We invite participants to add comments about their PRH experience. Simply use the Question/Comment box to the right. —>
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I did the PRH with Alex, Jon, Elizabeth, and Pam as leaders in 2021. This was a ‘bucket list’ experience for me that I finally was able to accomplish in my mid-50’s. The PRH was everything I hoped it would be – it tested my endurance, rewarded me with countless high moments, and brought me connections to people who became true friends and hiking partners. These four leaders were an amazing team, each bringing unique skills and perspective to a group experience that is much more than simply a hike in the mountains.
A.J.
I would not have had the confidence to undertake this challenging hike on my own, and it was an amazing experience. Alex and Elizabeth were extremely knowledgeable and compassionate guides. Our group was full of laughter and fun, and of mixed ages and abilities: pour guides made sure that we each got safely to our destinations, offering less challenging options for those who wanted them. Staying in the high huts is an extraordinary experience — again, something I would not have done on my own (you have to learn to enjoy being at very close quarters with strangers) — I’d say it was life-changing for me. Thank you so much Alex and Elizabeth!
J.F.
Alex, thank you so much for all the laughs. You kept me smiling with your humor, kindness, empathy, knowledge of the Whites and determination to continue with the slower pack. I can’t wait to do another trip with the dynamic foursome. I will always remember the memories from this trip.
K.C.
Thanks for the great leadership on the trip! Hope to see you on the trails in the future.
T.C.
Dear Elizabeth, Alex, Jon and Pam,
Thank you so much for everything you did for us as leaders of the PRH; all the planning and then the work on the ground: as well as being the beneficiary I learned a great deal from watching your flexibility, compassion and good humor, and the effort you all made to ensure that each individual was getting what they hoped to find on such an adventure. Under your leadership I got to do the kind of hiking that I could not undertake on my own — this is, as you know, a remarkable gift you give, and I certainly won’t forget yesterday’s hike in a hurry (nor will my feet….!) warm best wishes, J.
J.F.
I was at the hiking workshop organized by AMC-New Hampshire Chapter. John gave a presentation about 2018 PRH. I ran to him after his talk and asked him to put me on waiting list for 2019 PRH. I hiked a lot when I lived in Arizona, but I consider myself as beginner in White Mountain because the terrain is a lot harder and weather is more unpredictable. I was very lucky that I joined the 2019 PRH at the every last min because someone dropout. Within 7 days, I hiked eleven 4000 footers that I have never done before. our leaders are very knowledgeable, kind and with good sense of humor. Northern Presidential range is very rocky and Mt Adams is a challenge for me because I never hiked trails entirely covered with rocks. John ‘babysat’ me the entire way down from Mt Adams and told me some tricks so I managed to come down without becoming more panicked than I already was.
Fred is fast and very funny. He always encourage me when I felt I could not keep up with others. Terri is kind, patient and sensible to team member’s feeling. I want to be like her if one day I become a volunteer leader for AMC-NH. Alex is very laid-back. When I heard about his hiking story, all I can think of is that he is either a superman or a legend. I am so glad Alex will lead next year’s PRH.
The other thing makes the trip memorable is all the group members. Everyone is nice, helpful, outgoing. We ate together, hike together, sleep together (in our own bunk bed). I feel so comfortable to talk and laugh with them. the trip is not just about hiking, it is spiritual cleansing to me. I feel happier and stronger after that. Thank you for everything.
Q.L.
I participated in the 2019 PRH and had the most amazing experience. We had so many laughs during the eight great days of hiking (I checked off 13 new peaks from the 48 4000 footer list). The meals provided by the huts were so delicious. The guides did a wonderful job providing options based on our preferences and abilities. This is a truly a once in a lifetime experience.
M.P.
Fabulous hiking week. Great weather and outstanding leaders. “Summer camp for adults” was a blast, lots of serious above treeline hiking, great meals and always the great guidance and experience of the leaders, at my 69 years old it was reassuring to know the leaders were experienced and competent. 21 participants means there are lots of laughs.
M.G.
I am also fortunate to have been part of the 2019 PRH. I had never participated in a multi-day group hiking trip before and was not sure what to expect…this trip exceeded my expectations! All the leaders, John, Fred, Terri and Alex, were very knowledgeable, supportive and fun! I had hiked in the White Mountains previously but had never hiked as far and for as many consecutive days. John provided excellent advice on how to prepare and how to stay in shape for the duration of the hike. The leaders were also excellent in assessing everyone’s abilities and I had confidence in their decisions and recommendations for the day’s hikes. As a result, I pushed myself harder, experienced some of the most beautiful hiking, and gained experience in hiking on various terrain and weather conditions.
The group dynamic was also amazing! Everyone was fun, supportive and kind…I laughed so much throughout the days and evenings. Many of the days were difficult, but the leaders and the participants remained positive…even though some of us may have been temporarily suffering! I feel I made many great friends throughout the week.
I was fortunate to have hiked several days with Alex, who will be taking over as leader of the PRH for 2020. Alex’s hiking resume is amazing! His experience, supportive attitude and laid-back approach make him a great hike leader.
A very sincere Thank You to John for all his work in preparing for and leading the PRH and to John, Alex, Fred and Terri for their patience, leadership and camaraderie throughout the week!
K.S.
I had a fabulous time during the July 2019 PRH hike. This trip was led by seasoned leaders John, Alex, Fred and Terri. John and Alex led several preparatory hikes, posted videos on the PRH website and was always available for guidance to prepare for the upcoming hike. The hike was very memorable, the landscape evolved as we walked from the south to the northern presidentials, views were phenomenal, food and accommodations at the huts were great.
we had a group of 21 hikers and they were great supporters during the hike and we laughed so much during the 8 days. These were the most memorable moments during the hike.
In preparation for the hike do your homework, get in shape, reach out to the leaders for guidance and you will have a fabulous time.
R.N.
I am fortunate to have been a member of the 2019 PRH and the last of the ten year service of leader John McHugh, Fred, and Terri. The trip to me was to do something I thought I could not do. I have hiked many day trips but never several consecutive days. John and I had been on a few hikes together and he convinced me that I could do it. I had faith in him, and it paid off. The hut experience, comradery within the group, food at the huts were all great (even being vegetarian). The weather cooperated and the views were sensational. Each of the leaders led groups based on their hiking ability. How can you get this type of experience with beautiful views and great sense of accomplishment for a little over $100 per day?
In this post, I want to focus on the leadership team which included Alex, the future leader. This is demanding work. It starts one year in advance by locking up space at all the huts. There is a lot of behind the scenes planning which includes filling the twenty-one available slots, prep hikes, trail lunch purchasing, transit coordination, dietary requirements, managing the midweek swapping of clothes and on and on. John provided the confidence that you can hike 50+ miles at crazy elevations in one week. Hiking pretty much out of the womb, and just finishing his 900th 4k, John has pretty much seen it all and can handle any situation. Thanks to John for convincing me I could do this. Besides a few blisters, I feel great. What an accomplishment. I am only one of approximately 200 who have completed this hike under you and your leadership team. Without you John, I’m convinced that I would never have experienced this. This is an experience of a lifetime. I am still on cloud nine and will be for several days. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
John’s supporting staff over the last several years is outstanding. Dr Fred set up shop daily just before the days’ hikes to address any foot related issues. I encountered multiple blisters and felt no pain on the hikes after his great work. His comic relief made a challenging week, achievable. Terri has a calming personality. She made you feel like old friend. She is great to converse with during long hikes. Thanks to both of you.
A special thanks to hiking partners Jim and Michelle Keenan, two close relationships built during that week.
Alex, from the Boston chapter, has been part of this leadership team in the past and will lead the new team in the future. After hiking with him this week, I am convinced that there is no one better to transition to than him. Good luck Alex and thanks for your guidance and knowledge sharing during the week.
S.P.