Query a Caretaker at an AMC Hut
laying down the law
In the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, a band of enduring souls stand tall, braving the frozen nights in AMC's high mountain huts. When the hustle and bustle of summer fades away, three huts—Carter Notch, Lonesome Lake, and Zealand Falls—remain open, manned by six rugged individuals who shift weeks in the wilderness, watching over their charges and assisting trekker with a warm bed and sharing stories by the fire.
While the isolation is certainly a part of life for these specialized caretakers, it isn't the defining aspect of their experience. Armed with your curiosity, I dove deep into the lives of these intrepid gems – embarking on an unexpected journey filled with laughter, camaraderie, and tales of unforgettable encounters.
At first, I imagined the huts serving as solitary sanctuaries for those who sought solitude and a chance to commune with nature. But I was soon proven wrong. The caretakers were quick to underscore the misconception that isolation defined their existence. After all, while their postings might prove lonely from time to time, the weekly visits from guests brought hearty conversations, laughter, and more than enough shared experiences to ward off feelings of loneliness.
The Huts Manager, Bethany Taylor, and her team radiated an infectious energy during our chance encounter. Half were fresh from the mountains, the others restocking after taking their week off – but all were more than eager to share their adventures and swap tales from their shifts in the wilderness. They spoke of moments that captured their hearts and left indelible marks on their memories.
Smiles spread quickly as Emily Long, the caretaker at Zealand Falls, recalled serving a full house each weekend, while Claudine Aoun, my gracious host at Lonesome Lake, spoke of meaningful discussions with older gentlemen and young boys, sharing life's ups and downs over the fire.
Wintering in the White Mountain backcountry is a trial not for the faint of heart. The challenging conditions and unpredictable landscape are a magnet for those who thirst for adventure and are drawn to the camaraderie and shared spirit that comes with conquering the elements.
"The best part about this job is the location,"shared Rachel Craig, the caretaker of Lonesome Lake. "The view of Franconia Ridge is breathtaking, and getting to witness that same awe in the eyes of every guest is a powerful reminder of why we choose to persevere in these harsh conditions."
From wise elders to young adventurers, each guest carries a story that enriches the experience for the caretakers. Some might be kindred spirits, sharing a brief exchange under the stars, while others spark lifetime friendships—but all leave indelible marks on the caretakers who venture into the wild to guard the door to these enchanted sanctuaries.
Come, dare to venture down the untrodden path and see for yourself the frozen beauty that awaits you amidst the backdrop of Franconia Ridge. Whether you're seeking solitude or a chance to share in the adventures of others, a warm fire andwarm spirits await you in the heart of the White Mountains.
Embarking on this journey, it's clear that the caretakers' lifestyle isn't typically isolated, as weekly visits from guests provide an opportunity for shared experiences and hearty conversations, enhancing their home-and-garden in the wilderness. In the midst of outdoor-living and enduring the testing conditions of New Hampshire's White Mountains, these caretakers find travelers from all walks of life, each bringing a unique story, adding color to the fabric of their sports-filled lives and broadening their home-and-garden in the heart of the mountains.
