Something I don’t speak on too often, though something that’s on my mind frequently, is my maternal grandparents’ bouts with Alzheimer’s and dementia. My grandmother passed away in September of 2014 after a near decade long decline due to Alzheimer’s complications. Seven years later, my grandfather who also suffered from sundowning dementia also passed a day after his 93rd birthday. The most heartbreaking part of it is to watch your loved ones - slowly and entirely out of their control - become someone unrecognizable to you; to lose what makes them, well, themselves. I grew up with them holding a lot of influence in my life and I miss them every day. When I found out about the fundraising event 48 Peaks hosted annually by the Alzheimer’s Association, I knew I wanted to take part in it. My grandparents loved New England, traveling, and the outdoors. They were avid hikers, skiers, horseback riders, and cared deeply for animals. Right up until the end, my grandfather made sure someone was leaving out corn for the deer and seed for the birds on his property. Between myself, family, and friends, we raised almost $300 for the Alzheimer’s Association to continue research in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. I was so grateful for the support and felt amazing going into my hike.
I decided to tackle North and South Hancock via the Hancock Loop trail, arriving at the trailhead around 7 am at a chilly 55°. The first 3.6 miles were quite deceiving for what the rest of the trail would hold as it was a very gentle incline with some moderate brook crossings. At the fork of the Cedar Brook and Hancock Loop trails, I took the popular clockwise loop up to North Hancock first. This section of trail was a tough, slow-going 0.7 mi rock slide up to the main peak with lots of loose rocks. It seemed as if all the elevation was gained here and I hit the summit right around 10 am.
The 1.4 mile trail over to South Hancock was very easy and a nice break from the steep scramble up. Nothing exposed along the ridge, but the trees thinned and offered some sunlight and glimpses of the surrounding Pemigewasset Wilderness. Both summits featured a small overlook with nice views. I enjoyed a Brotherly Love IPA from Victory Brewing Co. at South Hancock before heading down. The descent was rough. Loose rocks made for lots of unsure footing on a nearly-disorienting steep decline which led to some wicked bruises from sliding into upturned roots on the side of the trail. Again, the last 3 or so miles finally came and those seemed to fly by. I made it back to the truck around 1:30 pm. A well-deserved flight and plate of vegetarian poutine from One Love Brewery in North Woodstock was in order.
NH 4 and 5/48
New England 9 and 10/67
New England 14 and 15/100 Highest
Northeast 11 and 12/115
