Mt. Franklin

I am happy to report that my 2012 White Mountain climb was successful. 
We were atop Mt. Pierce in about 3 hours, right on schedule - our schedule.  After being below tree line to that point, the views of Washington in the distance and the peaks in between were exhilarating.  It was a crystal clear day - in fact both days were completely clear.  That was a true blessing!

Our trek was supposed to be Pierce to Eishenhower to Monroe to Lakes of the Clouds and then on to Washington.  However, after Pierce and Eishenhower, we were confused.  We saw Washington, and guessed (correctly) that the peak in front of it was Monroe.  But, the path was leading to another peak, and not Monroe.  We asked a passerby, who identified that peak as Franklin!  Franklin?  Where did Franklin come from?  Well, Franklin is not a 4000 footer, though from where we stood at that moment, you could have fooled us!  And, we had to traverse Franklin to get to Monroe! 
No choice, so off we went.

Seven hours after we started, we pulled into Lakes of the Clouds, and while some went in for a quick, albeit cold, swim, I passed on that opportunity. 
After dinner, there was a gorgeous sunset, with the sun turning beet red at the end.  Pictures did not do it justice.

The next day was perfect weather again, and our ascent of Washington went without a hitch. 

From there, we spent the next few hours figuring out the new hiker shuttle to the bottom, and waiting for 'connections'.  Nonetheless, we all have vowed to be in better shape for next year's Tuckerman Ravine traverse, and can't wait for next July!