Remembering 9/11 on Moriah

History of the Flags on the 48:

 

The 'Flags on the 48' began as act of remembrance and a demonstration of patriotism in response to the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.

On September 15, 2001, three days after the attacks, six hikers met at the White House Trailhead packing a 96 square foot American flag, 30 feet of PVC tubing, 100 feet of rope and 2 rolls of duct tape. These hikers felt compelled to do something to express their grief for the tremendous and devastating loss of lives. In a small demonstration of their helplessness and compassion in the wake of incomprehensible violence, these six hikers ascended with heavy hearts to raise the American flag from the summit of Mount Liberty. This was their personal tribute to the thousands of men, women and children who perished in the attacks. Their patriotic and sympathetic display received such remarkable amounts of positive feedback and support that a committee was formed to establish an annual memorial. The flags on the 48 Memorial Hike was officially brought to life....

 

We in the hiking community continue to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire on the weekend closest to September 11 each year. By demonstrating our steadfast unity in this challenging endeavor, we also hope to express our unwavering support to the families, friends and communities whose losses are beyond comprehension and whose suffering we remember in our hearts.

 

Retrieved from: http://www.flagsonthe48.org/

 

 

I first heard of the "Flags on the 48" a few weeks ago through the 4,000 Footer Facebook page.  What a great demonstration of patriotism and remembrance!  I was happy to be a tiny part of it today (as an observer) on Mt. Moriah.  

 

I got a later than usual start this morning because I slept in after a late night last night.   (Todd and I hiked up Pack Monadnock at midnight hoping to see the northern lights.  No luck!)  It was about 10:15 AM and very cool and cloudy when I arrived at the trailhead.  Rain was in the forecast for later in the day, but no thunderstorms were being predicted so I wasn't too concerned.    I had hoped to coordinate a car spot for this hike so I could take a different route down, but I was solo today so I chose the Stony Brook Trail out and back.

 



 

As is often the case in the Whites, the trail follows a stream for the first couple miles.  I am going to go out on a limb and guess this one is called Stony Brook :).  Whatever its name, it was a very lovely stream.   There were several small waterfalls, but I thought it was more the large, mossy slabs of rock that made this stream so pretty and unique.  I spent quite a bit of time exploring off trail.    

I had the brook to myself.  It was so pretty and serene, I could have stayed there all day! But, alas, I had a mountain to climb so I made my way back to the trail.

 

 

 

The first few miles of the trail were fairly easy, with only a few steeper sections.  At the 3.6  mile mark, I turned left at the Carter Moriah junction.  From this point forward, the terrain was steeper and rockier. 

 

And shortly afterwards I arrived at the first overlook.  I was happy to see the clouds were not the type that obliterate the views.

 

There were a lot of stone ledges further up.  The thought of potentially coming down them in the rain made me pick up the pace a little!

With about 3/4 mile to go, I caught my first glimpse of the summit in the distance.  I could even see the flag! 

But then the trail went back into the woods.  This was a very pretty section of trail...

 

I love these boardwalks.  Sometimes they seem so random. 

 

 

There was also a fun little scramble :).

 

 

When I crested the boulders (above), I saw the flag once again, much closer now.  As sappy as it sounds, I did choke up a little when I saw it. 

 

And here it is at the summit!  The flag crew did a great job!  It looks like a lot of work went into hauling everything up and assembling it!  I talked very briefly with the flag crew.  They seemed like a fun bunch of guys. 

It was quite windy and cold at the summit.  I wanted to get down the ledges before the rain moved in, so I didn't stay long.  I was glad I brought a few extra layers and a hat.  I usually don't keep the layers on when I am moving, but today I didn't take them off until I was about halfway down!

I couldn't resist taking a few more pictures of the views at the ledges on the way down!

This pretty combination of ground covers caught my eye...

The trip back down to the trailhead went by quickly.  I stopped to explore a bit more of the brook and found this cool section.  I love how the trees are growing right on top of the rock!

Thankfully the rain held off completely (until about 15 minutes after I got back to my car)! 

That made me one happy hiker! :)