The Ascent

I have to admit, I'm not in shape to hike, but that didn't stop me. Since we last chatted, I decided to compete in powerlifting again. I made this decision in January and competed in May. I couldn't have been happier with my return to the platform. I hit a 1400 lb total, which was 100 lbs more than I expected. However, my fitness deteriorated during the peak weeks, and my weight is at an all-time high. :( Still, I was determined to make it work. We booked a trip for just a week after the meet without a set plan for which mountain we would hike. A friend suggested Mt. Moosilauke , which turned out to be the perfect hike to start the season. We hiked from Gorge Brook to Carriage Road , covering about 9 miles with 2,500 ft of elevation gain. We brought the kids for this trip. It was Zach and Collin's first White Mountain hike, and I was thrilled to be a part of that journey. They had talked about it for over a year, and being able to make it happen ...

Long Time No Talk Adventures! I typically aim to post weekly updates, but today's post may come as a surprise since I've recently shifted my focus to writing about Talent Acquisition, another passion of mine. Remarkably, the last post you likely read was conceived just an hour prior to this one! I had been grappling with some life challenges and feeling somewhat down, but I was reminded that I am surrounded by many blessings that deserve my gratitude. I had an incredible summer amidst mountainous landscapes, in the company of cherished family and friends, and deep in thought as I tried new things freely. It's time I celebrated the gift that life has bestowed upon me, choosing to focus on the joys rather than dwell on the hardships that hit me. This perspective is what hit me during my trip to the mountains today. Today's expedition led us to Mount Carrigain , standing tall at 4,683 feet. This mountain boasts two trails leading to its peak, but only one is suitable for d...

What is up Adventures! One of the coolest things about embarking on new adventures is that every step feels like a first. From conquering the first rain hike to using hiking poles for the first time, scaling a NH 4K peak for the first time, camping under the stars, and more—the list of "firsts" keeps growing. And this time, get ready for another thrilling first! For this hike, I was up and at it early! It was the first time I attempted to drive to NH, hike, and return all in one day. I've seen others in the books and groups do it, but could I manage driving 3 - 4 hours from Rhode Island, hiking, and then making the return journey? I had my doubts, but if it was feasible, it meant I could bag more hikes! That's why I chose Mount Tecumseh . The trail was only about 3 hours away (southernmost peaks are in Waterville Valley), it was one of the shortest hikes at 5 miles, and the summit is the shortest peak at 4,003 feet, not even above the treeline. The hike can be summed ...