Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce

Gianni and I had a most incredible weekend in the Presidential Mountains of New Hampshire. The plan was to spend Saturday and Sunday with the AMC New Hampshire Chapter Family Group on our annual Mizpah Hut hike. We decided to take Friday off from school and head up early. We started on the Crawford Path around noon and made it to the hut by 2:30. We left most of our gear on our bunks, ate lunch and then headed out on a ridge traverse over to Mt. Jackson. This 3.5 mile hike proved to be most challenging. The conditions were a difficult mixture of mud, ice and collapsing snow bridges. As with any challenge, our effort proved quite rewarding (photo above is us on top of Mt. Jackson, with Mt. Washington in the background). Gianni cooked and cleaned for us and we slept well. We woke up early the next morning and went back down to the parking lot to meet our group. We loaded our empty packs with much of the group food and headed back to the hut. After lunch and plenty of play time with his mates, Gianni and I joined a group that summitted Mt. Pierce. We had more spectacular views of the whole Presidential Range and made it back to the hut before the rain started. Again, Gianni, now with his friends, cooked, served and cleaned up for us. The rain stopped in the morning and we had a pleasant hike down, listening to the kids sign and play most of the way. These were Gianni's third and fourth 4,000 footers. He is eager to climb more. The whole weekend was one of our more enjoyable experiences hiking, particularly Friday. I think Gianni would agree with me when I say our experience climbing in perfect weather together on Friday, just father and son, was simply the best, bliss.

Check out my Flickr Photostream for more photos.

Rock Climbing in Quincy Quarries

Gianni and I went rock climbing in Quincy Quarries last Sunday with Paul, Julie, Helen and Sam. It was an AMC family day in the gorge so there were many kids. We setup and had our kids take a couple of trips up the wall. Then, several kids stopped by for a turn. It was a great day. We were there for over three hours, but it seemed like just one. Helen rocked, reaching the top of the most difficult section. All the kids want to do it again soon.

April Break in Floida

Gianni and I had a very relaxing week in Florida. We did less than usual and it felt great. We did get over to Disney for Gianni's first experience with Cirque du Soleil, which was amazing, of course. For some reason there were no crowds in the morning. We were walking on rides all morning in the Magic Kingdom. We spent the afternoon at Epcot, the highlights being Soar and a show in Germany. This trip was different than most, as we biked and surfed little (no swell). However, we did have our best luck fishing ever. A friend of my mom's showed us a new lure and technique. Gianni went out to try it and in 10 minutes caught a trout and jack. A couple of days later we went again, catching jack and 4 sea trout to 22 inches in just a half hour! As usual, we raced on Sleighride (J/30) with Jan and Jerry in heavy air. The last weekend we were chase boat for the Melbourne Yacht Cub Spring Regatta. This was really fun for Gianni as he was in charge of the VHF radio and setting the marks. It was a relaxing, good time.

Tuckerman Ravine

Last weekend we did our third annual trip up into Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington. As usual it was fantastic. The day started warm, with plenty of fog. While in the bowl it cleared and we were able to enjoy lunch, a ski and sledding in moderate winds and temps. As we were leaving it started to snow. We had a great run down the Sherburne Trail all the way to the parking lot. It was fun going earlier in the year this time - more snow :)

Our First Ice Climb

Gianni and I spent the weekend in Stowe with the McKenna-Wassers. What a sunny, spring-like weekend! On Saturday I did a skate ski loop at Trapps around the cabin. In the PM we all went for a backcountry ski on the VAST trail from Sterling Gorge. Early Sunday morning, I did another skate loop around the cabin at Trapps in fast icy conditions. Late morning we went ice climbing in Sterling Gorge with Rob Taylor. (Thank you Rob!) For Ben, Rosalie, Gianni and I it was our first time ice climbing. Incredible! The kids loved it! Gianni went for a late afternoon alpine ski at Stowe with the Wasser's, while I skinny skied up to Bear Meadow Cabin under the cliffs of Madonna and Whiteface Mountains. Check out more ice climbing pictures...

February Vacation with Friends and Family

Gianni and I spent 3 days up in the north country with family and friends. Gianni spent a day skiing with my brother and his kids in Mass, while I climbed Mt. Wachusetts. I was lucky enough to squeeze in a hockey game with my brother before heading up to Stowe. Gianni taught me how to skate ski at Trapps, then we hit the movie theater with the McKenna-Wassers. We had the rare privilege of heading over to Smuggs to spend a day with the Pearce's from CT. Gianni skied with Jon and Skyler, while I did another long skate ski loop. We enjoyed a nice dinner with the McKenna-Wassers and headed home the next morning. Really good times! We are fortunate to have spent such quality time with friends and family!

Winter Break in Florida

Gianni and I had a fabulous week in Florida with Mom. The last time I was there in December, it was cold! This trip, it was sunny, dry and in the 70s. With such wonderful weather we were able to swim, boat, surf, play tennis, go to the beach, water ski, snorkel, boogie board, bike, sail, relax in the hot tub, fish, cook, eat, etc. Really good times!!!