Thunder on Mt. Percival

We knew we didn't have much time before the anticipated afternoon T-storms, so we started out to do the popular Morgan-Percival loop on the southern fringe of NH's White Mountains -- knowing that we could abort partway should the weather turn bad.

It was a typically White Mountain ascent to Mt. Percival (i.e., lots of big rocks and boulders to clambor over). Near the summit, we avoided the boulder caves and opted for the cliff ledge approach instead.

It was a race against time as we heard the first clap of thunder just as we had the summit in view. We considered continuing over the ledges to join the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail and make our way to Mt. Morgan, thereby finishing the loop. But with the thunder and lightning, that would have meant some significant exposure both to Mt. Morgan and on its summit. So we high-tailed it back down the same trail upon which we came. It rained and thundered and lightning'ed (is that a word?) for most of our descent. Some of the rocks were very slippery when wet, made all the more difficult because of their steepness. But we made it back safely!

4.0 miles, 1,450' elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Percival = 2,212 feet high
Route: Mt. Percival trail, off of Route 113.