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 :)
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...
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!
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!!!
My dad and Gianni spent a couple of weeks decorating the tandem bike that they ride to school with lights. They powered the lights with a battery charged by solar panels. They called their creation a Solar Human Hybrid Car. They had fun riding it in the Niantic Bay Light Parade last week. Their creation was one of the more popular with spectators. See more pictures...
Gianni and I went to Key West over Thanksgiving with my mom and brother's family. The weather was great and we ate well. We were able to get in one full day of snorkeling, before the wind picked up. We saw dozens of barracuda, four sharks, many sea turtles, big eels, etc. I hadn't swam with sharks since I was a kid, so it brought back many fond memories of growing up snorkeling off of Miami with my family.
Gianni and I spent the weekend hiking in New Hampshire with the AMC Family Group. The weather was so so. We summitted Mt. Firescrew in the rain, but the weather kept us from our second peak, Mt. Cardigan. In the picture to the left, Gianni is running down the summit ledges with friends. The second day we did a shorter hike to a waterfall. The kids had fun playing Frisbee, soccer and running the commercial dishwasher, too.