quick facts for 2012:
Hiked a New England 4000-footer summit 76 times this year, 58 times a White Mountain 4000-footer.
Hiked Mt. Washington four times for the second year in a row.
Hiked 18 new 4000 footers this year in Maine & VT. Only North Brother in ME remained on the list.
Hiked 15 of the White Mountain 4000 footers twice in 2012, and climbed 22 in winter months.

(Click on the title to open that trip report in a new window.)

10. AMC Awards Dinner and the AMC 4000 Footer Club 

Receiving our official scrolls for hiking all 48 White Mountain 4000 footers

9. Climbing Mt. Washington with my brother and niece

2012 was a year for reaching for new heights

Hiking above treeline on a beautiful day

Successful summit of Mt. Washington with my brother and 8-year old niece

8. Finishing my 2nd Round of the 48 White Mountain 4000 Footers

On April 1, 2012, I finished my second round of the 48 on Carter Dome

7. Whitewater Rafting on the Penobscot River (with Penobscot Adventures)

A memorable rafting trip with a great group at Penobscot Adventures

A minor fear of being in dangerous water - no more

6. Extended Pemi Loop (Twelve 4000 footers in a day)

A Franconia Ridge Traverse in the morning....

A Bonds excursion in the afternoon....

...and a sunset on Bondcliff as I look back at the 12 peaks I just hiked in a day

5. Climbing Katahdin & the Knife Edge in Maine

Looking at Katahdin from the Knife Edge

Knife Edge, Baxter State Park

Mt. Katahdin summit

4. Vermont 4000 Footers in Two Days

Camel's Hump summit

Unforgettable sunrise on Mt. Abraham

Descending Mt. Abraham on a picture perfect day

Near the summit of Killington, VT.

3. Solo winter Presidential Traverse on President's Day

From near Mt. Adams, as the wind whipped up the snow

Mt. Washington at the Great Gulf

Climbing along the top of the Great Gulf en route to Washington

2. Solo winter climb of Mt. Washington via Tuckerman Ravine on MLK Day

My first time ever into Tuckerman Ravine may just stand as the best ever

...perhaps the most risky too, and potentially unwise, but we only live once...

Climbing near the sluice area in Tuckerman Ravine

1. Reaching the summit of Mt. Whitney, 14,505'

Mt. Whitney Trail

Spent a night camping at 12,000'

Saw the sun rise as I reached Trail Crest at 13,000'

One of the most exciting moments of my life was in 2012... atop Mt. Whitney

To all who read, share, comment, follow, like, and converse with me on DMOutdoors, thanks for a great 2012 everyone. I thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and shared enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Cheers,

Dan