Last weekend our crew made the drive to Pat’s Peak ski area in Henniker, NH. It was their annual ‘Vertical Challenge’ with a few extra fun things to do- vendors (like Stonyfield Yogurt), music, and a free slalom race curse. We packed up the ski gear in anticipation of a few runs up and down the magic carpet, but were most excited to meet up with Aunty Allie and cousin, M. This was to be M’s second ski race down a slalom course; a couple weeks prior she placed 2nd at another hill in the 0-6 age group- earning a place in the finals and free ski passes to Jay Peak for her whole family. Go M!

Our enthusiasm for downhill skiing is growing… slowly. L had never actually been before this weekend and G is a bit hesitant. There are a few rules to follow when skiing with G (per his request): do NOT let go of him, stay close, and go slowly. Once the day is over he’ll talk about it non-stop with enthusiasm, but it’s a passion we’re building on every time we go.

Last year we had a few good first days at Gunstock mountain. G did a couple hours at the magic carpet and ended the season with his first ride up the chairlift with Daddy. The plan (as with everything kid related) was to make it fun and quit while we were ahead- leaving a positive, lasting impression that would carry over into the next year.

This year, we’re improving. It was a busy weekend with the added congestion and excitement of the event, but the crowd made it fun. With little ones, the added peer support and camaraderie is helpful. We saw other little kids on the magic carpet learning just like us and everyone was enthusiastic about the mini skiers. L was excited to be out there like her big brother and G was really starting to get the hang of his turns. We moved up from the little carpet to the longer magic carpet, plus Jeff and G rode the chairlift up to the top of the race course and skied all the way down a green dot trail. Momma was so proud (albeit worried that is was taking so long)!

 

We had hoped for a few short runs and ended up spending over four hours there before leaving with bellies full of Stonyfield yogurt, a bunch of smiles, and much more interested in downhill skiing. Plus, it’s hard to tell from the photos, but winter isn’t over yet! We have a handful of opportunities to go back and make more memories at the mountain… and we can’t wait!

 

 

Sun – day 8. Randy and Jeff arrived yesterday- Daddy Day! After several combined weeks of solo mom-ing, Allie and I deemed that today would be the ‘Mommy Day’: the day moms get to go relax and enjoy-  sans kids. This is the day we’ve been looking forward to while temporarily single parenting, the metaphorical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. (Not that solo parenting is bad. It’s actually kind of fun… until that brief moment when it’s not.) Anyway, that’s not exactly as our day played out. The first task of the morning was to pitch our circus tent for Ethan and Jen’s arrival. (Some families joke that they could put a tent around their loved ones and call it a circus… we actually have the big canvas tent.) Our tent provides sleeping quarters when we’re all in Parry Sound together. The Boat House has several beds, the Little Cabin has a full size bed with a screened-?in porch, and the Bunkie has two twin beds. The tent is actually quite a nice option for a couple; it’s furnished with a big blow up mattress, bureaus, and chairs. There’s electricity and a ceiling that’s at least 8 feet tall in the center. Jen and Ethan gracefully volunteered to stay there this trip. Thanks Aunty Jen & Ethan! (Or ‘Nethan’, as Wylder calls him.)

The rest of the day included time with Dada. Graham played at the beach with us, he napped in the cabin and in the hammock with his dad. (During this time I got to take a nice Sauna with Aunty Allie and jump in the lake while it lightly rained down on us.) We all had dinner together (the men had fired up a steak on the open fire pit at the top of the hill), then Jeff and I took the boat up the bay so ‘dads’ could have ice cream; one to go as a special delivery for Randy and one that was eaten in route back to the cottage, by Jeff.) We finished the evening with a game of ‘spider’ (place the spider on Uncle Jeff’s leg and watch him act surprised as he tosses it into air). For the smaller family members, this game doesn’t get old and could go on for hours. It’s an entertaining game that provides non stop kid laughter. Thanks Uncle Jeff. Until tomorrow…

 

 

 

 

Mon- day 9. Today is the day that Aunty Jen and Ethan arrive! Yeay! Randy, Jeff, Graham, and I made a quick trip into town for groceries, Internet, and a book at Barely Used Books. Graham went fishing again with Granpa and cousins. He spent time in the hammock with Dada and Mama, he played in the sand at the beach, and he’s definitely getting the hang of this Parry Sound thing.  Jen and Ethan arrived in time for dinner. Some people took saunas, swam, drank cocktails, and enjoyed music. The most requested song of the summer thus far, has been one about 10,000 lobsters escaping on highway 93. WYLDER loves this one and, of course, so does his cousin and his sister.

 

 

Tues – day 10. We woke to a beautiful morning. First priority, now that everyone is here, is to go to an island! We decided to head towards Palmaroy. Graham took his first swim with the life jacket on the backside of the island! The front is very sheltered; we anchor the boats here, lay out beach towels on the rock, and eat lunch. Then we walk to the more exposed back side. Grammy said that there was great blueberry picking on the walk across the island a few weeks ago, but we didn’t see any today. The water was perfectly refreshing. There was a little “ohhhhh-ing” and “ahhhh- ing” with the first slide down into the water along the smooth slimy rocks, but after the initial shock it felt like cool bath water. We played with a giant frisbee- throwing it back and forth from the water to the shoreline. Graham splashed around at the water’s edge with Mama, then he went right in with Dada wearing Mabel’s pfd.

We headed back to the cottage in the boat- 6 adults and 3 kids. (Plus two people on the Sea Doo.) I drove the boat out to the island, Grampa drove it home…most of the way. Graham also had a turn driving the boat. He LOVES the steering wheel.

  
  
    

Once back, almost everyone suffered an attack of Parry Sound Syndrome – that lazy lake time feeling that sets in once true relaxation has started. We had people napping in the tent, in the Bunkie, in pack & plays, and in the hammock.

We also had a breakthrough in Graham’s waking! Aunty Allie and Grampa found a Fisher Price walker at the town dump when they were there the other day. Early this morning Aunty Allie cleaned it up with bleach for us. Graham immediately took a liking to it. Before walking around, he flipped it over and inspected the wheels and figured out how it worked. Our very own little Curious George. Then he set out walking back & forth in the cottage. He loves it! (And he’s so proud of himself.) We don’t get all our toys from the town dump but when we do, they’re good ones! It’s hard to believe that before long, our little baby will be walking like his cousins.

We had another great dinner. The men  cooked bbq ribs up on the open fire with chicken, rice, peas, sweet potato, yellow beans, and cabbage slaw. Then we roasted marshmallows over the fire and went to bed listening to loons and Barred owls calling from across the lake… and the sound of the refrigerator humming away as it begins its final night in the Big Cabin. Tomorrow we get a new fridge!

Jeff and I were married on December 13th, 2014. What an adventure it was! We spent three fun days up at the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel- nordic skiing (for me), downhill skiing (for Jeff), eating great food, pampering ourselves at the spa, and totally loving life together in our new roles as husband and wife.

We arrived on Friday and spent the afternoon with some exercise and cocktails before a cozy dinner in the hotel. Our room was beautiful- we had a third floor view of Mt. Washington. (Unfortunately, the mountain was socked in with clouds for the entire weekend, but we knew it was there.) We arrived to our room with several large bags of stuff- ski gear, swimsuits, wedding clothing, everything but the dogs. We entered the room and found a bottle of champaign with a celebratory note congratulating us and setting the tone for the perfect weekend ahead. It really was SO perfect!

I skate skied 21 miles on Saturday morning before our ceremony and Jeff took some solo ski runs at the mountain. We hadn’t planned a big ceremony, but we had hired a JP to marry us in the presence of my parents and Jen. Prior to ceremony, we also had a photographer come for some pictures together. We’re both so glad to have those photographed memories and grateful that Allie recommended we do this. Meg, from Rodeo & Co Photography was terrific and she captured some of our most precious moments that afternoon.

We were married in The Gold Room on the entry level of the hotel. It was a beautiful, private space. We closed the door and proceeded with the ceremony that Jeff and I had scripted. We shared our vows with one another; both speaking only from the heart. This was so special. I wasn’t sure what to expect from an impromptu moment under such emotional circumstances, but it absolutely lovely. Jeff brought tears to my eyes as he shared his love and hopes for our future together. It is one of my favorite memories, so far, in our lives together.

At the end of the ceremony, I had a quick father/daughter dance with my dad. Despite not wanting a traditional, large wedding, I did want a dance with my dad. I’ve never had big visions of my wedding day- no plan to wear a formal dress or invite hundreds of people… but I’ve always had a song for my dad. Landslide, sung by Stevie Nicks.

Some other photos that I love: 

Truly, this weekend was magical. We missed some of our family members, and we would have loved to have shared this special afternoon with everyone in our lives, but the small, private, and simple ceremony perfectly aligned with who we are. It was special, personal, and unique.

This weekend was also significant for Jeff and I because… we started a family! Without any knowledge of how the stars would align for us, and after a year of trying for a baby, it happened! Jeff and I married and, with undeniable proof that this was meant to be, we also started a family. From now on, our adventures will be a bit different; not only will we be Mr. & Mrs. Underhill… but we will have Baby Underhill right along with us. XO.

Life in itself is an adventure. It has highs and lows. We go through it with family, friends, and the strangers we meet- never knowing what’s around the next bend or over the next hillside. I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing journey so far. Whether by chance (or subconscious choice somewhere along the way) I have terrific, supportive, and amazing family members. I’ve made wonderful, caring friend’s on this journey and have shared many great memories with those individuals. One thing that I definitely have are friends with a zest for adventure and life.

For 3+ years, starting soon after Jeff and I made our move to New London, I shared many of those adventures with Chad Denning. I had heard his name before, as the New London Recreation Director; people that knew him said that we should meet. Being new to the area, I needed people who could show me the local running & riding trails. Chad was the guy! He loved running. He knew the trail systems in the valley and had connections with everyone in the area. People were right… he was the guy to meet for local adventures!

I can’t quite remember how we met up after our first hello at the VT50, but we started running, skiing, and riding together after that day in  September. We skate skied that winter as Jeff and I begin our training for TransRockies. His fun adventures were a perfect break from riding the indoor trainer. Chad’s positive attitude and outgoing personality made him fun to hang out with. He was one of my instant friends. He didn’t judge my minimal addition to our conversations and I didn’t mind his continued push of our pacing. He was the perfect training partner- for me, and for everyone else that was fortunate enough to adventure with him.

Just after TransRockies, in August of 2012 Chad approached me about racing with him and the Untamed New England team. “Stay fit” he said, “because we want you to race with us at Nationals in Kertonkson, NY.” I quietly decided to myself in that moment that I would definitely be racing with them. Adventure racing was awesome (I had done it once before). Why would I pass up that opportunity? (I wouldn’t.) I made the commitment and started running. Because of TransRockies, and because my partner is a bike-a-holic, my default workouts were primarily on two wheels- road riding and mountain biking. But with 30 hours of racing in the weeks to come, I was nervous about about the running sections. Chad helped me prepare with many miles of trail running. He built up my confidence and took away any hesitation that I may not be able to pull off this big race. Chad approached everything with a go-to attitude and a casual assurance that everything would work out.

Chad and I ran together a lot. Sometimes we’d run with Brandon, another New London friend, and other times we’d get out on an adventure alone around New London or in Hanover. Chad’s personality was contagious. He’d lift people up so that no matter what you were doing, how challenged you felt, you could do anything. (From a 2.5 mile uphill Winter Wild Race, to a muddy 50k trail run.)

He pumped me full of positivity and enthusiam as we’d trod along the trails. Never would he let me doubt myself or my abilities. He’d push my pace and help me to progress as a more confident runner. There were tips and advice- things like shoe recommendations and ways to prevent my camelback bladder from sloshing around. He gave me advice on how to lube my feet with A&D ointment (so they wouldn’t turn to raisins on long runs), and how to take salt tabs to prevent cramping. He gave me water purification ideas, handheld water bottles, Endurox recovery mix… he was one of the most generous people I know. His personal goal seemed to be making adventures fun for the people around him. He also let me borrow gear as I slowly discovered what I needed to become a successful adventure partner. So many of the things I do and use today in my own races are because of Chad’s guidance and expertise.

On Monday morning after North Country Endurance Challenge, Dave Lamb (our fellow friend and teammate) phoned me with news that Chad had passed away Sunday evening on a trail run. Chad was out the door early Sunday morning with a couple of his other running friends.

According to NH Fish & Game Dept., “it was about 8:30am when they set off on Beaver Brook Trail, one of the most difficult in the state. They were running sections of the AT when they stopped along Mt. Moosilauke to take in a view and grab something to eat. Chad fainted and never regained consciousness. His friends, Jeremy Merritt and Lars Blackmore administered CPR for several hours, but were unsuccessful in their attempts to revive him. Chad was pronounced dead soon after rescuers arrived to the scene around 3:30pm.” According to the write up in Valley News, “because of the remote location and the rough terrain, it took the rescue team more than four hours to get Denning down the mountain, sometimes by using ropes to lower him from one section to another. It wasn’t until nearly an hour past sunset, at 8 p.m., that the party reached the trail head in Woodstock, N.H., on Route 112.”

The news was devastating.

How could this be? How? Why? What?! No.

So many people had the same response: a still silence full of unspoken questions and total denial.

Chad has a wife, two young children, he’s 39 years young. He’s positive, active, fit, fun, enthusiastic, sincere, outgoing, selfless… how is it possible? It just isn’t fair.

Immediately I flashed back to our brief phone conversation only 3 days earlier and our last goodbye the day before that. I had driven to his house to pick up his kayak for the North Country race. A borrowed boat and paddle- nothing out of the ordinary. As I got out of my car he was there to greet me with a big smile and his usual uplifting, “Hey, hey!” I gave him a hug and we started chatting casually as we shifted the kayak from his car to mine.

We chatted for a little while; I was probably only in his driveway for 20 minutes or so… but I am SO grateful for those 20 minutes. Had I not been running late in VT, we would have met an hour earlier for a run around the Eastman community… but  fate stepped in; I know it did. He had more time with his family that night and a few extra moments with his kids.

I’m so glad to have spent the weekend of the Emerald Necklace race with my dear friend. We did our last training run the Thursday before the race. Those conversations, and the others we had shared together during our time in the woods, are some of my best Chad memories. It’s there in the woods, on the mountains, and on the water that we grew a forever friendship.

The stories of Chad’s life that have been shared in the few days following his death are amazing. He was such a humble, kind, and generous soul who touched hundreds of people with his personality and enthusiam for doing what he loved. For the running community, his friends, his family… especially for his family… there is a void.

We move forward with love in our hearts, memories in our minds, and a remembrance of how he lived his life. We have to move forward. He lived life to the fullest- finding balance in adventure, family, and work. It’s a delicate symmetry that we all strive to have. Chad Denning seemed to manage that balance well.

At the racer meeting for Emerald Necklace, just two weeks before he passed, Chad stood up in front of the crowd and emphasized the importance of racers checking in with volunteers or race crew if they planned to leave the course.

“We will search for you. We will continue searching for you. We will find you.” He must have said it 3 times to highlight the importance of not heading off to a local bar rather then to the finishline. That message registered for me, and it stuck. I felt more relaxed and confident about the 80 mile course. Chad would find me if I was lost.
He would. He would continue searching.

As I begin to unravel the crazy reality that Chad is no longer a phone call away, it helps to know that he is still with us. On every adventure I have, that we all have, he will find us. He will be there- guiding us along, encouraging us to keep going, and giving us strength in moments where a smile and a “Hey, hey!” would make everything better.

Chad Denning will never be forgotten. His life is a legacy. He lives on in his beautiful children and in the community. He lives on in memories and in future adventures that we will share with him there, in spirit.

I owe him thanks and gratitude for changing my life- for making this life more pleasant and for being an amazing friend. One day we will meet again… one day. For now he runs ahead- going fast and far- but I know he will find me in the mountains, on the trails, and on the water.

Rest in peace, my friend.
♡