Mount Washington Round 2

We started at night hiking up to Tuckerman's Ravine, my first actual night hike. I was a bit slow moving. Luckily it was only a 2.2 mile to our first shelter. The stars were out bright, and it was actually warm to start off. We made it to our first shelter and there was two guys taking time lapsed pictures, kinda neat. Tucks itself was not icey or slippery. It was a really enjoyable walk not very stressful. We unpacked, had some dinner and then hit bed for an early rise. (Note, from my hiking comrades, I snore now)

Next morning we got up at a respectable 8 am ish, had some snacks and headed up tucks, It was a very warm start, after we hit the pumps.  Tucks wasn't so bad going up till we reached mid point, the temp started to drop and we could see ice formed on the falls. Pretty neat can't wait till I get up there during the winter. I was a bit moving slow going up, not really pain just slow moving today, had a full pack is much different than going with a day pack. 

Boulder field was super slow moving, with ice and snow, but we still made decent time to the peak. Lot of people out mid afternoon hiking, which was suprising to me since it was kinda cold. More automile drivers wanting to get a sign picture but this go around, they were much more respectable for the hikers who put in the effort to get up there. Peak was cold, maybe 20's/30s tops but there was warm food and I had been looking for breakfest. This path I had taken before, so not to much new except slower movement to be safe. We were going over Mount Clay after lunch which was totally new, so i was excited.

Doot,Nicky,Ian (Back row) Neil, Chris (Front row)

Let me be upforward, I really enjoy hiking with this crew, Nicky is the happy go lucky singing person, Ian is the "Keep going one more hill", Chris is the first scout out ahead make sure we are going where we are going, and Neil is one of those this is the greatest ever days. Even though I lagged behind massively, I never felt Hey I'm hurting these guys. Mount Clay was amazing, well worth climbing up some massive rocks to get to, the view while not as Mount Washington amazing, had a pond sitting in the middle of the valley, some gliders rocking out in the sky. We were burning daylight but Neil/ Chris and Nicky headed ahead of us to get out before the sky fell dark, Ian stuck behind with me and we moved at the turtles pace i was going. While my body wasn't hurting to much going down Grey was intense, rock slippery (Yes I fell on my face), Ice covered, darkness lost. This section was tough, and I mean at the end after walking in darkness over some of the most crazy rocks I have ever seen, I was very happy to put feet on pavement. I hurt for two days after, lots of step downs, very very slippery. I can't imagine doing that in the later winter, I forsee snails pace and some spikes.

Flags on the 48 2014 Carter Dome Sept 13th

"The hiking community continues to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire on the weekend closest to September 11 each year. By demonstrating our steadfast unity in this challenging endeavor, we also hope to express our unwavering support to the families, friends and communities whose losses are beyond comprehension and whose suffering we remember in our hearts.

This year, my team decided to hike to Carter Dome (4,833 ft) by going over Mt. Hight. The hike was 10.4 miles long (which included a side trip to the Carter Notch Hut). We camped the night before in frigid temperatures (35 F!). The weather was overcast and by the time we got to Mt. Hight, the clouds were starting to roll in, however, we were still afforded amazing views of Mt. Washington, the Northern Presidential Mountains, the White Mountain National Forest to the west, Maine to the east, Carter Dome and the Wildcats to the south and Mt. Moriah to the north. We pressed on toward Carter Dome and helped to raise the ginormous American Flag that Shawn P. McLaughlin had brought along once again. We heard the Air National Guard helicopter fly over twice, however, the clouds had rolled in and we couldn't see them. Hopefully they saw us! Several other hikes stopped to say hello, including quite a few thru-hikers and even a nice couple who brought us all candy as a thank you! After a group picture and a moment of silence, we took the flag down and started the descent. On the way down, we were all caught in a little rain storm, but that didn't dampen our spirits! " Quoted by Carrie-Ann Labrecque.

8/17 Mt. Jackson

Jackson, I took a coworker up for her first 48, she was an avid photographer, and honestly her talent exceeds mine ten fold. On to the mountain..Jackson, from all my weather reports 72 degrees sunny perfect day for a hike..weather disagrees, cold raining fun. Even the sky was not forgiving for the most part of the day. Whiteouts and fog, but you know what good company and a good trail, it doesn't matter.

2.5 Miles no problem right...

The trails, were a mighty muddy, and wet, the trees and mushrooms vibriant with color. Lots of fallen trees, overflowing streams, and my favorite thing in the world, wet rocks and roots. The hike itself, i would consider on a normal day easy. This day even with things being a bit wet, not so bad. There is a sweet overlook of the AMC center, right at the start. I think this was the only clear view of any distance i got before things turned white with fog.

Amc center looking down plus Saco Lake

About half way up, we met this guy who was training to run the presidents for some challenge, i guess there is a timed how fast you can cross all of the presidents, I guess after seeing all 48 that might be amazing, but I hike not to rush but to surround myself with nature and find peace. After hearing his tale, we said our goodbyes and moved on up to the next trail to the peak.

Almost there!

From this sign its pretty, much lots of falling trees including across the path, some evil looking roots, and alot of fog. Deep mud, and spooky looking mushrooms, so pretty much what I'm saying its awesome. We got to the peak, its a straight shot up some rocks to the sign but you couldn't see anything five feet in front of you. The wind was cold and forceful, we got a picture and tried to head down to Webster, instead I took us the wrong way trying to get off the summit fast. I mean it was brutal cold winds. We ended up at the Mizpah spring hut, which added some miles on.

Stephen Kings the mist anyone?

Overall a nice wet, crazy trail day, totally enjoyed it. Another 4000fter off the list.

Keep going friends.

July 18th Seek the Peak Mt. Washington

My words here will be humbled, as this mountain made me aware of how small I am compared to the world. This was a fundraiser for the Obs, I had lots of great people and several companies donate to me, and i felt really good about how well I did. Bucklers, MJ Quaility tire, Charr Custom Boats, Kingman Yatch and a bunch of my friends all really kicked ass. We started early, and Ian who has hiked Washington before many times lead the way. It's great to do something like this with someone that knows pretty everything about outdoors in this world. A great teacher and friend, he took us up the Tuckermans Ravine trail.

Here we go!

The trail up to the base area is what you would expect, alot of rock, alot of water falls and 3 bridges, when you hit the last bridge you know you have about quarter of a mile till base. Where the real amazing views start, don't get me wrong I probelly took about a hundred pictures just on this little part but when you hit the base, you are like blown away in awe.  So to kinda describe what happens, you come out of the woods, you see this mid area cabin, and boom, like a giant bolt of holy crap batman, you are surrounded. I seriously stopped in my tracks for a good view and was completely silent.

Hillman's in the background.

From there, you think wow, this can't get more amazing but friends, it does, we hiked up the trail after having a snack and some pictures of some mini falls, a bear bag, and working on how to better my macro shots. And headed towards Lunch rock, this was a semi tough trail, alot of gripping some tree limbs at points to pull yourself up, and a couple of steep step ups on rocks, but overall not what i was expecting. I thought this would be breakneck, toughest mother in the world. So far in my head so good. About half way through this there is a mini cave we sat down took some more pictures of the falls, yes I know I'm not showing you everything Washington needs to be explored..once in your lifetime go, if you do nothing else in life. Do this.

Ian, shortly before Lunch Rock and the cave area.

After you get through this area and hit the peak of Tuckerman's this is where the real pain actually starts, its called Boulder valley, and the reason is, every rock is a boulder the size of a volvo. This to me is why they say hardest mountain in new england, I struggled, long jumps and long strides put a beating on your knees. I think I actually said we needed to stop twice on this, and for me I rarely say hey slow down.  Let's just say go slow, look at your next step, and don't rush easily you can hurt yourself.

Lower part of Boulder, its gets harder.

After the boulder monsters, you hit the peak,where there are most likely alot of hikers who worked hard to get up there, but there is also people who drove up there. All wanting that Mt.Washington Sign picture. We had real food at the top, and refueled. We would take Lion's head down,which ment another round of boulders. Lion's head, looks over the entire valley, breathtaking, on our way down, we met some first time hikers from all over who looked lost and ended up leading them down. Made new friends on the way down, and hopefully when they get back out to new england we can meet up and take them on another adventure. Imagine that, your first hike, you take on the hardest in new england, that just rules.

To sum up this day, Hike Washington, do Seek the Peak, make a difference, bring your friends, your adventure is waiting for you..

Mount Cannon July 6th

 9 Am meet up at the tram parking lot to start off, this trail is rated moderate due to slippery gravel, but honestly this has been the easiest out of all the ones I have done. I enjoyed the pace, there was only one section which i slide on, and that was on the way down, wet rocks and sneakers, not so good of a mix. The views from Cannon are breath taking, but the trail itself isn't anything crazy to write about. This is 100 percently a great trail to take people new to hiking on. You get some amazing distance views as well as not alot of pressure on any part of the legs. No giant inclines that make you go this feels steep, the trail itself took us maybe an hour and a half and that was taking alot of time for pictures and small talk. I had great company in my friend Michelle who is working on the 48 herself, so knocking out one with her was a blast.

On top of Old man on the Mountain.

There are alot of little neat stop and view area's on the way up, great view of the pond, the parking lot and 93, plus pretty much every surrounding range in the distance. From Old man to the Summit, you climb over alot of muddy region, but nothing you need to worry about, step on the rocks, and branchs, and you are golden. The incline from the mud to the tower is very short, and I felt very good about it. You have a killer view as you go up looking down on everything.

Looking down, close to the tower

Finally the "peak" label is behind roped off area, but its two steps in you can see, it and walk to it, which makes this hike done! A great time, I would say anyone starting off should consider this as a knock out first timer. As always keep on walking...

If you take anything away from this post...i want you to take this away with you....best bench ever...

This is how i feel about all my friends..

Mount Hale 6-21-14

Mount Hale, is actually a bit of a ride for me, left the cape at 7am arriving at the beginning of the trail around 11, granted, I had several stops on the way to, almost a three and a half hour drive. Hale is right down the street from Brentton woods, so i kinda get easy directions, even if the GPS lied to me and got me lost once...or twice.
   Let us begin my friends...Hale Brook Trail, starts actually very mild, slow even. But it has alot of mini brooks running through it. The entire surrounding area is green, you feel like you are in a lush area. Lots of falling trees and brooks, most of the brooks have nothing to cross then, you are rock jumping or finding a falling tree. Which to me is fine, nothing like a natural trail. If i recall correctly there was only one or maybe two sets of wooden steps, for the first two miles.

Not a bad walk on a saturday.

What I did enjoy about this trail alot, no rooted trails, as most of my hiking friends will say, I trip on roots or rock, wet roots, wet rocks, makes Doot fall on his face. Sand, gravel, pretty much all the way up to the top. There are some rock switch backs here and there, this used to be an old donkey trail according to locals. Lots and lots of stuff to look at, falling trees, flowers, and brooks.

This it basically the make up of the entire trail.

The last 500ft, I will not lie, even last half mile, Brutal on those with bad knees like myself, the incline. Ouch, I have hiked much longer trails, but this was the first time I can honestly say I felt my knees shaking. It's very level until you reach this point then its direct up, no if's ands or buts. The person I had ran into was walking with, was in his 60's said, he has done all of the 48 this was his favorite just for this reason. "The last 500ft feet will feel like the longest thing you have ever done" He says to me.

Looking down on the trail.

When you finally get to the summit, there isn't a marker, just a set of stones in a wide opening. Under the hot sun, I laid down, to bask in its warmth. One of my favorite things to do on a peak. Just sit there in quiet and see how close I am to the sky. Over look the world below and let balance come back. I guess everything settles itself out at that point.  And then I head back to the world..

Hale Peak Summit.

Overhead..life is good.

Mount Tecumseh

6-14-2014
  A nice trip upwards to  Waterville valley area. The lowest of all the 48, but really not a bad hike. Lower area of the trail is alot of rock with mini falls like the majority of the trails I have been on, not a giant incline at all, but a nice pace along the water, these are no where near Sage's falls but they are small and enjoyable.

Lower region of Tecumseh.

And let there be stairs...

This is a fairly short distance hike, about 5 miles round trip from the parking lot of Waterville. The lower half is friendly to the knees, easily crossed and not stressful at all. We managed to cover 1.8 miles on this lower trail in about an hour. Around mid area of this trail, it becomes my least favorite thing in the world, rock stairs, and i mean lots and lots of stairs. Knee killers to me, I dislike them greatly not because they are hard to climb, but after the 500th lift up a stair i wanted to punch myself in the face haha. There is a nice cut through view around, you can walk out to the boneyard on waterville. A old snowboard park/trail area, a very nice view and a good break from the stairs.

The Boneyard.

From the little trail section "View" you keep on going up more stairs, and a decent incline, this is where I found it to get muggy and I break a decent sweat, but as soon as you do it levels out, and you are on the path to the summit. There is a loop around trail to and fro summit wise, one is fairly slower moving the other you can steam roll. We took the harder of the two there, and the easier back. Summit wise there isn't a marker like other mountains just a sign, and a couple of rocks to sit on. A good view of the entire valley.

Woodstock Inn 4000 Footer IPA/ Myself and Ryan G.

We decided to swing across a ridgeline and hit waterville valley  mountain on the way down, we thought it might have been on the list and wanted to make sure, but it is slightly under the 4k mark, still a good fun walk down there trails. I did notice, there are tons of giant holes in waterville like people fall inside holes, it was very strange to me, but i assume before Ski season opens someone will fix/fill them. Waterville is not steep/ challenging or hard, but it is a pain on the knees, you have to keep yourself from running or moving forward to fast.

What no snow during the summer..bah.

May 31st

Tough Mudder - A year in the works, I had everyone I love from CT with me for my first go on Mount Snow. I have hiked Mount Snow before several times, and the miles, I was not worried about what so ever. To me this was a 10 mile hike with family, and some mini events thrown in the mix. The weather was a touch on the cold, and grey skies at some points. Our 9:30 start time ended up at 10:20 due the massive amount of people running on saturday. I can't exactly remember the order of each obstacle, I know the ones that as a non swimmer were going to bother me were the Arctic Enema and Walk the Plank.  Both in this weather were brutal to me, but neither would make me feel I could not do it. Everyone i was with said the same simple thing, don't think just jump. And that's exactly what i did.

Holy Crap cold batman.

To be honest the only one I really felt I couldn't do was a simple climb a rope over a wall, it was mid way point, we had been waiting for 40 mins to get to the obstacle and in that cold I so lacked the upper body strenght and the desire to mark a trail over climb a wall was killing me ha. What I did enjoy about the entire event was the course went up down all around the mountain it was not one steady climb to the top, in fact it never reached the summit. The weather made the mountain extra muddy, over knee deep. It seriously was like walking in sludge, but super fun.

Keep on trucking.

Honestly this one was of the greatest experiences to date, and I plan on doing the one in Maine at the end of August as well. It pushes you to, dig deep, focus on each step, and climb over everything they throw in your way.With my family by myside out there, there was not even one hint of this is to tough, I will say after all was said and done, we got back to the hotel we all were staying at, I took a hot shower, and boom out like a light. Demanding on the body, and dehydration beat me, but I totally beat tough mudder, and will do so again. But this is what a year in the works, the legs were fine, the spirit was high, and I know i need to work on my upper body strenght.

Burns,Myk,Ian,Me,Bryan,Jessy,Tarik.

 

And the best tough mudder team out there to date..Looking forward to Mount Snow again next year, and Maine in a few months.
Keep on walking folks.

Mount Bear 5-24 (Tough Mudder warm up)

Forecast was for rain, but we all decided to go ahead on the 10 mile loop. We decided in advance to go at at slow pace, just for a warm up. The weather was perfect at start, not to hot not to cold. We advanced up the base to the AT trail that would lead direct to Bear Mountain peak. Everyone was in great spirits, and we all shared alot of laughs.

Here we go..

The majority of the trail was green from the last time i was here, alot of new cool plants and trees had sprung up. We saw lots of wildlife today, turkey vultures, deer, woodpeckers, froggies, even a Bear. Plus the Eye of Sauron, you think I kid, never says Doot. This trail had it all today.

Eye of Sauron Tree. 

Overall, we made 10 miles, in about 5 hours including a good long lunch break, lots of pictures, and my favorite staring over the peak. Sage's right now is pretty amazing, the water running from the long winter, has made the water falls flood from the sides, it's really pretty. Now is the time to get out there and about. Take good friends, lots of water the climate changes all various levels, at one point it was cold, then super muggy, I didn't really feel any heat till about the last mile, then it decided to rain. Pretty fun and cool down at the same time.

Sage's water falls.

Finally what everyone has been waiting for a picture of the peak, not alot of words today, I'm exhausted still after yesterday's hike. It was with great friends and good weather, next week Tough Mudder at Mount Snow. Now that will be a story to tell.....

And goodbye from Bear Peak.

Until next adventure..

Sleeping giant 4/27

A little north of New Haven CT, is this little gem of a hill. It's not overly challenging but there are several loop trails that are up to 10 miles. Sunday morning myself and my friend Susan, took the easier route, since it was her first time hiking in years. Still a good 3.5 mile walk around the tower trail was nice. We took the red trail back which is a little more rocky still you could see signs of spring, and the rainfall from the night before. I really enjoy sleeping giant because when I'm up in CT, its always there and a fast drive from where most of my friends live. It's one of those, I can't get out to NH or VT, but i still can hike. Normally this time of year, you have all the college kids out there training jogging the tower trail but we got out early.

Sleeping Giant Head rock 

The tower trail doesn't have a giant incline but it does have some really nice views you pass what consists of the quarry and the "giant's" head. The rest of the giant takes up there entire hill area, and on these trails you pass the arm section as well. What was nice about this walk, was the rain was coming through the rocks from the night before. Several small streams formed flowing down the hill side. As you all know, running water is one of my favorite things to taker pictures of.

This picture doesn't give it justice, but this was steady water.

Once you get up to the tower, you get a nice view of all the surrounding area, the sun was breaking through the clouds today, so we got a good view. Mostly it was just nice to be out, and about with friends. We talked the entire time, mostly planned on how to get Susan's husband Glen out on the trails, he's one of my great friends. One of these days, for now enjoy this view from the top. And keep on walking.

You can see the end of the storm, i love this tower.

Pico Mountain (About a month ago)

A delay in writing, had massive writers block lately.But today back to bussiness. Pico Mountain, VT.
First off, I stayed at Salt Ash Inn, in Plymouth Vt, If you plan on spending time in VT for a week or even a weekend, stop spending a million dollars at all those crazy ass hotels, Salt Ash Inn is owned by one person, his prices are amazing, and to be honest, He's a snowboarder himself. Someone who supports the outdoors, this is the second time I've spent a weekend here and well Al's one of the coolest people around. Stay at the Salt Ash, trust me, you will not regret it.

Tell Al, Derek sent you.

Pico Mountain, this weekend was very icy, and I mean giant chunks of Ice sitting right in the middle of trails. Discouraging, not one big, rocking it out. Damn right. I met up with Ian, Michelle and one of Michelle's friends Nicole. Bill and Gina we met up with later on, who are teleskiers and pretty bad ass themselves. But let's get to the trails, Pico is not a giant mountain but it has alot of fun trails. I started off on there Blue's but found myself wanting more, some of the Blue's there are steep but nothing really crazy, just lots of ice for power slides. I wanted to try Glades there, Ian was kind enough to try to teach me, and while I made it through every trail as best I could, there was much to learn. I am not fast enough (Just right at this time I'll get there) for fast turns between ruts and trees, it was a step above me, did i try it damn right I did. I learned alot, and having someone who well is a good teacher, I didn't feel bad at any falls. Its something I will need to work on as much as I can. On the top, I want to say far right there is a Black and A double black named A Slope, My first attempt on the single black I feel I did ok, I made it down, granted slow, even with a tree across the trail. The single leads into the double after its giant cliffs. Made me feel great. So I said I wanted to try the double black, I fell, and when I mean I fell, it hurt, pride and ego aside, I felt I could do it. It gives me again something to work to. I took a good one trapped a ski into my pants had to have Ian come untangle me, I was embarrassed. I thought I could handle it but I would do it again in a heart beat. Even though this trail defeated me at the top, I managed to make it down it, slowly but surely following my friends turns. By no means fast, think turtle, but I got down it. And they made sure I looked back and said "You just went down a double black after two seasons, you should feel damn good about yourself" I did, and I will remember Slope A, you are my arch enemy, I will come back, I will defeat you. Because I believe I can.

Comrades in arms.

With Ski seasons pretty much over, I'll be back on the trails, hiking more often, thanks to having weekends off. Intrested in walking with Doot, feel free to contact me.

Future.

There is alot more in store folks, Tough Mudder in may, Seak the Peak in July (Help support me, visit SeakThePeak.org support a hiker Derek Bell) and the rest of the 48 peaks of NH. Hopefully Flags in sept, and so many more adventures, thank you for sticking around to read and feel free to add any constructive advice.
Doot
aka
Derek Bell.
There are still so many trails to walk..

Whislter Blackcomb British Col. Oh Canada!

Feb 9 to the 15th 2014 AE Ski Club Trip
Words will not describe this trip properly, this is a must for all ski fans. Whistler Blackcomb is the place to go, with my new england style skinny skies, great friends by my side, and a good attitude .
Whistler was a dream come true, I saved all year long for this, and it was worth every penny.
To start off, not one but to of the most amazing mountains in the world. My plan for the trip was to reach at least one of the summits and go down it.  Arrived sunday evening fairly late, had a fast dinner, prepped my gear and off to bed.
Day one for me consisted of Greens and Kimmy helping me work on my form, spent half the day listening to great advice, trying to learn how to cut on my edges better and stop sking flat. Spent the majority of the day on Blackcomb lots of long winding greens that you can cut, only did i find at the very end was Ice on any trail and that was very bare min.

Wide open greens, I have no idea who that is in front of me.

 

 

We met at mid day, shared some stories, and had lunch, back to the mountain, rocked that out till around 4. Day one for sking was over, I was worn out but no body hurt at all. I would love to go into more detail but put it this way, there isn't one bad trail on Blackcomb, all of them kept me on the toes from mid mountain down, where is what I stayed on day one.
Day Two : Started off on Blackcomb again, took myself far left, where there was a couple good blue's i wanted to try. Neil joined me this day, and saw what i was doing wrong. Took some time explaining, instead of leaning back on my heels to lean forward on my toes. Instant carve. Did I do something right, no more greens today for me, Rocked out every blue with confidence. Yeah I still fell once but I felt really in charge and aggressive.  I still stuck mostly mid mountain this day but i found myself drifting off both sides because they had some decent rides that took most of the day, probelly got in 10 runs but i was pumped.

It snowed pretty much every day.

We ended the night at the Dublin, over some really great food, some cold beer, and lovely ladies in skirts. This was Kimmy's Birthday needless to say, I don't recall most of the night, all of us had alot of fun in the bars.
Day Three : Started late, a bit hung over, but ready to ride, solo day today for me. Started on Whistler, went mid there, got one run in before slowing down to merge on a trail, giving those above the right away, got creamed by a snowboarder. Took both of my legs right out from under me. Had that urge it was around noon, to just call it an early day. Wanted to be fresh for the last two days we had so I packed up and headed back to the hotel. Did some walking around, some laundry, sat in the hot tub for maybe 10 mins and then took a nap. Whistler has alot to do even for non-mountain folks , the village is always busy, and everyone I met the entire trip super friendly.

Plus Fire Moths (Yes, I was in love haha)

Thursday day four :  Another day with Neil, did a mixture of both mountains, Blue's and Greens, as well as the Peak to Peak. Neil was hurting from falling the earlier day on some of the stuff out of my level, and I was recovering from being hit, we went around the entire mid on both if i recall correctly, lots of fun, worked more on my carving, I totally felt great, confidence, yuppers. Plus having someone alot better than you, helps alot. I want to say we met everyone on mid mountain for lunch, and the second half of the day, I think around 1ish, I called it a day knowing friday was a full day from 6 am to 4:30. But I got some amazing pictures from the Peak to Peak.

This is 3 times the height of the statue of liberty.

There were little kids ripping through these.

Day Five Friday :  Up very early for Fresh Tracks, breakfest, then the first people on the trails.  This is a must to do if you go. 100 percent must. Our little band met up, took the ride up to the middle, had a giant breakfest. I decided to stick to Emerald area to start with, while the rest of the group headed up to the higher/harder trails. (Note to readers, my friends wanted me to come up with them to the harder stuff, I had snuck out before they all left) I started on what looked like a hard trail rated Blue, to find the Cats coming up to groom it, and the trail itself should have been rated less than a green, it was flat, and I mean like highway flat, not a blue at all. So back up the Emerald lift, as fast as I could, to the middle green Bowl, why a bowl, why not, I don't know why it said it was a bowl, I saw one jump but i did it anyways. Back up Emerald again to the far right side, where there were alot harder Blues, and I went down them like a champion, the snow throwing up in the air, I was having the time of my life. I can't exactly recall how many I did but I know around 1, we met up for lunch. So, my merry group of friends (Another note, I am blessed to have all of them on this trip, each and everyone of them made this the best trip of my lifetime, no joke) I was told, i was heading to the peak of Blackcomb with everyone 7th heaven. Knowing this was getting late in the day, I was excited. On the way up, Ian and Kimmy said they would ride with me the last run of the day. I mirrored Kim's turns as best as I could and let me tell you, that girl can rip. With her in front of me, I went down some of the steepest drops I have ever done but watching where she turned and how fast she did, butter this stuff was easy. We finally reached the top after riding one more lift and Ian said to everyone to go on there way he was gonna get to ride one last trail with me since they all pretty much had the week to each other. We dropped down 7th, I followed Kim as fast as I could, until they got ahead of me, I took a fall coming down, not because I was doing anything wrong, by the time I got down the first trail they had all vanished but Ian and he was like cut across, sadly New England ski's and deep snow don't mix but i sure as hell tried.

Fearless Blogger, 7th Heaven (Picture by Ian)

Taking our time rocking out the last run, we went down this winding blue from the top, till we ran into the long green, to say I felt amazing, understatement. I had learned so much from my friends this week how to better myself ski, how to have more confidence on harder trails, I had a blast. We ended up on the bottom shortly after last lift but total amazing. Again, This is the place you want/need to go in your lifetime for ski trips. I look forward to next years AE Ski club trip, and the friends that where there.
So thank you Ian, Kim, Neil, Chloe, Erin, Andrew , Michelle for making this the best trip ever, I am glad to have such amazing people to help me become a better skier, don't worry soon I'll catch up and keep up.!

Can't wait till next year.

Feb 2nd Ragged Mountain NH

Andover NH, A nice little mountain, myself and my friend Dan decided to hit up a day trip. First experience here, and to say the least, I really enjoyed myself. About an hour and a half from where I live, so the trip wasn't bad at all, woke up early and headed out. The weather conditions were not ideal from the cape but when we got there there was plenty of snow to go around.

Not a bad snow day for NH.

 

 

 

 First trail of the day, right smack in the middle blue, went down it, and fell on my arse the entire trail, brand new ski's my friend Jake gave to me, along with boots. I thought maybe it was learning error from the new equipment. Dan met up with me shortly after and said Man that middle trail was complete ice. Never second guess myself again, I ripped the entire rest of the day. I found the rest of the entire place, really comfortable, the blue's and the one black I did, really not challenging but alot of fun. Ragged is semi out of the way, no lines, the trails were wide open, and some of the glades I didn't do looked like straight forward. Next trip I swear.

Dan strapping in, top of the peak.

 

 

Ragged has some really small neat lifts, i totally say try them all, even the kiddie one went over some cool bridges, and small rivers. I would say If you are new to sking, or just want to get away from the crowds, well worth the ticket price. Worth the drive for me, maybe after a good powder day this place could be killer.