Turning Back on Mount Potash

Not reaching the summit can be a more meaningful success

"Lots of people talk to animals. Not very many listen, though. That's the problem."
~ Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh

Early this morning, we set out to climb old friend, Mount Potash, the twin sister of Hedgehog off the Kancamagus Highway. I can't tell you how many times I've been up this scenic peak with its dramatic ledges, but it's been one of my favored mountains of the last dozen years. Last July, after our return from our cross-country trek, Potash was one of the first we scaled when I realized I could go up once again.

Down low, the forest was fragrant, cool, and inviting, but once beginning our ascent, it was clear the heat was getting to Samwise. Not that Emily or I were doing much better. Samwise usually leads the way and is the most agile climber of our team. Ultimately, we stopped a quarter-mile from the summit, on the last cliff, when Samwise had gone through most of the water.

Potash is an interesting peak. It does not seem…