100 trips up Mount Washington, New England’s highest peak. One hike each day for 100 days. It’s a simple, yet extraordinary challenge. For Andrew Drummond, it was his summer project.
On May 22, 2023, Drummond summited Mount Washington, then skied down into the Great Gulf Wilderness. He then made his way back up every day through the rest of the summer.
Drummond acknowledges he’s in a unique position to attempt a challenge like the Mount Washington streak. He lives a short drive from the mountain’s trailheads, and as a lifelong resident of the White Mountains, he is well-versed in its volatile conditions. But he thinks there are lessons anyone can take away from his accomplishment, regardless of their outdoor goals.
Having an ambitious goal ensured Drummond got outside every day, even on mornings when he’d rather have stayed in. With New Hampshire having its rainiest summer on record this year, the extra motivation proved critical.
“That accountability [was important]. You don’t have to do something as big as Mount Washington,” said Drummond.
The other lesson is safety. Even someone as experienced as Drummond always brings the 10 Essentials, including a first-aid kit, into the backcountry and lets someone know his plans. Mount Washington is home to some of the worst weather in the world, and even well-planned hikes carry a risk. Throughout the 100 days, Drummond adjusted his gear to meet the conditions, while still always expecting the unexpected.
“There’s a lot of dialing in your kit so you don’t have to think as much and you’re confident. Because that’s an important part of staying safe.”
Throughout it all, Drummond says he could count on the generosity of AMC’s Hut and Lodge staff. Madison Spring Hut, Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center each provided warm food and a roof when the weather got tough. The journey Drummond was on this summer may have been unique, but a visit to an AMC hut always reminded him of the special community he was a part of in the mountains
“You get to see everyone that’s there. And everyone’s doing their own thing, their own story. So, I’d always make sure to pop in the huts and say hi.”