Destination: Isolation

But none of those obstacles put a damper on this day.

At the first river crossing, I spent a few seconds scanning the flow and picking the best spot to cross. None appeared as though they would leave me completely free of getting my feet wet, so I took off my boots, donned my Tevas, unzipped the bottom portion of my hiking pants, and waded in! The rest of the crossings were a piece of cake.

Soon, I made it high enough that some ledgy sections emerged -- and I could see over the treetops that this was indeed a glorious day. It made me pick up my pace even more. I had a peak to bag!

I was finding I was going far faster than the AMC guidebook's pace, but I had a feeling this was one time the guidebook's formula didn't take into account the relatively easy terrain.

I was on the Isolation Trail, and imagined the map's contours lines in my mind's eye -- putting one foot in front of the other as it meandered north then eastward toward Davis Path.

Once along Davis Path, I could taste Isolation. It was so close -- and I nearly went past the spur path that leads to the summit. I had spotted a nice, newer looking brown sign noting that this was the Davis Path, and kept walking. But within seconds and maybe 20 feet farther, something clicked: "Why would there be a trail sign along a simple stretch of trail, if there weren't a turnoff here somewhere???" I backtracked and spotted the spur path: rock steps and a very brief section of ledges that proved to be the steepest part of the trip.

As I emerged from the scrub, I ambled across the broad summit and took in the glorious views. Words _ even pictures _ don't do it justice. Wow! That's all I can say. It was a panoramic view of some amazing mountains, the valley down below and everything in between.

I made my way to the summit cairn and marker, and couldn't help but think of all the other hiking trips that led me to this being my final New Hampshire 4,000 footer. I had never imagined I would leave Isolation _ a remote peak that ends up being 14.6 miles round trip _ for my last.

But like much of these hiking adventures have shown me: sometimes

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