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 ...

Greetings, my dear friends, We have returned from our California adventure, but there's no time to rest for the weary! This weekend marks our first family camping trip, and we are heading to Crawford Notch Campground with the kids, each bringing a friend. I hope you'll wish us luck! But this trip also presents an opportunity for me to cross off another 4,000-footer from my list. The plan? Well, the plan is to head up the night before the family and conquer Mount Pierce via the Crawford Path . If you haven't heard of the Crawford Path, I highly recommend looking it up. It is renowned as the oldest continually maintained hiking trail that traverses multiple mountain peaks, ultimately culminating at Mount Washington. However, on this occasion, I won't be undertaking the entire 9-mile trail. Instead, my journey will lead me to the summit of Mount Pierce, standing proudly at 4,310 feet. This particular route is considered one of the easier options, covering appr...

Hello Treckers, As you might recall from the previous post, we successfully conquered our first New Hampshire Mountain (Lil' Haystack), and that ignited an even greater passion within me to return! I finally outfitted my truck (a dream I had cherished for longer than this particular goal) with a Decked System, a cozy mattress, and some comfortable pillows. With everything prepared, we hit the road! While I was eager to explore the vastness of public lands through overlanding, my partner wasn't as enthusiastic. Consequently, we opted to book a stay at the delightful Crawford Notch Campground. The moment we arrived at my very first camping experience, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement. The tranquility, the crackling fire, the inviting hammock, the delicious food—everything about being outdoors brought me immense peace and contentment. But before I knew it, it was time to embark on our hike. We woke up early, aiming for a 9 am start (although I have since learn...

Hey Everyone! As I entered this year (2023), I was fueled with a strong desire to venture out and explore the wonders of the wilderness. I yearned for my first camping experience, I craved hiking majestic mountains, and above all, I longed to breathe in the crisp, fresh air of nature! As you heard in my last couple of entires 2022 had its moments, but 2023 has proven to be everything I desired. Since my last adventure at Purgatory, there hasn't been much to report. The weather has been gloomy, I faced a layoff from work, and I found solace in spending quality time with my family. During that period, I naturally sought solace outdoors. I engaged in trails such as: 1) The Warwick Path, 2.9 Miles & 62ft Elevation 2) Piscataquog River Trail West (NH), 2.2 Miles & 72ft Elevation  3) Goddard Park , 4.8 Miles & 180ft Elevation  4) Providence River Walk , 2.4 Miles & 22ft Elevation 5) Kapok Park (FL), 1 Mile & 26ft Elevation 6) John Chestnut Park Loop , 2022 Repe...