Woot woot! All aboard. The Underhills traveled to North Conway, NH to see Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt. Daddy nearly missed the train, but found parking and ran in at the last minute to join us. G led us to seats in the open air car and we enjoyed a little breeze and blue sky along our trip with views of the Moat Mountains.

It was a quick 25 minute train ride- Thomas shunted us on the way out & pulled us on the return trip. Once we arrived back at the station, we explored the Adventure Tent which hosted a tortoise (every good train has a tortoise friend), some toy trains, temporary tattoos, music, balloon animals, and hand-print art.

As we searched for shade and a way to escape the hot sun, we also took a locomotive tour (where G got some instruction from the Engineer) and went into the train museum to see the miniature train displays.

Sir Topham Hatt made a brief appearance before we departed. Despite his large head and big hands (which were noted by our observant toddler), he made a lasting impression and completed our fun outing.

Then it was back in the car for a drive to Vermont where we’d spend the night before beginning our trip to Parry Sound.

Wednesday. All day at the sandbox. Some of our group went to the Umbrellas; G, Nana, & I stayed back to play in the sand. G & I (momma) went for a SeaDoo ride at G’s request). Ethan came back and caught minnows with us at the beach- so fun! G got to help Ethan dig his little sand hole for the fish. (We really love ‘Ethie’!) A bit later Jen & Ethan caught a little fish off the dock… only to have it eaten right off the pole by another, even bigger, fish. Allie, Randy, & I ran in town during nap. After dinner we took a full boat trip to Cragenmore for ice cream… only to find out that they were closed. Late night for all kids; in bed by 10:30! Finally talked to dada… so glad he could take our call & say goodnight- now that he’s back from his long guys’ weekend adventure in Bar Harbour. (Sorry… didn’t take a single picture today!!!)

Thursday. Morning in town for storytime at the library (grocery store, pizza place, dropped Jen & Ethan at the Island Queen). Sloweeeest boat ride back to the cottage. Perhaps we bought too many groceries. Swimming at the beach with a water snake spotting. (Sorry grandmas!) Mixed grill over the firepit. Swinging & sliding. New flowers in hanging baskets. Playdough after dinner. Stolen cookies; we’re still not sure how G managed to get W’s chocolate chip treat, but he ate it as quickly as he could manage.

Friday. Time at our sandbox, turkey dinner, the big storm hits & power is lost at 11pm. Heavy rains, thunder and lightening late into the night. The storm arrives quickly & unexpectedly in the evening as we were getting ready for bed. Momma and G run to the cabin between ‘rumbles’ with G hidden under a towel. We read books in bed & he doesn’t seem phased  by grumbles and gusting winds. (Another day without photos! Eeks. Never again.)

Sat. The big storm! We wake to no power, but no rain either. The power company has a recording that anticipates 10pm this evening it’ll be back on. Food in the fridge slowly starts to warm. Nana, Aunty Allie, kiddos, and I head to town. We get water and run errands (including a stop at the library). Then, out for lunch we go. We learn half of Parry Sound is without power & cottagers have nothing. We see lines down, trees snapped in half, and remnants of heavy winds throughout town. At dinner we debate opening the fridge with the risk loosing food… or open the fridge and eat it all! We resort to opening the fridge and pulling out dinner options and anything that would spoil by nightfall. These are serious times at the cottage. By 9pm power had returned. We’re saved! 

Sunday. Overcast in the morning. SeaDoo ride with momma and we took out the aluminum boat for the first time together. There’s a trip to the beach on Parry Island with cousins, Uncle Randy, & Ba. “I lay down,” is the announcement as G gets comfortable in the soft sand. 

Back at the cottage there’s some ant hunting with Wylder and some dragonfly nymph shell discoveries with Ba. 

A dip off the dock turns into a first swim in the life jacket with momma, Uncle Randy, and cousins. Whoa! He likes it! 

(But his regular diaper has exploded and looks like a giant snowball; next time we use a swim diaper.) Cousins take showers; G takes a bath in the sink. Then it’s time for dinner: hamburgers… with pancakes, olives, pb&j, and chocolate milk. Mmmm. Someone has worked up an appetite for cottage living at its finest! Before heading over to our cabin G makes his nightly request to nana for breakfast the following morning. Tonight he’d like toast… but on second thought, makes it his regular… “pancakes… mmmm syrup… mmmm butter”. 

Wed- day 11. How the day was suppose to read:

The men jumped in the boat at around 8:30am, their sights set on a new refrigerator at Home Depot. While they’re off purchasing the new one, Grammy, Allie, and I are busy watching the kids and moving the 30 year old fridge out to the back deck. It’s an all-around upgrade that has me humming the kids song (we know all too well) about the people ‘in the bed and the little one said, “roll over, roll over”. So they all rolled over and one fell out…’ The new fridge will replace the old fride, the old fridge will replace the beer fridge on the back deck, and the beer fridge will roll on out.

This, however, is how the day actually went:
Nursed Graham at 2:30am. Fell back to sleep only to be woken at 3:30am by Allie knocking on our screen door. “Meg. Meg! Mabel fell and split her head. We’re trying to figure out if we need to go to the hospital.” I lept out of bed and stumbled to the door in the darkness of the cabin pouch, fumbling with my headlight in hand. Mabel’s face was covered with blood, her hair stained red. I couldn’t get a good look at the cut since she kept turning away from the light so I told Allie to meet me at the Big Cabin. Mabel had been sick when she first went down for bed. Her sheets in the pack & play were too messy for her to sleep there, so she was in bed with Allie and Randy. In the night, she had wiggled up and over the top of the bed between the crack of the mattress and the wall, there was just enough space for her to fall down onto the sharp metal corner of the bed frame. It was decided that she should go into the hospital- the sky was clear, the water was calm, visibility was perfect… there couldn’t have been a better night for an emergency. We weren’t sure whether she’d need a tetanus booster or a stitch to prevent scaring; this all factored into the decision. Grammy rushed down to stay with Wylder, Jeff took over care for Graham, Ethan & Jen slept soundly in the tent, while Randy, Allie, Grandpa, Mabel, and I set off for Glen Burney. Grandpa (dad) and I reclined the boat seats and laid  under the night sky waiting for word on how things were progressing. It was a slow night at the hospital and they expected to be in & out quickly. About 1 1/2 hours later, Allie and Randy arrived with a sleeping Mabel. She had been cleaned up and glued together. What a trooper. She hadn’t cried or let on that she was uncomfortable, but fell fast asleep on the boat ride back to the cottage.

Our little trooper. ❤️

The remainder of the day was a whirlwind. We played at the beach, took naps, read, listened to music, and enjoyed being together as a family… healthy and safe… but still needed to get the new fridge! Aunty Allie and Grandpa went into town to run errands and look at refrigerator options. The only fridge that could be purchased immediately and fit into the available space was a nice stainless steel model. The company delivered it to Glen Burney marina and got it into the boat. Jeff, Ethan, and Grandpa went to pick it up. While they were away Allie, Jen, Randy and I moved the old fridge to the deck and Grammy cleaned the area in preparation for the new fridge. They were behemoths to move, but we did it. (And by ‘we’, I mean the men of the group.) By the end of the evening, the fridges were set in their new locations and the awaiting the swap over of food from one to the next. The new fridge glows so brightly when it opens, that we told Wylder it sings…. “Ah ahhhhhhh” like a soft spoken Tarzan. He thinks that’s pretty funny.

Thur- day 12. Wylder says to Grammy,”some times I just have to call you Darling.” His cuteness makes Grammy’s day. We take a boat ride across to Parry Island with James and Calvin. Graham swam in his pfd. We returned to the cottage and the guys fixed the boathouse dock. Graham is still climbing up onto the navy deck toy and walking with his ‘cottage cruiser’ as Jen calls it. There was waterskiing followed by a pasta dinner.

  
  

Fri- day 13. Today was a day for visitors. Andrew, Elianna, and James each stopped in (separately) to say hello. Allie and I swam across the channel while Jeff paddled the canoe with Ryder. The biggest wave in Parry Sound history was experienced by Grampa & Allie (& cousins) at Devil’s Elbow after a dump run. “The wave was as tall as the ceiling”, according to Grandpa. We’re so glad they’re ok and didn’t sink the boat! Ethan and Grandpa went fishing in a lake near our ice cream place. They towed the canoe behind the aluminum boat to the put in for the other lake. They made it just before the downpour of heavy rain. We had dinner at Henry’s, Grandpa’s treat. Then Jeff and Randy shared a SeaDoo ride home; we had a good chuckle about their closeness. There was a quick stop at Aunty Marion’s to say hello & goodbye to everyone. (Wishing them a happy 50th anniversary! Jeff, Graham, and I are sorry to be missing the big celebration party tomorrow!) Then we celebrated our August birthdays with chocolate cake dessert. Happy birthdays to Jeff, Randy, Jen, and Graham! Mabel & Graham each had bathes in the kitchen sink before bed. Wylder calls Grampa his best friend before bed and tells us stories about the 3 little pigs. He’s also shared how much he already misses his cousin Graham and wants everyone to stay in Party Sound. We all agree! It’ll be sad to leave and end our vacation together.

Sat- day 14. The day the Underhills leave Parry Sound. I’ll miss the ongoing game that Wylder and I have been playing, “say Chippppmunk” or “supercalifragilisticexpialidoeshus”. I’ll miss seeing everyone when I wake up and eating big family meals together. I’ll miss gin and tonics in the afternoon, saunas, swimming at a whim, watching Graham interact with his cousins and how his face lights up to see everyone. Most of all,  I’ll miss time with my family. It’s been such a fun vacation! My greatest Party Sound memories are from back when we’d stay all summer. Allie and I would spend the day outside feeding chipmunks, driving the aluminum boats around, and swimming. Then Jen came along and as we grew older we’d play big family games at night, go tubing, and do crafty projects. Then there was playing frisbee with Dudli off the dock. Those were the days. But having Graham to share this Parry Sound experience with changes everything. It’s more clear then ever that some of the best summer memories are still being made. Xo. 

I’ve been itching to get out on the Presidential Traverse since last fall. The last time I hiked the traverse was at least 7 years ago. To make it a full adventure; my colleague from Summit Achievement (Eric) and I started the trip at 7pm at night. We did the entire traverse in the dark with windy, slow conditions. (It was certainly an outing to remember; the clouds were gusting so intensely at the summit of Mt. Washington that we couldn’t see from one large rock cairn to the next.)

A panoramic paradise.

This trip would be better. It would be faster, more fun, and with perfect daytime conditions.

Going up…

Bridget, Joanna, and I set out at 6 am from Apalacia. We began hiking with two other teachers from the Littleton area, Erin and Liz.

Bridget, me, & Joanna.

For me, the day started a bit earlier than that. It was a true alpine start: up at 3:30 am and out the door just as the sun was rising. An early morning drive up highway 93 through Franconia Notch turned into a lucky opportunity for a moose sighting. Fortunately, my moose friend was safely off the road, on the other side of the median.

The traverse itself is about 20 miles long. It covers 8000+ feet of elevation and offers amazing views of the notches and valleys below.

My favorite smell.

Headed down.

We had sunshine, blue skis, and barely any wind. The company was terrific… and we finished the traverse in about 11 hours.

Really, we’re good with a map.

(We didn’t use the map until almost the end of the hike.)

Some people include Jackson in their traverse, as Eric and I had done.)  But we opted to end this hike with Pierce and hiked the Crawford Path back to our parked car (in the lot across from The Highland Center). We celebrated our awesome day with some strategically stashed recovery beers at the car. It was another great adventure with some amazing adventure ladies!

Love these!

Notice Mt Washington summit in the background.

One of the things I really wanted to do this summer was the Baldface Loop in Evan’s Notch, NH. It’s been years since I’ve been up there. It’s a beautiful area with open, exposed rock along the upper reaches of South Baldface. It looks to be above tree-line, but don’t believe what you may read on the internet. According to the AMC White Mountain Guide, there was a fire in 1903 that uncovered the summits and upper slopes.  (What a fire it must have been!) But this loop is not above tree-line.

South Baldface view

I did this hike as a last minute day trip with Todd Flag, a friend & neighbor of my parents. Todd is a Maine guide who loves to hike & fish. While searching for someone to go with my dad shared that, “Todd’s a fast hiker.” That’s exactly what I was looking for- someone who’d speed around the loop with me. I didn’t want an all day adventure… just a quick outing.

Todd, smile.

Me. 🙂

I showed up in sneakers and with my new Ultimate Direction hydration vest; Todd had on his heafty hiking boots and a small backpack. He wasn’t too sure about someone hiking in sneakers (for good reason, trail running in sneakers can be tiring on the ankles). But I felt confident in running what I brung. More often than not, I hike in sneakers. If nothing else, adventure racing has toughened my ankles.

I encouraged the pace. Just below the South Baldface summit, Todd told me not to wait. If I wanted to run up ahead and meet him at the summits, I could. That’s exactly what I did.

From South Baldface looking at the ridge line over to North Baldface. Moon in the background.

It took us just under 5 hours to run/ hike the loop. South Baldface to North Baldface with a quick stop for something to eat on North Baldface and a photo at Emrald pool before heading to the car.

Looking out at the mountains.

Trail sign on South Baldface with Mt. Washington in the background.

The view from North Baldface looking back towards Evan’s Notch.

Trail sign on North Baldface. Headed down the Baldface Circle trail.

Bluebird day!

Emerald pool. Burr!

TransRockies was the biggest adventures of 2012- and an amazing adventure it was. As with any special occasion, when the dust settled and the race had ended, it felt like something had vanished into thin air. Life was different. Preparations for TransRockies were intense; there were months where day-to-day life revolved around waking up, working, riding bikes in accordance with specific training plans, eating, and sleeping… only to do it all again, day after day, for weeks at a time. Life without that routine seemed, at first, depressing. I needed something more- something to look forward to- something that would keep my cascading need for adventure from drying up.

Trail running in New London

Skin/ski at Mt. Sunapee

Skate skiing at Solitude in Utah

Part of the problem with being an athlete in love with adventure and racing, (although it’s hardly a problem) is that you’re always thinking about the next trip, race, outdoor excursion, or a way to get that adventure high. There’s something about being free in the woods, letting endorphines loose, that brings me back for more. It’s a need that I wouldn’t want to live without.

Hiking up Mt Washington with my best girl, Dudli

An icy trail run up past Zealand Falls hut with my friend, Sandra

In the months following TransRockies (and until now) there have been many fun adventures. There were trail runs at night and during the day- runs through snow, along pavement, and in mud; a cyclocross race; mountain bike races; a 6 hour adventure race in Dover, NH; and the 30-hour USARA Adventure Race Nationals in Kerhonkson, New York.

I wasn’t sure how 30 hours would treat me. Not only was this a LONG race- my longest race ever- but I’d be competing with amazing athletes on the same team. An actual “team”- eeks. It’s one thing to race as an individual where the only expectations are self driven. Things get a little more complicated when other people are relying on you to keep up and keep it together.

Untamed New England- Team #1
Dave, Me, Chad

Untamed New England- Team #2
Molly, Jason, Tracyn

Fortunately, this team- Untamed New England- is a group of people that immediately felt like family; a family that I could get lost in the woods with.

… and that is exactly what we did. (More on the USARA Nationals to come…)

Looking back to warmer weather…

Much of our time last summer was spent away. More often than not, I’d find myself saying, “another weekend away from the house to ride bikes.” It’s really not something to complain about. I love riding- whether we were packed up for a long weekend in Bar Harbor, exploring new trails in Sedona, AZ, or taking long road rides around New London. Since January, when training became our top priority, Jeff and I traveled to (and rode around) some amazing places.

This particular weekend in July was the Cannondale demo at Millstone Hill in VT. Millstone is an awe inspiring area of land, clustered with piles of granite and flooded quarries. Evidence of the granite mining is everywhere as riders zip through the woods along well-developed single track (occasionaly getting a glimpse of the intense blue and green pools of quarry water).

We’ve ridden here many times and know the trails fairly well. This time, however, was a party. Cannondale was there with demo bikes. The demo truck was huge- carrying about 50 new 2013 mountain bikes. They had 29er Scapels, Flash 29ers (my personal favorite), the new Trigger, Jekyls, and the ladies Lexi.

Fun times!

That first night in VT we picked out a campsite, set up the tent, and settle into our sleeping bags. There’s plenty of space for Jeff, Ryder, and me in my monstrous 8 person tent. I love that tent.

“What the heck was that?!” I nudged Jeff, not realizing in my sleepy state that he was already well aware of the noise.

In the not so distant woods we heard the screetching of, what sounded like, a monster. It was a shreek, or a cry… maybe a barking?! Whatever it is, it sounded really displeased that we had pitched our tent in it’s space.

I shut my eyes, feeling safe in the hugeness of the circus tent and fell back to sleep, hoping whatever it was would move along and not eat us. The next day, with input from other people and a Google search, we solved the mystery; we had heard a fisher cat!

Not ‘the’ fisher cat, but it’s what we heard!

The weekend was full of fun and festivities: riding with friends, taking a quick pedal on a tandem mountain bike (after my Whiteface incident it only seemed appropriate), and a little chill time with friends.

Just down the road from the Millstone Touring Center is a great little antique mall. Jeff isn’t a big fan of antiquing… so while he was out for a mellow ride with Ryder, I made a quick trip to peruse by myself.

To my surprise, Jeff walked in while I was in the back room. This is great, I thought to myself, he’s changed his mind and come shopping with me!  

… So why does he look so distraught?

ouch!

Ugh. A little fumble on a long narrow bridge- that’s why.

We made our way to the emergency room just down the street. It looked bad, but a quick relocation and some tape did the trick.

Just another adventure.