a trail to self discovery...

The adventure for started at 6:30am. Whitney and I hit the trail headed towards Lonesome Lake. Our goal, North and South Kinsmans as well as the Cannonballs. We wanted to be out for most of the day and both knock off some peaks we needed. We headed up Lonesome Lake trail. I have only been down this trail and only in the winter. I knew it was steep when covered in snow so I was expecting it to be super steep when it isn't covered in snow. We reached the lake bright and early and it was absolutely beautiful as well as frozen. It was incredibly chilly so we continued our trek toward the Cannonballs. With the first signs of snow on the trail! I was excited. First snow for me this year!! As we passed the junction for Hi-Cannon and continued on the Kinsman Ridge Trail we knew that the Cannonball that Whitney needed for 100 Highest was shortly after.. We continued up a steep section with some beautiful views as we looked back. At the moment we took a slight left on the...

Well, it's that time of year now. The leaves have fallen, parks are closing, temps have dropped and some mountains are snowcapped. I had my last opportunity of the year to climb Mount Katahdin. I picked the last opening week for them and we had crystal clear skies and I finally made it across Knifes edge and hit all summits. Here is my day in photos there: Overall, I enjoyed myself immensely in Baxter. I can not wait for next summer to explore the rest of the park. With that being said it was back to NH, back to reality. I still am slowly knocking down what i have left of my 48- 4000 footers. So it was time to get back to our mountains. I had mentioned doing the Osceolas within the next few days on Facebook and a friend, Trish, had mentioned she and her girls, Alex & Sage, would want to join. When the week rolled around, the weather was looking pretty yucky. Trish messaged me on Thursday afternoon wondering what the plan would be if I wanted t...

It screams Autumn outside here in New Hampshire. The trees bursting with bright oranges, reds, and yellows, the crisp cold air, and the leaves on the ground. This time of year is one of my favorites to be on trail. However, when it comes to packing my Gregory Jade or my EMS Longtrail pack for a hike, it takes much more effort and thought.  The weather is much colder and you exert more energy in colder temperatures which in return means you should eat more and drink more. I only had a few hours so a friend and I decided to head to Evans Notch in Maine. A beautiful spot for short hiking trails and a few longer ones if you have never been. In my pack you will always find the 2 important pieces of clothing I carry year round, a hat and gloves. Also, I packed my EMS Polartech Fleece, EMS liner gloves, EMS mittens, hand warmers, rain gear, an extra pair of wool socks, and my basic items that never leave year round. ie. First aid, head lamp, batteries, etc. We arrived at the trai...

I have attempted Isolation twice before this one. First time almost a year ago, it was fall and the ground was a bit wet and leaves had fallen off the trees and covered the trails. It was a last minute decision that morning to hike Isolation when out attempt at the Carter Moriah Traverse failed. We headed up Rocky Branch Trail form Route 16, about 4 miles in we were turned around when we heard the loud noise of breaking branches. Second time around was a few months after the first attempt in the winter. Figuring it would be much easier in the winter and not nearly as swampy. It was, right up until the trail just stopped. Rocky Branch in the winter is not used after a certain point because most others will take the Engine Hill Bushwhack. I knew little about it, and saw a gentleman who seemed to know what he was doing, and he most certainly did. So, I decided to follow him and his foot steps bushwhacking for a few good miles before we met again and he was headed in the direction we just ...