tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80600935338743362402024-03-12T17:39:50.216-07:00Women Hiking for Women HealingElizabeth Stone Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08152366189257236936noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-65361829878000329832011-03-13T06:36:00.000-07:002011-04-24T10:30:20.234-07:00The Women Who Make It Happen: A Guide to the Faces Behind the HikeWilderness Heals would not be possible without the support of a large community of organizers, volunteers, team leaders--and, of course--you, the hiker! There are, however, a few names that tend to frequently pop up throughout the season. Here's a list to help hikers sort out who’s who. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Administrative Staff</span><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4onos7yTaw/TXzOdGnV45I/AAAAAAAABJw/cbQjB8kg59U/s1600/erika_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4onos7yTaw/TXzOdGnV45I/AAAAAAAABJw/cbQjB8kg59U/s400/erika_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583564637419725714" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Erika Whyte:</span> This is Erika’s fourth year involved with the Hike. Erika grew up in the city of Providence, RI, and although she enjoyed hiking around the many state parks, she fell head over heals in love when she met the White Mountains in 2003. Erika began her love affair with the outdoors when she participated in the AMC’s Youth Opportunity Program’s Outdoor Leadership Training that spring.<br /><br />For the past six years, Erika has had the opportunity to instruct for YOP but has recently taken a hiatus due to the birth of her son, Matthew. This afforded her the opportunity to delve deeper as a member of the Wilderness Heals community. Erika became the Wilderness Heals volunteer and committee coordinator last year and is thoroughly enjoying her second year on the job.<br /><br />Erika believes "the quiet that nature provides allows us to be centered and thoughtful about our place in the universe. Wilderness does heal!”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Leaders</span></span> <br /></span>Team leaders lead all training hikes, and each team leader is in charge of one team during the three-day Hike. All team leaders are experienced hikers and have participated in Wilderness Heals at least once. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inj5ami1bS0/TXzUIVp1FUI/AAAAAAAABKY/wEpQYRAUYHA/s1600/marilyn_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inj5ami1bS0/TXzUIVp1FUI/AAAAAAAABKY/wEpQYRAUYHA/s400/marilyn_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583570877749204290" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Marilyn Castriotta:</span> This is Marilyn's second year hiking with Wilderness Heals, and first year serving as team leader. Forested mountains are her favorite landscape. She's an active member of the Appalachian Mountain Club's 4,000-footer club, having completed the New Hampshire 48 in 2009 and the New England 67 in 2010. Having participated in AMC's Leadership Training in 2010, she's now an AMC co-leader. This summer she'll also be attending AMC's week-long Mountain Leadership School, and a two-week permaculture course in Quebec. One of the 1,000 trained by Al Gore to give his climate presentation, Marilyn's particularly concerned about the effect of deforestation on climate change, as well as the effect of climate change on the boreal forest. A passionate and practical environmentalist, Marilyn's been working in the environmental field for 10 years and currently seeking work in forest conservation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNWwQmGCVVs/TYAlJYcf_YI/AAAAAAAABLI/7tGm7Z-rfDs/s1600/jessica_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNWwQmGCVVs/TYAlJYcf_YI/AAAAAAAABLI/7tGm7Z-rfDs/s400/jessica_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584504381050453378" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jessica Cook:</span> This will be Jessica's third year hiking for Wilderness Heals and her second year serving as a team leader and as a member of the recruitment committee. Jessica has spent the last five years leading groups of both children and adults through the backcountry and has always found the wilderness to have a profound effect on those who spend time in it. This is why she found Wilderness Heals to be the perfect event for her to contribute her time to, because Wilderness DOES heal. Jessica was incredibly inspired by the power of the Hike. Women, from all walks of life, coming together in support of other women was a truly moving and beautiful thing to experience, and that is why she keeps coming back for more. Jessica is particularly excited for the Hike this year because her little sister will be participating for the first time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxugU0pU7z4/TaXQ_fC10iI/AAAAAAAABLg/Jw_dX7DRYK4/s1600/susan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxugU0pU7z4/TaXQ_fC10iI/AAAAAAAABLg/Jw_dX7DRYK4/s400/susan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595107901161460258" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Susan Genatossio:</span> Susan is descended from one of the original families that settled the New Hampshire seacoast region,which makes her particularly fond of all things New England, especially the White Mountains. This will be her eighth year participating in Wilderness Heals, and her sixth as a team leader. The Hike is Susan's favorite way to be part of a community of friends--old and new--who share the love of the mountains and the passion to hike. She looks forward every year to all Wilderness Heals adventures.<br /> <br />Susan has lived in Sandwich, Cape Cod, since college graduation. She live with her two best friends; her husband of 31 years, Charlie, and their golden retriever, Eagle. They have two handsome grown sons, one beautiful daughter-in-law, and one grand-dog, an elegant lab/hound mix. Susan is the gallery manager/appraiser for the Sandwich Auction House, and she works daily with the stewardship of objects from the past. Some other things she's passionate about are hiking and exploring the beaches, woods, and conservation areas of the Cape, quiet water kayaking, gardening and flower arranging, horseback riding (though she is currently horse-less), sitting by a campfire, spending time with her little sister at the beach, and she's also kind of a fanatic about recycling and Leave No Trace principles. <br /> <br />Most likely to be stashed in her backpack are an emergency supply of chocolate and powerful talismans from all prior Wilderness Heals Hikes: moonstones, goddess pendants, and beaded bracelets of rainbow colors. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IRt2dfRsuI/TXzOmyw66DI/AAAAAAAABJ4/P-5jr0Xn_fI/s1600/jenn_blog_pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IRt2dfRsuI/TXzOmyw66DI/AAAAAAAABJ4/P-5jr0Xn_fI/s400/jenn_blog_pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583564803889883186" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jenn Guiry:</span> This is Jenn’s sixth year participating in Wilderness Heals, after taking last summer off to do some traveling with her partner, Vicky. The statement, “We’d rather be hiking,” was no more true than when Jenn, Vicky, and their dogs, Connor and Bailey, were driving down the Mass Pike, beginning their nine-day trip to Ohio.<br /> <br />This year Jenn is hiking in honor of a former client who was truly inspired by the event after seeing photos of ESH residents on top of Mount Major and knowing that people really do care. <br /><br />Jenn is best known in the Whites--and pretty much everywhere--for her “Irish whisper” and for needing her “indoor voice” even when she's outdoors. She does not watch TV, and she loves to cook. Some of her favorite foods are eggs—some days as many as six--lobster, and asparagus. Jenn always carries a set of rosary beads in her backpack in case she is ever stranded or lost.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TBNcfv3KfE/TYAkOdFA0kI/AAAAAAAABLA/ZZ48AjS4ReM/s1600/angela_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TBNcfv3KfE/TYAkOdFA0kI/AAAAAAAABLA/ZZ48AjS4ReM/s400/angela_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584503368681837122" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Angela Herring: </span>Over the years, Angela has walked through the woods and over the rocks of the White and Green Mountains, the Colorado Rockies, the Olympic National Forest, and the Costa Rican Rainforest. She grew up in the Boston area and now lives in Jamaica Plain with her boyfriend and their dog. In addition to being a dog owner and a backpacker, Angela is also a chemist, a writer, a baker, and a furniture maker ….she has not yet taken up candle stick making, but it would not be surprising if she did. This is Angela’s second year hiking with Wilderness Heals and her first serving as a team leader.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idrU-GE5yMM/TXzQ-KMPuaI/AAAAAAAABKI/Io_tOP_tSro/s1600/katie_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idrU-GE5yMM/TXzQ-KMPuaI/AAAAAAAABKI/Io_tOP_tSro/s400/katie_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583567404338756002" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Katie Kozin:</span> The 2011 Hike will be Katie's seventh year with Wilderness Heals, and her sixth year serving as a team leader. She is also a former team leader coordinator. The bearer of trail names such as "Bunchberry" and "SmileMile," Katie loves her time in the mountains and is just three peaks shy from completing hikes to the top of New Hampshire's 48 4,000-footers. Anyone up for a hike to the Bonds? A seasoned hiker, Katie has taken her passion for hiking all over the world, including the Peruvian Andes, the Himalayan foothills, and a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. <br /><br />As a resident of Jamaica Plain, Katie sees volunteering for the Elizabeth Stone House as a great way to support her community, while at the same time explore new territory. She says, "Wilderness Heals brings together an incredible cross-section of women who may have different amounts of mountain experience but all feel passionate about raising funds for the important work that the Stone House does every single day." <br /><br />Katie is a professional fundraiser for School Year Abroad, a high school study abroad program, and in her spare time loves to travel, watch movies, cross country ski, create mosaics, take zumba, kickboxing, and belly dancing classes, and speak Italian. Her favorite trail foods are good old PB&J without the J, string cheese, turkey jerky, and--of course--grapes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Giw8w7Jn5js/TYAhcHR2tKI/AAAAAAAABKo/Vn6hfssging/s1600/ashley_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Giw8w7Jn5js/TYAhcHR2tKI/AAAAAAAABKo/Vn6hfssging/s400/ashley_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584500304813405346" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ashley Mattison:</span> Wilderness Heals 2011 will be Ashley's second Hike and her first year serving as a team leader. Although she grew up in the country, she didn't bother with outdoor activities until she moved to the city. It has only been a few years since she started hiking, but the mountains have gotten a solid hold on her. Last year's Wilderness Heals was a first for Ashley - hiking with women only. A little unsure at first, Ashley was nervous, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of her life. She is looking forward to this year's hike - a great time in a great place with some great women. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUUBolR9rTU/TaXMjKxK5sI/AAAAAAAABLQ/RrmdJ0co2m4/s1600/nora_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUUBolR9rTU/TaXMjKxK5sI/AAAAAAAABLQ/RrmdJ0co2m4/s400/nora_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595103016635786946" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nora O’Farrell:</span> Nora started hiking with Wilderness Heals in 2009 after her sisters, Mary Kelly, Pat Ghannam, and Kathleen Carey (all veteran Wilderness Heals participants), shared exciting tales of mud, weather, slips, falls, great company, and amazing views. While always having enjoyed a walk in the woods, Nora’s hiking up to that point was pretty much limited to the Blue Hills.<br /><br />Nora was hooked after her first training hike with Wilderness Trails. Hiking in the beautiful and rocky White Mountains, she relishes the challenges of the climb, expansiveness at the summit, and the meditative descents. Nora appreciates all the wisdom and skill veteran hikers shared on the trails. This year Nora committed to being a Team Leader as a way to share the joy of hiking with new participants as well as supporting the Elizabeth Stone House. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LNJUGbOAJs/TbReBRZ1I4I/AAAAAAAABL4/CsQClGBgxGA/s1600/nika_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LNJUGbOAJs/TbReBRZ1I4I/AAAAAAAABL4/CsQClGBgxGA/s400/nika_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599203612672992130" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nika Stoop:</span> Growing up in Alaska, Nika spent a large part of her childhood camping and fishing. As a kid, her family regularly drove to Mount McKinley park and marveled at the wildlife and scenery. As she got older, Nika began exploring backpacking and the backcountry on her own, but she didn't fully appreciate the power of hiking until she became involved in Wilderness Heals. Nika lives in Medford and frequently takes her dogs hiking in the Fells and New Hampshire. "For me, hiking rejuvenates my soul," she says. "I have enjoyed the camaraderie and learned a great deal from the women who have hiked in Wilderness Heals." This will be Nika's fifth year hiking and her third year serving as a team leader. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV1EgQ7Bg78/TXzSPI2avFI/AAAAAAAABKQ/6o_LtdrWk0g/s1600/amanda_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV1EgQ7Bg78/TXzSPI2avFI/AAAAAAAABKQ/6o_LtdrWk0g/s400/amanda_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583568795548171346" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amanda Tweed:</span> After trying out winter hiking this year, Amanda comes back for her fourth Wilderness Heals (her third as a team leader) with a greater appreciation for the summer hiking season. While she enjoyed her winter experiences and the opportunities they brought for playing with new gear (crampons can be a real asset on a trail of solid ice), she looks forward to delayering and traveling a little lighter this spring. She's also hoping to convince a few of her winter hiking friends to try out Wilderness Heals. <br /><br />When not on the trail, Amanda enjoys yoga, Pilates, biking to work, tomato gardening, and hanging out with friends. Last year, she took a week off from her day job as a manager of statistical programming activities at a local biopharmaceutical company to hike in the Canadian Rockies. She is looking to repeat the experience this summer with an extra week added on for backpacking. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmI5Y1ouFiQ/TXzOt7L-slI/AAAAAAAABKA/S88h6A8ZNto/s1600/vic_blog_pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmI5Y1ouFiQ/TXzOt7L-slI/AAAAAAAABKA/S88h6A8ZNto/s400/vic_blog_pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583564926409945682" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Vicky Waltz:</span> After taking a hiatus from Wilderness Heals in 2010, Vicky is ready to hit the trails. Or rather, she will be once she awakens from her winter hibernation. This will be Vicky's sixth year hiking, and her third serving as a team leader. In previous years, she was a member of the recruitment committee, and she also manages the Wilderness Heals blog. This summer she's looking forward to reconnecting with her hiking friends while knocking off a few more 4,000-foot summits from her list. <br /><br />In no particular order, some of Vicky's favorite things are sushi, coastal Maine, atlases, lupine, dogs, (specifically hers), and sarcasm. Her penchant for pigtails and sweet corn can likely be traced to her hometown of Wooster, Ohio, where Amish buggies are as common as pick-up trucks. A former journalist, she recently changed career paths and became a dog groomer. You can read about her grooming (mis)adventures at her blog, <a href="http://groomofonesown.wordpress.com/">A Groom of One's Own</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPlSRQzFYIM/TYAjTztg4jI/AAAAAAAABK4/I5SyH40LrYc/s1600/anna_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPlSRQzFYIM/TYAjTztg4jI/AAAAAAAABK4/I5SyH40LrYc/s400/anna_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584502361145008690" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Anna Wells:</span> Anna has been hiking Wilderness Heals since the dawn of time. No, not really, but this will be her 15th year participating in some form or another. Over the years she has been a hiker, team leader, and team leader coordinator. Anna grew up hiking in the White Mountains with her parents and brothers, and at age 17, she participated in her first Wilderness Heals Hike with her mother. She returns to the Hike year after year because she deeply believes in the cause the hike supports, she loves hiking in the White Mountains, and she gains incredible inspiration from every person she comes into contact with along the journey, especially her fellow team leaders.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recruitment Committee</span></span></span><br />Members of the Wilderness Heals Recruitment Committee are responsible for organizing tabling events at local festivals and performances, leading recruitment hikes, postering fliers throughout the community, and--in general--drumming up support for the Hike. Four years ago, it launched the Wilderness Heals blog.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jessica Cook: </span>See above.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AKInvsp6TI/TXzXEr7Wo_I/AAAAAAAABKg/4eDUq6apV2s/s1600/karin_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AKInvsp6TI/TXzXEr7Wo_I/AAAAAAAABKg/4eDUq6apV2s/s400/karin_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583574113543693298" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Karin Downs:</span> Wild mountain stories have been a part of Karin’s life for as long as she can remember. Her father, an Adirondack guide, told tales--tall and otherwise--as bedtime stories to rile her before she fell asleep. Hence, her dreams were always filled with impossible feats, incredible vistas, leaps over chasms, and near-death adventures. Karin transitioned from imagined to actual adventures as a teen when she began hiking in the Adirondacks. She later trekked in Nepal and Laos, first with friends, and eventually with her children. This will be Karin's seventh year hiking with Wilderness Heals. In previous years, she has served as both a team leader and recruitment committee member. Her favorite trail food is candied ginger, licorice jelly beans, and chocolate-covered coffee beans. Her goals for this year are to conquer and befriend multiple peaks, stay strong, keep her powder dry, and laugh a lot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHoTp_YYKlE/TaXNs-GnSLI/AAAAAAAABLY/oIO_jWgQWBA/s1600/danna_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHoTp_YYKlE/TaXNs-GnSLI/AAAAAAAABLY/oIO_jWgQWBA/s400/danna_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595104284546386098" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danna Steinberg:</span> Danna first got involved with Wilderness Heals as a hiker in 2005 and has since been in involved in the recruitment committee and again as a hiker. This will be her third year hiking and her third year on the recruitment committee. Danna is thrilled to stay involved with Wilderness Heals, which combines two of her greatest passions: the wilderness and community service. Her other passions include painting, travel, technology, and spending time with children and animals--especially her almost two-year-old son and her two pet rabbits. Danna hikes to experience nature's healing effects, and her favorite places to hike are deserts and Latin American rain forests and cloud forests.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-82245204660330061982011-03-12T16:27:00.000-08:002011-03-12T21:13:18.316-08:00Celebrate Spring Thaw with a Recruitment Hike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqaf53AqZ6g/TXxPbBav0XI/AAAAAAAABJo/8mme1ql8Tz8/s1600/feet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqaf53AqZ6g/TXxPbBav0XI/AAAAAAAABJo/8mme1ql8Tz8/s400/feet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583424963688255858" /></a>It's time to break out the boots and break some trail!<br /><br />Throughout the spring, members of the Wilderness Heals Recruitment Committee will be hosting recruitment hikes throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These hikes are open to everyone — participants do not need to be registered Wilderness Heals hikers.<br /><br />Come if you want to jumpstart your training, meet other hikers, or learn more about the three-day event. Bring a friend, bring some snacks, and enjoy a walk in the woods!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday, April 2, at Franklin Park, Boston<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 2 p.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting place:</span> Shattuck Picnic Grove Area, across from Shattuck Hospital<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Erika Whyte - (781) 726-0551 and Karin Downs - (617) 833-2911<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hiking route:</span> The loop follows Circuit Drive around the golf course. A good place to start is at the Golf Clubhouse or along the park maintenance road in front of the Shattuck Hospital by the picnic area and tennis courts. There are a few forks in the path, but all eventually bring you around the golf course again. Highlights as you walk include the arched stone bridge over Scarboro Pond, a popular birding site, Mother‘s Rest sitting area just down from the Golf Clubhouse with views across a sweeping landscape, and the mature European beech grove. Taking unmarked paths is perfectly safe and you‘ll chance upon Schoolmaster Hill, the plateau on top of Scarboro Hill, or an old tree stump carved into a chair.<br /><br />Visit the Franklin Park Web site for <a href="http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=41">directions</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sunday, April 3, Borderland State Park, Easton, Mass.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 10 a.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting place:</span> Park Office<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Victoria Sandbrook - (508) 930-2314<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span> From the north, take Route 128 south to I-95 south (toward Providence). Take Exit 10 (Sharon, Walpole, and Coney Street). Take a left at the end of the ramp and follow two or three miles to the traffic light in Sharon Center. Go straight through the intersection and immediately bear right onto Pond Street. Follow Pond Street for one and a half miles until you come to a traffic rotary. Go half way around the rotary and continue onto Massapoag Avenue for three miles to the park entrance, on your left.<br /><br />From Boston, take the southeast expressway south to Route 128 north and then to I-95 south. Follow directions from above.<br /><br />From the west, take the Mass Pike to I-495 south to Exit 10 (Easton and Route 123). Take a left at the end of the ramp and follow Route 123 east toward Easton. Route 123 will merge with Route 106 east. After this merge look for the brown "Borderland" sign, on the left about a half a mile from the merge. Take this left onto Poquanticut Avenue. After about a mile the road will fork; bear to the left onto Massapoag Avenue and follow signs to the park, approximately another two miles. Entrance will be on your right. <br /><br />From the east (Brockton), take Route 24 north to Exit 17B (Easton). Follow Route 123 west to the intersection of Route 138. Take a right onto Route 138 north and follow to the second set of traffic lights. Take a left onto Main Street and continue about one mile into the center of North Easton. In the center the road will fork; continue straight up the hill to Lincoln Street and follow to the end, about two miles. Take a right onto Bay Road, then an immediate left onto Allen Road. Follow Allen Road to its end, about one and a half miles. Take a right onto Rockland Street and follow for just under a mile to a four-way stop sign. Take a right onto Massapoag Avenue; the park entrance will be one mile on your right.<br /><br />From the south (Fall River), take Route 24 north to Exit 16 (Route 106 west and Mansfield). Follow Route 106 west through four sets of traffic lights. Go through the fourth light, which will be the intersection of Route 123 and Route 106. Continue west on Routes 123 and 106 for half a mile. Turn right onto Poquanticut Avenue Follow the signs to the park, approximately three miles. <br /><br />From the south (Providence), take I-95 north to exit 7A (Mansfield and Route 140 south). Take Route 140 south to the intersection of Route 106 east. Follow Route 106 into Easton. Route 106 will merge with Route 123. Continue half a mile after the merge and turn left at the brown Borderland sign onto Poquanticut Avenue. Follow Poquanticut Avenue and bear left onto Massapoag Avenue to the park, which will be on your right, approximately three miles from the turn at Routes 106 and 123.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday, April 16, Middlesex Fells, Skyline Trail, Medford, Mass.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 10 a.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting place:</span> Bellevue Pond<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Karin Downs - (617) 833-2911 and Danna Steinberg<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Trail distance:</span> 7 miles<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hiking time:</span> 5 to 6 hours<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Trail Description:</span> From the parking lot, take the main trail, leaving Bellevue Pond on your left. Watch for white blazes a few yards after the pond on your right. They will lead to Pine Hill, where an observation tower offers spectacular views to Boston. From the tower, head north, following the blazes on the rocks to complete the hike. This hike, which loops the western side of the Fells, has some steep ascents.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span> From Boston, take I-93 north to Exit 33 for Middlesex Fells. Take the roundabout halfway to the first exit on the right (sharp turn). The parking lot is about a quarter of a mile on the right.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sunday, April 17, Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, Mass. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 10 a.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting place:</span> Visitors Center<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Victoria Sandbrook - (508) 930-2314<br /><br />Visit the Wachusett Mountain Web site for <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm<br />">directions</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday, April 23, Blue Hills, Milton, Mass.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 10 a.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting place:</span> Parking lot across from the Reservation Headquarters, at 695 Hillside St. in Milton, beside the police station. Call (617) 698-1802 for park information.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Karin Downs - (617) 833-2911 and Erika Whyte - (781) 726-0551 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions by car:</span> Take I-93 to Exit 3. Turn right at the stop sign onto Hillside Street. Houghton's Pond is located approximately a quarter of a mile on the right. Continue a quarter of a mile to the Reservation Headquarters on the left.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions by MBTA:</span> Take the Red Line to Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the high-speed line to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills Bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday, April 30, Mount Major, West Alton, NH</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Please note:</span> because this recruitment hike is in the Whites (or near them rather), you will be required to have some basic hiking and safety gear. Also, you must inform one of the hike leaders that you are planning to join the hike. See below for a list of required gear.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Meeting time:</span> 10 a.m.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Led by:</span> Karin Downs - (617) 833-2911 and Danna Steinberg<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Approximate driving time from Boston:</span> 2.25 hours<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating:</span> Easier <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Distance:</span> 3 miles<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Highest Elevation:</span> 1,784 feet<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Elevation Gain:</span> 1,180 feet<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Approximate duration:</span> 3 hours<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hiking route:</span> Take the obvious road that leaves from the right side of the parking lot as you face the mountain. There are blue blazes on the road. Almost within sight of the parking lot, the road forks. After the two rejoin, the blue blazes and the main trail turn left at another junction about .8 miles from the parking lot. The road becomes a footpath, often with several branches which usually rejoin. The trail climbs over a small knoll then steeply up the rocks to the summit. The distance from parking lot is 1.8 miles. On the return, look for blue blazes dropping off to the northeast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span> Take I-93 north to Exit 9 (Route 3 north and Route 28 north) toward Hooksett. When Route 3 and Route 28 split, follow Route 28 north. When you come to the intersection with Route 11, take Route 11 north. Follow for about four miles north of Alton Bay until you reach the trailhead on the left.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Required Gear:</span><br />Day pack <br />Emergency whistle<br />Snack and lunch for hike<br />64 ounces of water <br />Waterproof rain jacket<br />Fleece or wool hat<br />Insulating fleece/wool sweater (no cotton)<br />1 polypro/nylon T-shirt (no cotton)<br />1 pair of polypro/nylon quick dry shorts or zip-away pants (no cotton or jeans)<br />Bandana<br />Sunscreen and bug sprayVickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-76599299104876029872011-02-23T15:04:00.000-08:002011-02-23T18:08:10.080-08:00Breaking New Trail, or 2011 RoutesThe organizers of Wilderness Heals Hike are pleased to announce the routes for 2011. This year, we are offering seven different routes, including Zealand Hut to Galehead Hut, which hasn't been offered since 2007, and Greenleaf Hut to Galehead Hut, which hasn't been offered since 2005.
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<br />Each route is uniquely tailored to a variety of skills and interests. Each one is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Routes for Wilderness Heals 2011 are listed below:
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 1: Alpine Traverse, Madison Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U92cNI8tCaI/TWWy34rLBsI/AAAAAAAABIw/_NKrdrIDntU/s1600/jenn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U92cNI8tCaI/TWWy34rLBsI/AAAAAAAABIw/_NKrdrIDntU/s400/jenn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577060386744239810" /></a>This is the most ambitious hike option for 2011. Hikers will explore the Presidential range, spending the majority of their time in the alpine zone. Traveling from Madison Spring Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut allows hikers to take in the stunning views along the ridge and includes possibilities to summit seven of the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks, including Mount Washington. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Presidential Venture.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Many trails lead to Madison Spring Hut, either from the Appalachia trailhead or various locations along Route 16 (near Pinkham Notch). All involve quite a climb, as Madison Hut is located at 4,800 feet, near the summits of Mounts Madison and Adams. Teams have the option of summiting Madison or Adams after reaching the hut.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, with options to summit or skirt several Presidential peaks, including Mounts Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Washington. Teams may also decide to scale Mount Monroe after reaching the hut. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Presidential Venture on Day 2.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can hike out to the reception at the Highland Center via the Crawford Path, with the option to summit Mounts Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce. Alternative options are to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport hikers to the Highland Center Reception.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note</span>: Hikers will not cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Appalachia trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 2: Presidential Venture, Mizpah Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMYQiQq4pzY/TWWzeT5Pt_I/AAAAAAAABI4/5Hc_266wd6M/s1600/hut.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMYQiQq4pzY/TWWzeT5Pt_I/AAAAAAAABI4/5Hc_266wd6M/s400/hut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577061046886053874" /></a>This is a moderate hike option for hikers to explore the Southern Presidential range. This route invites hikers to summit six 4,000-foot mountains, including Mount Washington--New England's highest peak--over the three-day span. Hikers will take in stunning views along the ridge as they travel from hut to hut. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Alpine Traverse.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will be dropped off at Crawford Path to ascend to Mizpah Spring Hut. Those looking for a more challenging route can trek in over Mount Pierce. Afternoon hikes include Mount Pierce or a loop over Mount Webster and Mount Jackson.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Hikers will follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut with the option to summit Mounts Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe. After unloading extra weight at the hut, hikers can scale Mount Washington to take in the panoramic views of the Presidentials. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Alpine Traverse on Day 2.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can choose to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport them to the reception.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> Hikers will not cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Crawford Path trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 3: Lark at Lonesome Lake
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLMiadFsxVI/TWW8wkoEzLI/AAAAAAAABJY/o2aBIH8_qKY/s1600/lonesome_lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLMiadFsxVI/TWW8wkoEzLI/AAAAAAAABJY/o2aBIH8_qKY/s400/lonesome_lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577071256219733170" /></a>This route takes hikers up the west slopes of Franconia Notch. This leg can be very gentle or more strenuous, with the option to summit up to three 4,000-foot peaks: Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, and South Kinsman. Hikers will spend two nights at Lonesome Lake Hut.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 1-4</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will depart from one of three locations in Franconia Notch. The most challenging is up the Kinsman Ridge Trail over Cannon Mountain. The most direct is via the Lonesome Lake Trail, and a slightly longer but gentler route is up the Cascade Brook Trail.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Hikers can stay near the hut and explore the lovely Lonesome Lake or take a jaunt to the beautiful Kinsman Pond, where they can summit North and/or South Kinsman Mountains. The steep-walled Kinsman Flume is also reachable. They can also take in the panoramic views from the summit of Cannon Mountain. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will drive them to the reception at the Highland Center.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 4: Pemi Ridge Exploration, Zealand Hut to Galehead Hut
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoOliUyXKyY/TWW0_ehVBBI/AAAAAAAABJA/BNK8cSL0Qdg/s1600/zeacliff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoOliUyXKyY/TWW0_ehVBBI/AAAAAAAABJA/BNK8cSL0Qdg/s400/zeacliff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577062716185838610" /></a>Hikers on this route will spend the first night at the serene Zealand Falls Hut and the second at Galehead Hut, summiting three mountains on the second day and meeting up with other Wilderness Heals hikers at Galehead.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Teams can choose to take an easy hike into the hut along the Zealand Trai,l allowing for quality time to relax on the rocks of the falls located 40 feet from the hut. A more moderate takes the Avalon Trail to the A-Z Trail. Ambitious hikers could summit Mt. Hale from the Hale Brook Trail, and then climb the Lend-A-Hand Trail to Zealand Falls Hut.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2: </span>Although there is only one route to Galehead Hut, the Twinway provides hikers with three 4,000-foot summits: Mount Zealand, Mount Guyot, and South Twin. This seven-mile route has an elevation gain of 3000 feet, and will provide hikers with a challenging and incredibly rewarding day.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Teams can choose to hike out the Gale River Trail or the Garfield Trail. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 5: Garfield Ridge Challenge, Greenleaf Hut to Galehead Hut
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtMsJQwDa-0/TWW9CIdVl7I/AAAAAAAABJg/qMwGPsd7yMM/s1600/clouds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtMsJQwDa-0/TWW9CIdVl7I/AAAAAAAABJg/qMwGPsd7yMM/s400/clouds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577071557896148914" /></a>Hikers on this route spend the first night at the beautiful Greenleaf Hut, at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness under Mount Lafayette, the highest summit along the Franconia Ridge. The second night will be spent at Galehead Hut.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 2-5
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers can choose one of three routes to reach Greenleaf Hut. The most strenuous option is to hike via the Greenleaf Trail. A more moderate option that provides great scenic views is the Old Bridle Path. A less challenging but longer option is the Skookumchuck Trail.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Teams will begin the day by summiting Mount Lafayette and continue to Galehead Hut along the Garfield Ridge Trail, summiting Mount Garfield along the way.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Teams can choose to hike out the Gale River Trail or the Garfield Trail. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 6: Back Country Camping
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QjlBHrl48M/TWW3anatIsI/AAAAAAAABJQ/8XZDqXyCZgs/s1600/backcountry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QjlBHrl48M/TWW3anatIsI/AAAAAAAABJQ/8XZDqXyCZgs/s400/backcountry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577065381453701826" /></a>Unlike the other options, hikers on this leg do not stay in huts with running water and prepared meals. Backcountry hikers sleep in tents and prepare their meals on portable stoves. No prior experience in backcountry camping is required. Hikers who choose this option should be prepared to carry tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, and contribute to route planning each day.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> a minimum of three registered hikers (and a Team Leader) are required for the backcountry route to take place.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Days 1-3:</span> Backcountry hikers will decide their route for all three days as a team. Campsite(s) will be chosen by May, depending on the size of the Backcountry Team. For logistical purposes, 2010 campsite options are: Nauman Tentsite, Ethan Pond, Guyot, Thirteen Falls, Garfield Ridge, and Resolution Shelter.
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 7: Front Country, Two Nights at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_HE36kk44Q/TWW2avnnOaI/AAAAAAAABJI/mJ6h6EaTXx8/s1600/front_country.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_HE36kk44Q/TWW2avnnOaI/AAAAAAAABJI/mJ6h6EaTXx8/s400/front_country.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577064284143696290" /></a>The Front Country leg offers trails that are more manageable for novice hikers. It is also open to mother-daughter teams for children 12 and older. Hikers who choose to participate in the Front Country option will stay two nights at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch. Hikers will carry day packs and will not be required to carry as much gear as backcountry hikers. Teams will have options to visit Glen Ellis Falls and Lila’s Ledge, and depending on the level of comfort, they may travel up Tuckerman Ravine Trail up to Lion Head. Hikers will be paired with other hikers who have similar hiking styles and fitness levels. Transportation to the closing ceremony at the Highland Center will be provided on Day 3.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 1-3
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<br />Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-14073626587098895852011-02-22T13:59:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:07:32.049-08:00Want to Learn More About Wilderness Heals?Anyone wishing to learn more about the Wilderness Heals Hike is invited to attend an informational meeting. Please RSVP to Erika Whyte at 781-726-0551 or ewhyte@elizabethstone.org.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday, March 28, at 6 p.m.<br /></span>REI, Reading<br />279 Salem St. (exit 40 off Route 128) <br />Reading, MA 01867 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, April 6, at 6 p.m.<br /></span>City Year <br />287 Columbus Ave. <br />Boston MA, 02116 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m.<br /></span>Cary Memorial Library<br />1874 Massachusetts Ave.<br />Lexington, MA 02420<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m.<br /></span>Elizabeth Stone House<br />8 Notre Dame St.<br />Roxbury, MA 02119Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-82733457966034507072010-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:002010-04-13T20:14:21.423-07:00Miles to Go Before I Sleep, or 2010 RoutesWilderness Heals offers a range of hiking routes that are uniquely tailored to a variety of skills and interests. Routes are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Routes for Wilderness Heals 2009 are listed below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 1: Pemi Ridge Exploration, Two Nights in Galehead Hut<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S41dAKYms9I/AAAAAAAABHc/RPAzV_hu-ME/s1600-h/2995707060080423687wuFqVd_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S41dAKYms9I/AAAAAAAABHc/RPAzV_hu-ME/s400/2995707060080423687wuFqVd_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444109781929735122" /></a>Hikers on this route spend two nights at the remote and beautiful Galehead Hut, located at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Depending on the team's trail choices, this route can be anywhere from relaxing to strenuous. Spending two nights at Galehead allows hikers to explore portions of the Pemigewasset Wilderness at their own pace, as well as providing possibilities to summit one or more 4,000-foot peaks. Hikers can also carry slightly less gear and food in their packs on Saturday's adventure.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 2-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will choose from one of three routes to reach Galehead Hut. The most strenuous option is to hike from the North Twin trailhead up and over North and South Twin mountains. Another challenging route brings hikers up and over Mount Garfield. A less challenging option is a shorter hike up the Gale River Trail to the Garfield Ridge Trail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Hikers may take a relaxed jaunt to Thirteen Falls or hike along the Twinway to Zealand Falls. Or if they want to bag a peak or two, they can choose from several 4,000-foot mountains: Mount Bond, West Bond, Bondcliff, North and South Twin, Mount Garfield, and Mount Lafayette. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 2: Lark at Lonesome Lake, Two Nights in Lonesome Lake Hut <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S41vCDPFK-I/AAAAAAAABHk/Ow9dWgzUBGU/s1600-h/7628093-md.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S41vCDPFK-I/AAAAAAAABHk/Ow9dWgzUBGU/s400/7628093-md.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444129605579779042" /></a>This route takes hikers up the west slopes of Franconia Notch. This leg can be very gentle or more strenuous, with the option to summit up to three 4,000-foot peaks: Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, and South Kinsman. Hikers will spend two nights at Lonesome Lake Hut.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 1-4</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will depart from one of three locations in Franconia Notch. The most challenging is up the Kinsman Ridge Trail over Cannon Mountain. The most direct is via the Lonesome Lake Trail, and a slightly longer but gentler route is up the Cascade Brook Trail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Hikers can stay near the hut and explore the lovely Lonesome Lake or take a jaunt to the beautiful Kinsman Pond, where they can summit North and/or South Kinsman Mountains. The steep-walled Kinsman Flume is also reachable. They can also take in the panoramic views from the summit of Cannon Mountain. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3</span>: Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will drive them to the reception at the Highland Center.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 3: Alpine Traverse, Madison Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UvAvnt32I/AAAAAAAABH8/NR3N0rRr8mY/s1600/Em.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UvAvnt32I/AAAAAAAABH8/NR3N0rRr8mY/s400/Em.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459821813086150498" /></a>This is the most ambitious hike option for 2010. Hikers will explore the Presidential range, spending the majority of their time in the alpine zone. Traveling from Madison Spring Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut allows hikers to take in the stunning views along the ridge and includes possibilities to summit seven of the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks, including Mount Washington. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Presidential Venture.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Many trails lead to Madison Spring Hut, either from the Appalachia trailhead or various locations along Route 16 (near Pinkham Notch). All involve quite a climb, as Madison Hut is located at 4,800 feet, near the summits of Mounts Madison and Adams. Teams have the option of summiting Madison or Adams after reaching the hut.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, with options to summit or skirt several Presidential peaks, including Mounts Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Washington. Teams may also decide to scale Mount Monroe after reaching the hut. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Presidential Venture on Day 2.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can hike out to the reception at the Highland Center via the Crawford Path, with the option to summit Mounts Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce. Alternative options are to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport hikers to the Highland Center Reception.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> Hikers will <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Appalachia trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 4: Presidential Venture, Mizpah Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UrOBBzX3I/AAAAAAAABH0/3FhRW3ZGivc/s1600/2434254770080423687SwrhUC_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UrOBBzX3I/AAAAAAAABH0/3FhRW3ZGivc/s400/2434254770080423687SwrhUC_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459817643050753906" /></a>This is a moderate hike option for hikers to explore the Southern Presidential range. This route invites hikers to summit six 4,000-foot mountains, including Mount Washington--New England's highest peak--over the three-day span. Hikers will take in stunning views along the ridge as they travel from hut to hut. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Alpine Traverse.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will be dropped off at Crawford Path to ascend to Mizpah Spring Hut. Those looking for a more challenging route can trek in over Mount Pierce. Afternoon hikes include Mount Pierce or a loop over Mount Webster and Mount Jackson.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Hikers will follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut with the option to summit Mounts Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe. After unloading extra weight at the hut, hikers can scale Mount Washington to take in the panoramic views of the Presidentials. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Alpine Traverse on Day 2.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can choose to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport them to the reception.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> Hikers will <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Crawford Path trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 5: Franconia Ridge Exploration, Two Nights in Greenleaf Hut<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UvrxwMnuI/AAAAAAAABIE/UYr7unGNa4Y/s1600/vic_jenn_old_bridel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UvrxwMnuI/AAAAAAAABIE/UYr7unGNa4Y/s400/vic_jenn_old_bridel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459822552392965858" /></a>Hikers on this route spend two nights at the beautiful Greenleaf Hut, at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Depending on your team’s trail choices, this route can be anywhere from strenuous to relaxing. Spending two nights at Greenleaf allows hikers to explore portions of the Franconia Ridge Trail at their own pace and allows opportunities to summit three 5,000-foot peaks. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating: 2-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will choose one of three routes: the strenuous climb up Falling Waters Trail, the more moderate climb along Old Bridle Path, or the less challenging but longer hike along the Skookumchuck Trail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Summiting opportunities abound on the second day, or teams may choose to take it easy. Hikers may climb to Mount Lafayette and continue across the ridge to Mount Lincoln, Little Haystack, and even Mount Liberty. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. The bus will meet the teams at the trailhead and drive them to the Highland Center in Crawford Notch.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 6: Backcountry Camping<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UwEBVQirI/AAAAAAAABIM/yx2YUFzsWZo/s1600/campsite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8UwEBVQirI/AAAAAAAABIM/yx2YUFzsWZo/s400/campsite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459822968891804338" /></a>Unlike the other options, hikers on this leg do not stay in huts with running water and prepared meals. Backcountry hikers sleep in tents and prepare their meals on portable stoves. No prior experience in backcountry camping is required. Hikers who choose this option should be prepared to carry tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, and contribute to route planning each day. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> a minimum of three registered hikers (and a Team Leader) are required for the backcountry route to take place.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Days 1-3:</span> Backcountry hikers will decide their route for all three days as a team. Campsite(s) will be chosen by May, depending on the size of the Backcountry Team. For logistical purposes, 2010 campsite options are: Nauman Tentsite, Ethan Pond, Guyot, Thirteen Falls, Garfield Ridge, and Resolution Shelter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Itinerary 7: Front Country, Two Night in Shapleigh Hut at Crawford Notch </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8Uw0LkCOOI/AAAAAAAABIU/Qn6uC-r5y-4/s1600/jackson_descent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/S8Uw0LkCOOI/AAAAAAAABIU/Qn6uC-r5y-4/s400/jackson_descent.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459823796271855842" /></a>The Front Country leg offers manageable trails to novice hikers and is open to mother-daughter teams for children 12 and older. Hikers who choose to participate in one of the Wilderness Heals Front Country trail options will stay 2 nights at Shapleigh Hut in Crawford Notch. Hikers will carry day packs and will not be required to carry as much gear as backcountry hikers. Trail options around Pinkham Notch range from very strenuous to gentle jaunts in the woods. Hikers may choose to take a moderate hike up Mount Willard or enjoy views of the entire Notch from the summits of Mount Tom and Mount Field. Hikers will be paired with other hikers who have similar hiking styles and fitness levels. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating: 1-3</span>Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-12464584364470567802009-08-24T11:30:00.000-07:002009-08-24T11:56:39.907-07:00Come to the Fall Reunion Hike!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SpLhM50G1JI/AAAAAAAABGU/wf68PnUGZ80/s1600-h/2318361800080423687EhBBXz_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SpLhM50G1JI/AAAAAAAABGU/wf68PnUGZ80/s400/2318361800080423687EhBBXz_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373604917200475282" /></a>Wondering when you will see your Wilderness Heals friends again? Join us for the 2009 Wilderness Heals Reunion Hike! All current, past, and future hikers, their families, friends, and dogs are welcome. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Date:</span> Sunday, September 13, 2009<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Place:</span> Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts (about 42 miles from Boston). Park at the Mount Wachusett Visitor Center off of Mountain Road (about one-quarter of a mile past the Ski Lodge area).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Trailhead meeting times:</span> 9 a.m. for a 4- to 5-mile hike led by Jenn Guiry or 10:30 a.m. for a shorter 1- to 3-mile hike (leader to be determined). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Picnic at the top:</span> Noon (details below)<br /><br />Anyone who wants to join the picnic but does not want to hike can drive to the top of the mountain. Volunteers will transport all the food and supplies to the summit by car. (Of course, hikers are welcome to haul food in their packs if they need the extra challenge.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hiking routes:</span> The exact hiking routes to the summit will be decided at the trailhead. However, plan on arriving at the top of Mount Wachusett by noon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Food details:</span> The Stone House will provide burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. A potluck for sides and desserts will be coordinated closer to the event.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Driving info:</span> The mountain access road is open to vehicles from Memorial Day through the last Sunday in October. To reach the summit, follow signs near the map kiosk near the trailhead. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Parking fees:</span> $4 per car <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm ">Click here</a> for directions.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-37610108401562811052009-08-24T11:20:00.000-07:002009-08-24T11:28:34.845-07:00Why Do You Hike?<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HVGFZ6BZWg4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HVGFZ6BZWg4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>In the video above, five-year hiking veteran Karin Downs explains why she became involved in Wilderness Heals.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-70599665113019355842009-07-14T06:46:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:13:22.527-07:00News Flash: Wilderness Heals Hikers Discover New Old Man of the Mountain on Jefferson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMpxpmylI/AAAAAAAABFc/jAVubUPVwC0/s1600-h/jefferson_group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMpxpmylI/AAAAAAAABFc/jAVubUPVwC0/s400/jefferson_group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358312305994418770" /></a>New Hampshire's most iconic landmark, the Old Man of the Mountain--a series of five granite cliff ledges that, when viewed from the correct angle, appeared to be the jagged profile of a face--collapsed on May 3, 2003. But during a recent training hike on the 5,712-foot Mount Jefferson, Wilderness Heals hikers discovered another Old Man of the Mountain--on the Caps Ridge Trail. Above: Victoria, Trish, Laura, Amy, Esther, Christine, and Beth set off for the summit of Mount Jefferson. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMqTZN-1I/AAAAAAAABFk/lvHiZPMeEnQ/s1600-h/laura_christine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMqTZN-1I/AAAAAAAABFk/lvHiZPMeEnQ/s400/laura_christine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358312315052489554" /></a>Laura, Esther, and Christine take a break on the Caps Ridge Trail. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMqosj2nI/AAAAAAAABFs/vpBSPF8fWbc/s1600-h/fog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyMqosj2nI/AAAAAAAABFs/vpBSPF8fWbc/s400/fog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358312320770759282" /></a>Although round-trip mileage for Mount Jefferson is short at five miles, the trek up the Caps Ridge Trail is notoriously one of the most difficult hikes in the Whites. It's enormous boulders and multiple false summits, as well as the region's unpredictable weather patterns, make Jefferson far more challenging than its mileage suggests. Above: Hikers make their way through fog on the Caps Ridge Trail. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyP1ByoH9I/AAAAAAAABF0/nMxaOc-ycQ4/s1600-h/new_old_man.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyP1ByoH9I/AAAAAAAABF0/nMxaOc-ycQ4/s400/new_old_man.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358315797840666578" /></a>Hikers looked up to see the new Old Man of the Mountain looming in the fog. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyQQcocF-I/AAAAAAAABF8/u8KrmZetFQA/s1600-h/caps_ridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyQQcocF-I/AAAAAAAABF8/u8KrmZetFQA/s400/caps_ridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358316268902160354" /></a>Although the group did not summit Mount Jefferson, they enjoyed stunning views from numerous false summits. Above: Beth, Trish, Esther, Christine, Laura, Amy, and Victoria gaze into the Great Gulf Wilderness. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyQ_cjLQWI/AAAAAAAABGE/FOz8s78y-2g/s1600-h/dirt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyQ_cjLQWI/AAAAAAAABGE/FOz8s78y-2g/s400/dirt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358317076333936994" /></a>Clearly, this hike involved a lot of scrambling down muddy slabs and boulders. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyROE3mU1I/AAAAAAAABGM/ZflMLDB6Ul0/s1600-h/christines_pants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlyROE3mU1I/AAAAAAAABGM/ZflMLDB6Ul0/s400/christines_pants.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358317327675183954" /></a>Sadly, Christine's pants were a casualty of the hike. It's a good thing she had all of her required safety gear, including her long underwear!Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-33999862509446845262009-07-10T15:56:00.000-07:002009-07-10T16:23:53.929-07:00Choose Your Own Adventure on Mounts Morgan and Percival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHfcGFzgI/AAAAAAAABEg/V4o-rt_fthw/s1600-h/morgan_summit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHfcGFzgI/AAAAAAAABEg/V4o-rt_fthw/s400/morgan_summit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356969624712105474" /></a>Anyone who grew up in the 1980s is likely familiar with Choose Your Own Adventure, a series of children's books that allows the reader to make choices that determine the main character's actions. After the reader makes a choice, the plot branches out and unfolds, leading to more decisions and multiple endings. And so it was on the five-mile loop over Mounts Morgan and Percival: hikers could chose to summit via scenic cliffs or through caves. They decided to scramble through the caves, which required passing their packs through the extremely narrow openings before wedging themselves through. On their way down from Mount Morgan, they climbed through a second set of caves and discovered a ledge with a 40-foot drop. The only way to get down was via three wooden ladders that were bolted to the side of the cliffs. Everyone agreed that the ladders and caves were their favorite part of the day because, although they were the most challenging, they allowed for the most teamwork. Above: Ginevra, Vicky, Kathleen, Michaela, Jo-Ann, and Keri on the summit of Mount Morgan. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHfgfDp7I/AAAAAAAABEo/FGg_OKSOuS4/s1600-h/keri.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHfgfDp7I/AAAAAAAABEo/FGg_OKSOuS4/s400/keri.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356969625890564018" /></a>Keri takes a brief break as she climbs Mount Percival. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHgCK5IiI/AAAAAAAABEw/6MYFuCF6ZIg/s1600-h/kathleen_cave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfHgCK5IiI/AAAAAAAABEw/6MYFuCF6ZIg/s400/kathleen_cave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356969634932793890" /></a>Kathleen wiggles through the narrow opening of the cave on Mount Percival. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKqVVZQJI/AAAAAAAABFI/tVOHD_UnNik/s1600-h/vic_cave_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKqVVZQJI/AAAAAAAABFI/tVOHD_UnNik/s400/vic_cave_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356973110410690706" /></a>Vicky squeezes her way through a cave. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKp4TiBqI/AAAAAAAABFA/GboNCKisr-I/s1600-h/cave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKp4TiBqI/AAAAAAAABFA/GboNCKisr-I/s400/cave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356973102618248866" /></a>The sun shines through an opening in the cave. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKpuiZ55I/AAAAAAAABE4/4VMyGXeZMAs/s1600-h/scramble.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfKpuiZ55I/AAAAAAAABE4/4VMyGXeZMAs/s400/scramble.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356973099996276626" /></a>Michaela and Kathleen climb to the summit of Mount Percival. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfLeGp0EBI/AAAAAAAABFQ/LOMbWAU6LzE/s1600-h/michaela_ginevra.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfLeGp0EBI/AAAAAAAABFQ/LOMbWAU6LzE/s400/michaela_ginevra.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356973999822999570" /></a>Sisters Michaela and Ginevra summit their first mountain together.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-497755672852596162009-07-10T15:40:00.001-07:002009-07-10T15:55:21.813-07:00Fourth of July on the Hancocks: A Hail of a Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfDpfkYd-I/AAAAAAAABEA/Dr0MrG_YPgY/s1600-h/hancock_summit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfDpfkYd-I/AAAAAAAABEA/Dr0MrG_YPgY/s400/hancock_summit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356965399396644834" /></a>There were no fire works at the summits of North and South Hancock on July 4, but there was thunder, lightening, rain, and hail. Five Wilderness Heals hikers completed the 10-mile loop over the 4,420-foot and 4,319-foot mountains in record time, despite the extreme weather, swollen river crossings, and horribly flooded trails. Above: Vicky, Emily, Anna, Jenn, Lucia, and a friendly visitor take a break at the summit of North Hancock, shortly before the storm rolled in. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfDpsY9ifI/AAAAAAAABEI/FopwOFzEkdM/s1600-h/hancock_junction.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfDpsY9ifI/AAAAAAAABEI/FopwOFzEkdM/s400/hancock_junction.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356965402838403570" /></a>Prior to the completion of the Kancamagus Highway, North and South Hancock were two of the most remote, inaccessible peaks in the White Mountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfFyo0IlYI/AAAAAAAABEQ/RTAPj4AfY9A/s1600-h/hancock_trail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfFyo0IlYI/AAAAAAAABEQ/RTAPj4AfY9A/s400/hancock_trail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356967755520710018" /></a>Emily, Jenn, Anna, and Lucia have lunch before attempting the steep climb to the summit of North Hancock. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfGYLl6j6I/AAAAAAAABEY/ZT9lTFO4I5g/s1600-h/hancock_view.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SlfGYLl6j6I/AAAAAAAABEY/ZT9lTFO4I5g/s400/hancock_view.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356968400511471522" /></a>North Hancock is flanked to the northeast by Mount Carrigain, to the south by Mount Huntington, and to the west by Mount Hitchcock.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-62161566947086362342009-07-10T09:12:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:17:57.604-07:00More Rain, More Fog--Just a Typical Day in the Whites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sldonj6ybDI/AAAAAAAABDI/zFcMNRlatz0/s1600-h/HPIM0927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sldonj6ybDI/AAAAAAAABDI/zFcMNRlatz0/s400/HPIM0927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356865310646496306" /></a>Thanks to the unseasonably rainy New England summer, there wasn't much to see at the summit of the 4,315-foot Mount Osceola. But that didn't deter a group of Wilderness Heals hikers from climbing to the top. Thankfully, the clouds broke long enough for everyone to see just a little bit of a view. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldoqOq6p7I/AAAAAAAABDQ/XoT_FqRLpc4/s1600-h/HPIM0923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldoqOq6p7I/AAAAAAAABDQ/XoT_FqRLpc4/s400/HPIM0923.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356865356482389938" /></a>Karen, Debbie, Nechama, Barbara, and Theresa take a short break on the way to the summit. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldoqTtV6UI/AAAAAAAABDY/Wqo5N2NFlEw/s1600-h/HPIM0925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldoqTtV6UI/AAAAAAAABDY/Wqo5N2NFlEw/s400/HPIM0925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356865357834742082" /></a>Barbara, Keri, and Nechama break for lunch. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMlQcnlI/AAAAAAAABDw/W54z_SuAIEA/s1600-h/HPIM0929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMlQcnlI/AAAAAAAABDw/W54z_SuAIEA/s400/HPIM0929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356868145684192850" /></a>Debbie and Karen smile in spite of the rain. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMRWZKQI/AAAAAAAABDo/pO2vJIdimis/s1600-h/HPIM0924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMRWZKQI/AAAAAAAABDo/pO2vJIdimis/s400/HPIM0924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356868140340422914" /></a>Mount Osceola is named for a Seminole chief. When it's not raining, views from the summit cover a large portion of the White Mountains, extending from Mount Washington in the northeast to the town of Waterville Valley in the south.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMGCGnvI/AAAAAAAABDg/PhxSU2qf2hQ/s1600-h/HPIM0926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SldrMGCGnvI/AAAAAAAABDg/PhxSU2qf2hQ/s400/HPIM0926.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356868137302531826" /></a>Debbie and Theresa are thankful for their rain gear!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sldr-NoUlvI/AAAAAAAABD4/DOX18O_8X8A/s1600-h/HPIM0930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sldr-NoUlvI/AAAAAAAABD4/DOX18O_8X8A/s400/HPIM0930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356868998335338226" /></a>Beth laces up her boots.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-25144250466636491762009-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:002009-07-07T08:52:01.266-07:00Wilderness Heals Interview on Mix 98.5<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxrH2pHTzb_qd1ZWK7MYhde9GY3vOrUfQ3DMkV4-_pKLJleTOavgtxgrC_Ll2cG7a4vA2XqPw14hhVuugud' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Last month, local radio station MIX 98.5 interviewed Amy Howard and Anna Wells about Wilderness Heals. Amy is the Hike's event coordinator, and Anna is a second-year team leader coordinator and an 11-year hiking veteran. Click on the link above to listen to the interview.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-50447970981465499332009-06-15T19:21:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:39:39.849-07:00Bearing It All on Kearsarge North<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcByJ9sPPI/AAAAAAAABCE/O9MxClzEZpE/s1600-h/bear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcByJ9sPPI/AAAAAAAABCE/O9MxClzEZpE/s400/bear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347745043705511154" /></a>Sunday's hike up the 3,268-foot Kearsarge North can be summed up in one word: bear! Shortly after arriving at the trailhead, hikers spotted a large black bear crossing the street. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDD2yRtqI/AAAAAAAABCM/mLtid_5C0rA/s1600-h/kathleen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDD2yRtqI/AAAAAAAABCM/mLtid_5C0rA/s400/kathleen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746447306634914" /></a>Kathleen prepares to hit the trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDVPSkBNI/AAAAAAAABCU/2NOE_cWjuTE/s1600-h/karin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDVPSkBNI/AAAAAAAABCU/2NOE_cWjuTE/s400/karin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347746745942279378" /></a>Although it rained during the entire 6.2-mile hike, Karin never stopped smiling. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDvewClpI/AAAAAAAABCc/llhkxzDa-lo/s1600-h/kearsarge_trail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcDvewClpI/AAAAAAAABCc/llhkxzDa-lo/s400/kearsarge_trail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747196769048210" /></a>Lisa, Sue, Jenn, Vicky, and Nora take a short rest in the rain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcEncvolQI/AAAAAAAABCs/IxL6zq1Tw0E/s1600-h/K_K.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcEncvolQI/AAAAAAAABCs/IxL6zq1Tw0E/s400/K_K.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347748158303147266" /></a>Kathleen and Karin make their way up the trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcEOdOQR-I/AAAAAAAABCk/Eku5ZDx6OtQ/s1600-h/bud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcEOdOQR-I/AAAAAAAABCk/Eku5ZDx6OtQ/s400/bud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347747728934848482" /></a>Raindrops glisten on the plants. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcE3J74PwI/AAAAAAAABC0/QV1zjFYexrY/s1600-h/fire_tower_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcE3J74PwI/AAAAAAAABC0/QV1zjFYexrY/s400/fire_tower_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347748428132138754" /></a>A glass-enclosed fire tower at the summit provided a warm place to eat lunch and change into dry clothes. Above: Karin, Jenn, and Vicky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcFUaZkZpI/AAAAAAAABC8/oImnTMLmD1s/s1600-h/vic_sleep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcFUaZkZpI/AAAAAAAABC8/oImnTMLmD1s/s400/vic_sleep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347748930767840914" /></a>Vicky naps during a break on the descent.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-82122655914486832252009-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:18:51.263-07:00Three Mountains, Nine Miles, Ten Hours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb7c3Jes1I/AAAAAAAABAs/8QlPC1Y7xZ0/s1600-h/group_LL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb7c3Jes1I/AAAAAAAABAs/8QlPC1Y7xZ0/s400/group_LL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347738080807662418" /></a>It was slow-going for the eight women who took part in Saturday's Lincoln-Lafayette training hike, but they made it back to the trailhead before dark! Many Wilderness Heals hikers cite this classic 9-mile loop over the 5,089-foot Mount Lincoln and the 5,260-foot Mount Lafayette as their favorite hike. It features multiple stream crossings, waterfalls, rare alpine vegetation, three peaks, gorgeous views, a ridgewalk, and a stop at Greenleaf Hut. Above: Debbie, Nika, Eileen, Wendy, Karen, Jenn, Vicky, and Mary take a short rest atop Little Haystack before continuing on to Mount Lincoln.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb8HLeClJI/AAAAAAAABA0/xVXPupMfOiA/s1600-h/shining_rock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb8HLeClJI/AAAAAAAABA0/xVXPupMfOiA/s400/shining_rock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347738807817114770" /></a>The group stopped at Shining Rock for lunch. Above: Jenn, Eileen, Mary, Debbie, Wendy, Karen, and Nika. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb8pbRDQAI/AAAAAAAABA8/bA3QpoK-frs/s1600-h/glisten.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb8pbRDQAI/AAAAAAAABA8/bA3QpoK-frs/s400/glisten.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347739396173152258" /></a>Shining Rock is accessed by a short spur off of the Falling Waters Trail. It gets its name from the water that constantly trickles down its steep cliffs. The cliffs can be seen glistening from the highway far below. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb9Gwz6ojI/AAAAAAAABBE/zEIOxK4OJVQ/s1600-h/canadian.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb9Gwz6ojI/AAAAAAAABBE/zEIOxK4OJVQ/s400/canadian.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347739900172739122" /></a>The first peak that the group summited was the 4,780-foot Little Haystack. The mountain is not included in the New Hampshire 4,000-footers list because of its lack of vertical prominence. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-BRU1UmI/AAAAAAAABBM/3MSkzTDDeKc/s1600-h/LL-jenn_vic_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-BRU1UmI/AAAAAAAABBM/3MSkzTDDeKc/s400/LL-jenn_vic_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347740905333150306" /></a>Jenn and Vicky get ready to tackle Mount Lincoln.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-WRBXHII/AAAAAAAABBU/ikVFabjqmd4/s1600-h/LL2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-WRBXHII/AAAAAAAABBU/ikVFabjqmd4/s400/LL2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347741266028731522" /></a>Mount Washington can be seen from the summit of Mount Lincoln.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-kytVFlI/AAAAAAAABBc/CnMXIiA43Ic/s1600-h/LL_dmk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb-kytVFlI/AAAAAAAABBc/CnMXIiA43Ic/s400/LL_dmk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347741515589686866" /></a>Karen (far right) consults a map while Debbie and Mary rest. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcA0VNDQPI/AAAAAAAABB8/IWyKu7us_6A/s1600-h/LL_nika_eileen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjcA0VNDQPI/AAAAAAAABB8/IWyKu7us_6A/s400/LL_nika_eileen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347743981570834674" /></a>Nika and Eileen take a break atop Mount Lincoln.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_Ld7WK3I/AAAAAAAABBk/BQHp3w2mEVY/s1600-h/LL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_Ld7WK3I/AAAAAAAABBk/BQHp3w2mEVY/s400/LL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347742180026231666" /></a>The group begins its ascent up Mount Lafayette. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_cFJI6bI/AAAAAAAABBs/eYpYaELWxMM/s1600-h/LL3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_cFJI6bI/AAAAAAAABBs/eYpYaELWxMM/s400/LL3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347742465430972850" /></a>The ridge is seen from the Old Bridal Path. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_wHUXusI/AAAAAAAABB0/rI6HwZ35tEI/s1600-h/LL_group_end.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sjb_wHUXusI/AAAAAAAABB0/rI6HwZ35tEI/s400/LL_group_end.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347742809612335810" /></a>After more than ten hours, Debbie, Vicky, Nika, Karen, Wendy, Jenn, Mary, and Eileen arrive back at the trailhead.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-39347465385687173122009-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:42:23.430-07:00Major Training on Mount Major<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhGdDce7I/AAAAAAAAA_8/yxSMYRaFVkg/s1600-h/major_group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhGdDce7I/AAAAAAAAA_8/yxSMYRaFVkg/s400/major_group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346512839892564914" /></a>On Sunday, June 7, eleven Wilderness Heals hikers climbed the 1,786-foot Mount Major. The mountain's rocky summit offers extensive views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhVrb6zLI/AAAAAAAABAM/xeN6wT9Yt4o/s1600-h/major_woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhVrb6zLI/AAAAAAAABAM/xeN6wT9Yt4o/s400/major_woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346513101451349170" /></a>The trail to the summit was a moderately steep, 1.5-mile climb through lush woods.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhbVdKPII/AAAAAAAABAU/eFENUYfMaKA/s1600-h/amanda_amy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhbVdKPII/AAAAAAAABAU/eFENUYfMaKA/s400/amanda_amy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346513198630190210" /></a>Amy and Amanda summit their first mountain ever. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhgwad1JI/AAAAAAAABAc/7HkJLabvcE8/s1600-h/major_lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhgwad1JI/AAAAAAAABAc/7HkJLabvcE8/s400/major_lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346513291765994642" /></a>It was Tatiana's first hike, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjK42juz7lI/AAAAAAAABAk/MqpZfH3apmk/s1600-h/jenn_major.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjK42juz7lI/AAAAAAAABAk/MqpZfH3apmk/s400/jenn_major.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346538955086229074" /></a>Jenn takes in the view while resting against the remains of an old stone hut. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhPBfnRjI/AAAAAAAABAE/dpy0Bbvtz3I/s1600-h/katie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKhPBfnRjI/AAAAAAAABAE/dpy0Bbvtz3I/s400/katie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346512987113342514" /></a>Katie basks in the sunshine.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-17562982034212364652009-06-12T11:06:00.000-07:002009-06-12T11:46:17.364-07:00Mount Tecumseh Training Hike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKgFx6GPKI/AAAAAAAAA_0/QyVh5moWWT0/s1600-h/tecumseh_group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKgFx6GPKI/AAAAAAAAA_0/QyVh5moWWT0/s400/tecumseh_group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346511728799005858" /></a>On Saturday, June 6, nine Wilderness Heals hikers climbed the 4,003-foot Mount Tecumseh, the lowest of New Hampshire's 4,000-footers. The summit has moderate views and is mainly wooded, due to its fairly low elevation <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKf_vu2WbI/AAAAAAAAA_s/2vneclUfc3o/s1600-h/tecumseh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKf_vu2WbI/AAAAAAAAA_s/2vneclUfc3o/s400/tecumseh.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346511625135741362" /></a>The mountain is named after the Shawnee leader Tecumseh and is part of the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains. The east side of Tecumseh drains into the Mad River, and the west side drains into several brooks. All are tributaries of the Pemigewasset River, which drains into the Merrimack River and thence into the Gulf of Maine in Massachusetts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKf3yXdP3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/dP_603xuxdM/s1600-h/group_tecumseh_vista.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKf3yXdP3I/AAAAAAAAA_k/dP_603xuxdM/s400/group_tecumseh_vista.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346511488403980146" /></a>There is only one major trail that accesses the summit, the aptly named Mt Tecumseh trail, which traverses the mountain from the ski area base to Tripoli Road.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-17058988979382671352009-05-22T07:12:00.000-07:002009-05-22T07:49:24.865-07:00Team Leader Training Weekend in Plymouth, N.H.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWatWmMI/AAAAAAAAA_E/UeIokta8xNI/s1600-h/teamleaders.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWatWmMI/AAAAAAAAA_E/UeIokta8xNI/s400/teamleaders.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651606002342082" /></a>Last weekend, 12 Wilderness Heals hikers gathered in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to take part in the event's annual team leader training weekend. Workshops were led by Jed, an Appalachian Club staff member, and included sessions on first aid, outdoor leadership, Leave No Trace methods, map and compass skills, and how to plan, pack, and prepare for a backpacking trip. Pictured above: Nabia, Beth, Jed, Amanda, Vicky, Anna, Wendy, Katie, Keri, Liz, Nika, Karin, and Natalie. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFUL-gJI/AAAAAAAAA-U/KhvpmSfWhKI/s1600-h/balls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFUL-gJI/AAAAAAAAA-U/KhvpmSfWhKI/s400/balls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651312193962130" /></a>One team-building activity requires catching balls. Vicky is suspicious of anything that involves even the slightest hand-eye coordination. Pictured above: Katie, Amanda, Vicky, Jed, and Liz.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWMnIyzI/AAAAAAAAA-0/B3c03g9Fxjk/s1600-h/katie_lift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWMnIyzI/AAAAAAAAA-0/B3c03g9Fxjk/s400/katie_lift.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651602218175282" /></a>Anna and Vicky demonstrate how to properly lift an injured hiker by linking arms to create a "chair." Note: This method does not apply to anyone who has suffered from back, neck, or head injuries. Pictured above: Nika, Nabia, Anna's arms, Amanda, Katie, Vicky, and Amy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazEzvduPI/AAAAAAAAA-E/WdjzGbCyrPM/s1600-h/amy_lift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazEzvduPI/AAAAAAAAA-E/WdjzGbCyrPM/s400/amy_lift.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651303484438770" /></a>Jed and Nabia carry an "injured" Amy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazE1AzABI/AAAAAAAAA98/Sn1M7fRCA9E/s1600-h/amanda_lift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazE1AzABI/AAAAAAAAA98/Sn1M7fRCA9E/s400/amanda_lift.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651303825571858" /></a>Natalie and Nika carry an "injured" Amanda. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazVyTou7I/AAAAAAAAA-s/OvMHU9ZoY7E/s1600-h/injury.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazVyTou7I/AAAAAAAAA-s/OvMHU9ZoY7E/s400/injury.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651595157060530" /></a>Wendy, Keri, and Liz discuss the proper ways to treat an injured ankle. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFATF55I/AAAAAAAAA-M/VCBJfRXHwEE/s1600-h/arm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFATF55I/AAAAAAAAA-M/VCBJfRXHwEE/s400/arm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651306855098258" /></a>Jed demonstrates how to make a sling out of a large bandanna. Pictured above: Beth, Jed, Amanda, Amy, and Wendy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWUNCm1I/AAAAAAAAA-8/bg7cvis6bTs/s1600-h/mapreading.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazWUNCm1I/AAAAAAAAA-8/bg7cvis6bTs/s400/mapreading.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651604256201554" /></a>Jed reviews map-reading skills with the team leaders. Rest easy, they know which direction is North. Pictured above: Katie, Vicky, Natalie, and Liz. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazVs1_H9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/tsqv0t215bM/s1600-h/compass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazVs1_H9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/tsqv0t215bM/s400/compass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651593690521554" /></a>Karin, Vicky, and Natalie refine their compass-reading skills. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFR4HjkI/AAAAAAAAA-c/CXa9xzJ5xkQ/s1600-h/circle_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/ShazFR4HjkI/AAAAAAAAA-c/CXa9xzJ5xkQ/s400/circle_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338651311573798466" /></a>Natalie, Liz, Nika, and Karin relax in the grass. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Special thanks to Mary Lincoln for providing lodging for the team leader training weekend. It was greatly appreciated.</span>Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-61104795152328153022009-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:23:23.482-07:00Training Season Officially Begins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8TPb1AfI/AAAAAAAAA88/CYCrQv5BUWo/s1600-h/IMG_5177.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8TPb1AfI/AAAAAAAAA88/CYCrQv5BUWo/s400/IMG_5177.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335776328529805810" /></a>Last weekend, nine Wilderness Heals hikers climbed the 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8cNFMPBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/yliO1LsX7fo/s1600-h/IMG_5154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8cNFMPBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/yliO1LsX7fo/s400/IMG_5154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335776482516810770" /></a>Because of its easy accessibility and its close proximity to Boston, Mount Monadnock is said to be the second-most-climbed mountain in the world, after Japan's Mount Fuji. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8kw_S-OI/AAAAAAAAA9M/rCIIG7dlX1E/s1600-h/IMG_5172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx8kw_S-OI/AAAAAAAAA9M/rCIIG7dlX1E/s400/IMG_5172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335776629594716386" /></a>Located in Cheshire Country, New Hampshire, the mountain has an estimated 125,000 climbers every year. If it is a clear day, hikers are rewarded at the summit with panoramic views of all six New England states.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx9m0DOFmI/AAAAAAAAA90/1xmxgxnEJ-Y/s1600-h/IMG_5158.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx9m0DOFmI/AAAAAAAAA90/1xmxgxnEJ-Y/s400/IMG_5158.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335777764287845986" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx843gQ72I/AAAAAAAAA9c/GrQ9_-CNfxs/s1600-h/IMG_5168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx843gQ72I/AAAAAAAAA9c/GrQ9_-CNfxs/s400/IMG_5168.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335776974940991330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx9f1xRqUI/AAAAAAAAA9s/XqKVvjeMPrY/s1600-h/IMG_5160.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx9f1xRqUI/AAAAAAAAA9s/XqKVvjeMPrY/s400/IMG_5160.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335777644490369346" /></a>Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-60516348336901092062009-05-14T12:56:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:03:58.087-07:00Dance in Your Car, House, and Office—and Listen for Wilderness Heals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx4o06V_NI/AAAAAAAAA8E/PLtbJhyTknY/s1600-h/mix98.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 122px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sgx4o06V_NI/AAAAAAAAA8E/PLtbJhyTknY/s400/mix98.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335772301320649938" /></a>This year, the radio station Mix 98.5 has generously agreed to be a radio sponsor of Wilderness Heals, 2009. Check out the Wilderness Heals logo and information on the “Mix Makes a Difference” Web page <a href="http://www.mix985.com/pages/3357033.php">here</a>. <br /><br />Also, if you listen to the radio at work, go <a href="http://www.mix985.com/">here</a> to listen to the Mix live streaming station. You will hear mentions of Wilderness Heals.<br /><br />Last, but not least, turn your car/apartment radio to 98.5 and listen for live mentions of the Wilderness Heals pledge hike during morning drive time (9 a.m. to noon) beginning the week of May 10. Tell your family and friends how they can learn more about Wilderness Heals by tuning in to Mix 98.5.<br /><br />The Elizabeth Stone House thanks Mix 98.5, and specifically Nichole Bauer, for its generous support of the Stone House, Wilderness Heals, and our hikers!Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-47056734335501745672009-05-02T12:13:00.000-07:002009-06-12T11:30:29.063-07:00Who's Who: A Guide to the Women Behind the HikeWilderness Heals would not be possible without the support of a large community of organizers, volunteers, team leaders--and, of course--you, the hiker! There are, however, a few names that tend to frequently pop up throughout the season. Here's a list to help hikers sort out who’s who.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Administrative Staff </span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKed2aMujI/AAAAAAAAA_U/wRCX-CMwcUE/s1600-h/amy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKed2aMujI/AAAAAAAAA_U/wRCX-CMwcUE/s400/amy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346509943300995634" /></a></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amy Howard:</span> Amy is the associate director of development and the primary contact for the Hike. She schedules and facilitates all hiker meetings, organizes all hiker updates, and is responsible for the overall fundraising and “friend raising” strategies behind Wilderness Heals and the Elizabeth Stone House. Hikers may call Amy with any questions they have regarding the Stone House, fundraising and donations, and the Hike in general. Prior to joining the Stone House in August of 2008, Amy worked in development for a reproductive health and rights organization in Washington, D.C. She is thrilled to be a part of the Stone House and the Wilderness Heals team and is very thankful to have such an active and fun group of Wilderness Heals volunteers and hikers.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKekC1CbMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/YNqWZ9iS704/s1600-h/amanda.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SjKekC1CbMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/YNqWZ9iS704/s400/amanda.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346510049714007234" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amanda Green:</span> Amanda began working at the Stone House in February of 2008 as the development assistant. Recently, she was promoted to development and community relations coordinator. She is responsible for in-kind donations, tracking donor giving, community relations, the annual You Matter! event, and she coordinates the holiday gift drive. Additionally, she is responsible for tracking all pledges made for Wilderness Heals and helps organize the logistics of the event.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Leader Coordinators</span>
<br />Team leader coordinators (TLC) work with Amy to organize Wilderness Heals. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to: choosing the routes, compiling Hike materials, and overseeing the team leaders throughout the training season and during the three-day event.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQsFcBALI/AAAAAAAAA6k/on_NLct5pmM/s1600-h/liz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQsFcBALI/AAAAAAAAA6k/on_NLct5pmM/s400/liz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332491414599172274" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Liz Varney: </span>This will be Liz's fifth year participating in Wilderness Heals, her third year serving as a team leader, and her second year serving as a team leader coordinator. She is very excited about this year's new hiking options. "Each year poses new challenges, successes, and friendships, and I cannot wait to see what this year holds," she says. Liz's claim to fame is her famous "convenience store trail mix," which is comprised of cheddar cheese Combos, turtle Chex Mix, and mixed nuts and raisins.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxvR8-nCiI/AAAAAAAAA7s/7k7JNTJPYco/s1600-h/anna.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxvR8-nCiI/AAAAAAAAA7s/7k7JNTJPYco/s400/anna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335762012744387106" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Anna Wells: </span>Anna grew up hiking in the White Mountains with her parents and brothers, and, at age 17, she participated in her first Wilderness Heals Hike with her mother. She is continually inspired by the residents and staff at the Stone House, so she returns to the Hike year after year. This will be her tenth year hiking, her sixth year serving as a team leader, and her second year serving as a team leader coordinator. She managed base camp last year because she was seven months pregnant with her first child. This summer she is incredibly excited to actually don boots and a pack and hit the trails. Anna is loving every moment of motherhood, even the moments that slowly tick by at 2 a.m., and she is looking forward to introducing her son to hiking and other outdoor activities that she loves to do with her husband and dog.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team Leaders</span>
<br />Team leaders lead all training hikes, and each team leader is in charge of one team during the three-day Hike. All team leaders are experienced hikers and have participated in Wilderness Heals at least once.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDYHCM2U0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/AJem-FDDOy0/s1600-h/wendy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDYHCM2U0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/AJem-FDDOy0/s400/wendy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332499574168113986" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wendy Baxter:</span> Wendy became involved with Wilderness Heals in 1997, and this will be her seventh year hiking. Even after she moved to Vermont, she continued to stay involved; she has served as a team leader for five years, served as a team leader coordinator for one, and served as base-camp coordinator for two. Wendy's favorite hikes are in Franconia Notch, especially the Lincoln-Lafayette loop. Lately, Wendy has been trying to pass on her love of hiking to her two young boys, Forrester and Hayden. Back in Vermont, she works as an art therapist at a psychiatric hospital.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3y5XXqII/AAAAAAAAA6E/ws1Ls2CqicY/s1600-h/karin+on+North+Kinsman.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3y5XXqII/AAAAAAAAA6E/ws1Ls2CqicY/s400/karin+on+North+Kinsman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332393675082672258" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Karin Downs</span>: Wild mountain stories have been a part of Karin’s life for as long as she can remember. Her father, an Adirondack guide, told tales--tall and otherwise--as bedtime stories to rile her before she fell asleep. Hence, her dreams were always filled with impossible feats, incredible vistas, leaps over chasms, and near-death adventures. Karin transitioned from imagined to actual adventures as a teen when she began hiking in the Adirondacks. She later trekked in Nepal, first with friends, and eventually with her children. This will be Karin's fifth year hiking with Wilderness Heals, and her second year serving as a team leader. Her favorite trail food is candied ginger, and her goal for this year is to conquer Cannon Mountain without breaking her ankle.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDWRI5GhfI/AAAAAAAAA7M/8BM8Rn-_uLg/s1600-h/supergirl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDWRI5GhfI/AAAAAAAAA7M/8BM8Rn-_uLg/s400/supergirl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332497548739773938" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beth Grierson:</span> A 10-year Wilderness Heals veteran, Beth has worn many hats--team leader (nine years), team leader coordinator (three years), and Recruitment Committee member (four years)--in her efforts to raise money and awareness for the Elizabeth Stone House. “Being able to help people face their own challenges the way the Hike has helped me face some of my own is tremendously rewarding," she says. "I’m a firm believer in the redemptive powers of dirt, rocks, and sweat, and I love introducing other women to hiking and to the Stone House.” Beth lives in Somerville with her partner, Julia, and can often be found strolling through Middlesex Fells with their dog, Augie.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQzz6VAsI/AAAAAAAAA6s/rkDlOkrdcMg/s1600-h/katie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQzz6VAsI/AAAAAAAAA6s/rkDlOkrdcMg/s400/katie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332491547333427906" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Katie Kozin:</span> This is Katie's fifth year hiking with Wilderness Heals after serving as a team leader for three years and a team leader coordinator for two. Katie enjoys the Hike for the women she meets, the cause she hikes for, and for the incredible mountain experience. A seasoned hiker, Katie loves the White Mountains and has also taken her passion for hiking all over the world, including the Peruvian Andes, the Himalayan foothills, and a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. As a resident of Jamaica Plain, Katie feels that volunteering for the Elizabeth Stone House is a great way to support her community, while at the same time explore new territory.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxtSZ5nd1I/AAAAAAAAA7k/XkrSMPRpA-Y/s1600-h/nabia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxtSZ5nd1I/AAAAAAAAA7k/XkrSMPRpA-Y/s400/nabia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335759821484816210" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nabia Meghelli:</span> Before participating in her first Wilderness Heals hike in 2000, Nabia had never set foot on a mountain. This will be Nabia's seventh Wilderness Heals Hike and her third time serving as a team leader. Nabia teaches third graders in Cambridge, and at least one night a week you can find her salsa dancing to her heart's content. Wilderness Heals and the Elizabeth Stone House have played a significant role in Nabia's outdoorsy growth and confidence. Despite breaking her foot last year, she managed some small hikes in the Fells and is looking forward to another year of huge hikes in the Whites. With her "new" foot and reinvigorated confidence, she is looking forward to hiking for the women of the Stone House.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3Gt5n5VI/AAAAAAAAA50/2kZqcq57MX4/s1600-h/me_ice.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3Gt5n5VI/AAAAAAAAA50/2kZqcq57MX4/s400/me_ice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332392916090873170" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nika Stoop:</span> Growing up in Alaska, Nika spent a large part of her childhood camping and fishing. As a kid, her family regularly drove to Mount McKinley park and marveled at the wildlife and scenery. As she got older, Nika began exploring backpacking and the backcountry on her own, but she didn't fully appreciate the power of hiking until she became involved in Wilderness Heals. Nika lives in Medford and frequently takes her dogs hiking in the Fells and in New Hampshire. "For me, hiking rejuvenates my soul," she says. "I have enjoyed the camaraderie and learned a great deal from the women who have hiked in Wilderness Heals." This will be Nika's third year hiking and her first year serving as a team leader.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDXN7FErKI/AAAAAAAAA7U/VjGiZI_2nd4/s1600-h/jane_natalie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDXN7FErKI/AAAAAAAAA7U/VjGiZI_2nd4/s400/jane_natalie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332498593003908258" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natalie Surmeli:</span> This is Natalie's second Wilderness Heals Hike and first time serving as a team leader. Natalie loves a challenge, whether she is scaling the Great Wall of China with her three-month old daughter or hiking Mount Washington with her 62-year-old mom. Last year's Hike was physically demanding and helped her to focus on the challenges that women at the Elizabeth Stone House face. The joy of tackling that challenge with 50 other women gave her joy and strength, and she can't wait to do it again. Natalie grew up in New Hampshire and has spent nearly every summer of her life hiking in the White Mountains. The Elizabeth Stone House has given her a great reason to continue her hiking adventures.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDRGAIe6YI/AAAAAAAAA60/lrWGw-vAt9M/s1600-h/amanda.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDRGAIe6YI/AAAAAAAAA60/lrWGw-vAt9M/s400/amanda.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332491859851667842" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amanda Tweed:</span> Amanda became involved with Wilderness Heals in 2008, after completing the AMC spring hiking and backpacking program. This year she joins Wilderness Heals as both a first-time team leader and a member of the Recruitment Committee. A native of rural Pennsylvania, she had always considered herself at home outdoors, but didn't really find her niche until last spring. Hiking up her first 4,000-footer, she quickly found herself hooked. She plans to hike all 48 4,000-footers in New Hampshire, but is in no rush to do so. Although she continues to hike with the AMC, she finds her spirit most at ease when helping other women heal from trauma and abuse through the Wilderness Heals Hike.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQeTUqA8I/AAAAAAAAA6c/5CiWd4xdJMg/s1600-h/vic_wh_profile.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDQeTUqA8I/AAAAAAAAA6c/5CiWd4xdJMg/s400/vic_wh_profile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332491177808233410" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Vicky Waltz:</span> Vicky grew up in Ohio, where there are cornfields aplenty, but no mountains. She become involved in Wilderness Heals shortly after moving to Boston, and has since hiked throughout New Hampshire, California, and Mexico. Three days after this year's Hike, she'll head to Oregon for a backpacking trip through Mount Hood National Forest. This will be Vicky's fifth year hiking and her second year serving as a team leader. In previous years, she served on the Recruitment Committee, and she currently manages the Wilderness Heals blog. A writer for Boston University, Vicky is also involved in the school's Alternative Spring Break program. In 2008, she chaperoned a trip to a Native American reservation in South Dakota, and this past March she went to coal-mining country in southeastern Kentucky.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxwGVf3SJI/AAAAAAAAA70/4a4qLJqi1LY/s1600-h/keri.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgxwGVf3SJI/AAAAAAAAA70/4a4qLJqi1LY/s400/keri.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335762912679512210" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Keri Watson:</span> Keri's father instilled in her a passion for the outdoors at a young age, and she has been hiking steadily for the past few years. This is her third year participating in the Hike and her first year serving as a team leader. Keri was born and raised in Boston, and she recently moved to Quincy. She's an administrative assistant for Malden Public Schools--quite a "hike" from Quincy. She's currently earning a bachelor's degree in human service, and when she's not working or going to school, she's hanging out with her three schnauzers: two mini and one teacup. Keri constantly twirls her hair, and her very random childhood nickname is “boogerbutt."
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recruitment Committee</span>
<br />Members of the Wilderness Heals Recruitment Committee are responsible for organizing tabling events at local festivals and performances, leading recruitment hikes, postering fliers throughout the community, and--in general--drumming up support for the Hike. Two years ago, it launched the Wilderness Heals blog.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beth Grierson:</span> See above.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB4hkh9CJI/AAAAAAAAA6M/PzRNQ8ZxDpI/s1600-h/2368371090080423687OhcPKP_fs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB4hkh9CJI/AAAAAAAAA6M/PzRNQ8ZxDpI/s400/2368371090080423687OhcPKP_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332394476943771794" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jenn Guiry:</span> Jenn is so dedicated to the Wilderness Heals Hike that three years ago, she tattooed the (now retired) Hike logo on her left bicep. You can read her story <a href="http://wildernessheals.blogspot.com/2007/05/ask-her-how-wilderness-heals.html">here</a>. This will be Jenn's fifth year being involved in the Hike. She has served as a team leader and a Recruitment Committee member for two years, and in 2006 she managed base camp when an injury prevented her from hiking. A social worker, Jenn is best known for her booming voice and sarcastic sense of humor. When she's not hiking, she can often be found walking the beaches of Cape Cod with her dogs, Bailey and Connor.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3YX2efkI/AAAAAAAAA58/8Kiuci20kfU/s1600-h/Jo-Ann+Lightbody+Head+Shot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgB3YX2efkI/AAAAAAAAA58/8Kiuci20kfU/s400/Jo-Ann+Lightbody+Head+Shot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332393219409739330" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jo-Ann Lightbody: </span>Jo-Ann got serious about hiking eight years ago, and she hikes mostly in Maine's Grafton Notch and New Hampshire's White Mountains with her husband, Brian. "I never imagined my love of hiking would connect me to fundraising for the women and children of the Stone House," she says. This will be Jo-Ann's second year hiking and it is her first year serving on the Recruitment Committee. "I am so impressed by the number of women who dedicate themselves to this Hike year after year," she says. "In fact, I've gotten a reputation among my friends for reminiscing about my Wilderness Heals experience a little too much!" Jo-Ann also enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, kayaking, and riding her motorcycle.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDTkhu8ARI/AAAAAAAAA7E/UmU0mpima3I/s1600-h/danna.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDTkhu8ARI/AAAAAAAAA7E/UmU0mpima3I/s400/danna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332494583290659090" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danna Steinberg:</span> Danna has participated in Wilderness Heals for two years, and this is her first year on the Recruitment Committee. A spiritual person, Danna hikes to "experience nature's healing effects and to become one with the mountain." Her hiking adventures have taken her as far as South America and Israel. Danna lives in Brookline with her husband, Randy, and their bunnies, Riley and Lidiya. She will not be taking part in the three-day Hike this year because she and Randy are expecting their first child at the end of June.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amanda Tweed:</span> See above.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDRuxf7s9I/AAAAAAAAA68/9fJ61R_R_TI/s1600-h/sue_09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 125px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SgDRuxf7s9I/AAAAAAAAA68/9fJ61R_R_TI/s400/sue_09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332492560298128338" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sue Weil:</span> Sue became involved in Wilderness Heals by following her girlfriend into the endeavor, and she's still hiking six years later. Sue has enjoyed time outdoors ever since she went away to camp as a child, and five years on the trails has only added to her love of the wilderness. One of her favorite aspects of the Hike is spending time with fellow hikers throughout the training season and on the three-day Hike. "Each year brings new challenges and adventures to remember -- I can't wait!" she says. This will be Sue's second year participating on the Recruitment Committee.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-28050015830371568042009-03-27T15:48:00.001-07:002009-03-27T15:57:46.104-07:00Wilderness Heals Veteran in Skirt!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sc1ZvHl08qI/AAAAAAAAA5s/i2ImoOKf_Lo/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sc1ZvHl08qI/AAAAAAAAA5s/i2ImoOKf_Lo/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318005401020854946" /></a>This year, the Elizabeth Stone House partnered with <a href="http://boston.skirt.com/">Skirt!</a> magazine to promote Wilderness Heals. Look for ads in the March, April, and May issues of the magazine, and definitely check out the story about 10-year hiking veteran Beth Grierson in the March issue.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-62535550890764949132009-03-27T14:53:00.000-07:002009-04-06T19:02:26.145-07:00Jumpstart Your Spring Training on a Recruitment Hike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sc1RqO2Xe1I/AAAAAAAAA5k/eW6jRcXchj4/s1600-h/recruitment_hike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/Sc1RqO2Xe1I/AAAAAAAAA5k/eW6jRcXchj4/s400/recruitment_hike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317996520976907090" /></a>Can't wait until May to hit the trails? Come on a Wilderness Heals recruitment hike!<br /><br />Throughout the spring, members of the Wilderness Heals Recruitment Committee will be hosting recruitment hikes throughout Massachusetts. These hikes are open to everyone — participants do not need to be registered Wilderness Heals hikers.<br /><br />Come if you want to jumpstart your training, meet other hikers, or learn more about the three-day event. Bring a friend, bring some snacks, and enjoy a walk in the woods! Please note that because these are not official training hikes, participants do not need to carry all of the required Wilderness Heals gear.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wilderness Heals Recruitment HIke Schedule, 2009:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sunday, April 5, at <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/fells.htm">Middlesex Fells Reservation</a></span><br />Led by Beth Grierson<br />Skyline and Reservoir Trails (approximately 5 miles)<br />Meet in the Sheepfold parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Children, men, and dogs are welcome. <br />RSVP to bgrierson@glad.org.<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sunday, April 26, at <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm">Blue Hills Reservation</a></span><br />Led by Amanda Tweed<br />Trail to be determined<br />Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from the Reservation Headquarters, located at 695 Hillside St. in Milton, 1/4 mile north of Houghton's Pond, beside the State Police Station. Please, no children, men, or dogs. <br />RSVP to ajtweed@yahoo.com.<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Saturday, May 2, at <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm">Mount Wachusett</a></span><br />Led by Jenn Guiry<br />Trail to be determined<br />Meet at 10 a.m. in the Mt. Sate Park visitor’s parking lot. Children, men, and dogs are welcome. <br />RSVP to jguiry2@hotmail.com.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions to Middlesex Fells Reservation, Sheepfold: </span><br />Take I93 to Exit 33. This puts you in a traffic circle. Take Rt 28 North/Fellsway West out of the circle. The entrance to the Sheepfold parking area will be on your left about half a mile or so from the traffic circle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions to Blue Hills: </span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">By car:</span> Take I-93 to Exit 3. Turn right at the stop sign onto Hillside Street. Houghton's Pond is located approximately 1/4 miles on the right. Continue 1/4 miles to the Reservation Headquarters on the left.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">By MBTA:</span> Take the Red Line to Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the high-speed line to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills Bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions to Mount Wachusett:</span><br />Take Route 2 to Exit 25 (Route 140 south). Follow Route 140 south for 2 miles. Turn right onto Mile Hill Road. Follow Mile Hill Road for 1/2 mile to the split in the road. Take a left fork onto Mountain Road. Follow Mountain Road 1 and 1/4 miles to the top of the hill. The reservation entrance is on the right, and the visitor center entrance is immediately on the left.Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-11514898847559055862009-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:002009-02-05T13:03:12.631-08:00Go Take a Hike, or 2009 RoutesWilderness Heals offers a range of hiking routes that are uniquely tailored to a variety of skills and interests. Routes are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Routes for Wilderness Heals 2009 are listed below:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Itinerary 1: Pemi Ridge Exploration, Two Nights in Galehead Hut</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOPEyUkdI/AAAAAAAAA4M/BBREbMkQ9JM/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOPEyUkdI/AAAAAAAAA4M/BBREbMkQ9JM/s400/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299415407421329874" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> Hikers on this route spend two nights at the remote and beautiful <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-galehead.cfm">Galehead Hut</a>, located at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Depending on the team's trail choices, this route can be anywhere from relaxing to strenuous. Spending two nights at Galehead allows hikers to explore portions of the Pemigewasset Wilderness at their own pace, as well as providing possibilities to summit one or more 4,000-foot peaks. Hikers can also carry slightly less gear and food in their packs on Saturday's adventure.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 2-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers can choose one of three routes to reach Galehead Hut. The most strenuous option is to hike from the North Twin trailhead up and over North and South Twin mountains to the hut. Another challenging route brings hikers up and over Mount Garfield. A less challenging option is a shorter hike up the Gale River Trail to meet the Garfield Ridge Trail, which meets up with the hut.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Summiting opportunities abound on the second day of this hike, or, teams may opt to take it easy. Hikers may choose a relaxed jaunt to Thirteen Falls or hike along the Twinway to Zealand Falls. Or, if hikers want to bag a peak or two, they can choose among several 4,000-foot mountains, including Mount Bond, West Bond, Bondcliff, North and South Twin, Mount Garfield, and Mount Lafayette. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. Hike straight out the Gale River Trail, over Mount Garfield and out, or, with an early start, over South and North Twin. Drivers will meet the teams at the trailhead to transport them to the Highland Center in Crawford Notch.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Itinerary 2: Lark at Lonesome Lake, Two Nights in Lonesome Lake Hut </span> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtP060y8GI/AAAAAAAAA5c/G8o3jR7CZiY/s1600-h/Lafayette+and+Lincoln+reflected+n+Lonesome+Lake+unknown+kid-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtP060y8GI/AAAAAAAAA5c/G8o3jR7CZiY/s400/Lafayette+and+Lincoln+reflected+n+Lonesome+Lake+unknown+kid-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299417157094010978" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> This route takes hikers up the west slopes of Franconia Notch. This leg can be very gentle or more strenuous, with the option to summit up to three 4,000-foot peaks: Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, and South Kinsman. Hikers will spend two nights at <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-lonesome.cfm">Lonesome Lake Hut</a>. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating: 1-4</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will depart from one of three locations in Franconia Notch. The most challenging is up the Kinsman Ridge Trail over Cannon Mountain. The most direct is via the Lonesome Lake Trail, and a slightly longer but gentler route is up the Cascade Brook Trail. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Day 2:</span> Hikers have many options for the second day. They can stay near the hut and explore the lovely Lonesome Lake, or take a jaunt to the beautiful Kinsman Pond, where they can choose to summit North and/or South Kinsman Mountains. The steep-walled Kinsman Flume is also reachable on Day 2. Or, hikers could choose to take in the panoramic views from the summit of Cannon Mountain. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will transport hikers to the reception at the Highland Center.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Itinerary 3: Alpine Traverse, Madison Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut</span> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtLDS1ZclI/AAAAAAAAA38/C-b0mesWj6I/s1600-h/2350466260080423687DWVblC_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtLDS1ZclI/AAAAAAAAA38/C-b0mesWj6I/s400/2350466260080423687DWVblC_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299411906499015250" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> This is the most ambitious hike option for 2009. Hikers will explore the Presidential range, spending the majority of their time in the alpine zone. Traveling from <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-madison.cfm">Madison Spring Hut</a> to <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-lakes.cfm">Lakes of the Clouds Hut</a> allows hikers to take in the stunning views along the ridge and includes possibilities to summit seven of the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks, including Mount Washington. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Presidential Venture.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5 </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Many trails lead to Madison Spring Hut, either from the Appalachia trailhead or various locations along Route 16 (near Pinkham Notch). All involve quite a climb, as Madison Hut is located at 4,800 feet, near the summits of Mounts Madison and Adams. Teams have the option of summiting Madison or Adams after reaching the hut. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2:</span> Follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, with options to summit or skirt several Presidential peaks, including Mounts Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Washington. Teams may also decide to scale Mount Monroe after reaching the hut. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Presidential Venture on Day 2. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can choose to hike out to the reception at the Highland Center via the Crawford Path, with the option to summit Mounts Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce. Alternative options are to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport hikers to the Highland Center Reception. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Itinerary 4: Presidential Venture, Mizpah Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtKDrjd3NI/AAAAAAAAA30/Jz4QHGG0QMY/s1600-h/2584067730080423687yjixhc_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtKDrjd3NI/AAAAAAAAA30/Jz4QHGG0QMY/s400/2584067730080423687yjixhc_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299410813623065810" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> This is a moderate hike option for hikers to explore the Southern Presidential range. This route invites hikers to summit six 4,000-foot mountains, including Mount Washington--New England's highest peak--over the three-day span. Hikers will take in stunning views along the ridge as they travel from hut to hut. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Alpine Traverse.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating: 3-5</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1:</span> Hikers will be dropped off at Crawford Path to ascend to <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-mizpah.cfm">Mizpah Spring Hut</a>. Those looking for a more challenging route can trek in over Mount Pierce. Afternoon hikes include Mount Pierce or a loop over Mount Webster and Mount Jackson.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Day 2:</span> Hikers will follow the Crawford Path to <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/huts-lakes.cfm">Lakes of the Clouds Hut</a> with the option to summit Mounts Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe. After unloading extra weight at the hut, hikers can scale Mount Washington to take in the panoramic views of the Presidentials. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Alpine Traverse on Day 2. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3:</span> On the final day, hikers can choose to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport them to the reception. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Itinerary 5: Backcountry Camping </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOV6nwZDI/AAAAAAAAA4U/uNEuqddolt0/s1600-h/P7180944.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOV6nwZDI/AAAAAAAAA4U/uNEuqddolt0/s400/P7180944.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299415524951745586" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> Unlike the other options, hikers on this leg do not stay in huts with running water and prepared meals. Backcountry hikers sleep in tents and prepare their meals on portable stoves. No prior experience in backcountry camping is required. If you love camping or have always wanted to give it a try, this is the option for you. Hikers who choose this option should be prepared to carry tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, and contribute to route planning each day. Hikers will choose from several backcountry camping possibilities, all of which include great day hike options from the established campsite. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> a minimum of three registered hikers (and a Team Leader) are required for the backcountry route to take place. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rating: 3-5</span> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Day 1-3:</span> As a team, backcountry hikers will decide their route for all three days. Campsite(s) will be chosen by May, depending on the size of the Backcountry Team. For logistical reasons, campsite options for 2009 are: Nauman Tentsite, Ethan Pond, Guyot, Thirteen Falls, Garfield Ridge, and Resolution Shelter. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Itinerary 6: Front Country, Two Nights at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOnPcd-iI/AAAAAAAAA4c/iraIUooHrRA/s1600-h/2592475050080423687nPzFGq_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYtOnPcd-iI/AAAAAAAAA4c/iraIUooHrRA/s400/2592475050080423687nPzFGq_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299415822599322146" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary:</span> New for Wilderness Heals 2009, the Front Country leg offers trails that are more manageable for novice hikers. It is also open to mother-daughter teams for children 12 and older. Hikers who choose to participate in the Front Country option will stay two nights at <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/pnvc/index.cfm">Joe Dodge Lodge</a> in Pinkham Notch. Hikers will carry day packs and will not be required to carry as much gear as backcountry hikers. Trail options around Pinkham Notch range from very strenuous to gentle jaunts in the woods. Hikers may choose to hike part or all of the way up Mount Washington, or they can stay at lower elevations and explore the beautiful ponds, streams, and ledges of Pinkham Notch. Hikers will be paired with other hikers who have similar hiking styles and fitness levels. Transportation to the closing ceremony at the Highland Center will be provided on Day 3. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating: 1-3 </span>Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-1288988951078463942009-01-29T11:48:00.000-08:002009-01-29T12:19:57.039-08:00Register Now for Wilderness Heals 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIIvswp8lI/AAAAAAAAA28/ncXDm1Rcvgs/s1600-h/2381643830080423687HPvMCD_fs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIIvswp8lI/AAAAAAAAA28/ncXDm1Rcvgs/s400/2381643830080423687HPvMCD_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296805727303234130" /></a>Hello all,<br /><br />Registration for Wilderness Heals 2009 is officially open! The beginning of a new year brings along a new trail option for the Wilderness Heals Annual Pledge Hike, which will take place July 17-19. Registration officially opens on Sunday, February 1, and women can participate in one of the original four trail options or the new Front Country option. All options take participants through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The new Front Country option offers more manageable trails for those who are new to hiking, and it is also open to mother-daughter teams. Women who have daughters between the ages of 12 and 17 may register for this option.<br /><br />This year only, Wilderness Heals’ mother-daughter teams who participate in the Front Country option will have a fundraising minimum of $2,000 for their team. The fundraising minimum for individual participants is $1,200. The hiker registration fee is $50, and the registration deadline is June 19, 2009. <br /><br />Of the five Wilderness Heals trail options, four options offer hikers overnight accommodations in AMC huts, and hikers who participate in the Back Country option sleep in tents. Each team will include an experienced team leader. Round-trip transportation from Boston will be provided. If you would like to participate in Wilderness Heals, you can obtain registration materials through the Elizabeth Stone House’s <a href="http://www.elizabethstonehouse.org">Web site</a> or by calling 617-427-9801, ext. 415. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIPExeDVlI/AAAAAAAAA3k/3Uhwt3vhCzs/s1600-h/wildernessheals-logo-JPEG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIPExeDVlI/AAAAAAAAA3k/3Uhwt3vhCzs/s400/wildernessheals-logo-JPEG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296812686414403154" /></a>In other news, Wilderness Heals has a new look! The Elizabeth Stone House’s logo and letterhead received a makeover last summer, and we have changed the Wilderness Heals logo to correspond more closely with ESH. Keeping the vision and work of the Elizabeth Stone House closely tied to that of Wilderness Heals is a goal of mine, and we are hitting the ground running. Also, check out the updated ESH Web site <a href="http://www.elizabethstonehouse.org">here</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIPNCzdZ8I/AAAAAAAAA3s/1J7dreNXoBo/s1600-h/WH_facebook.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SYIPNCzdZ8I/AAAAAAAAA3s/1J7dreNXoBo/s400/WH_facebook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296812828506548162" /></a>On behalf of everyone at ESH, let me thank you for your interest and involvement in Wilderness Heals. We look forward to sharing the Wilderness Heals experience with both new and veteran hikers and building generations of individuals to whom social responsibility is a way of life.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing you soon,<br />--AmyVickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060093533874336240.post-58717373028643279952008-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:002008-10-06T13:15:16.254-07:00The White Mountains: A Force of Nature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SOpwG-NO3uI/AAAAAAAAAn4/2W_e8ylpB_U/s1600-h/Lafayette_h.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__fIjLIipkJc/SOpwG-NO3uI/AAAAAAAAAn4/2W_e8ylpB_U/s400/Lafayette_h.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254135180361129698" /></a>Last weekend's cold snap transformed Massachusetts into a kaleidoscope of rich red, gold, and orange. But autumn arrived a lot earlier in New Hampshire. The leaves in the White Mountains peaked several weeks ago, and snow has already fallen at the higher elevations. Autumn is a lovely time to explore the Whites, but bear in mind that, while it may be warm and sunny in Boston, temperatures in the mountains will be a good 10 to 15 degrees lower than temperatures in the city. Before heading north, be sure to pack plenty of warm layers, food, and lots of water. The <span style="font-style:italic;">Boston Globe Sunday Magazine</span> printed an excellent article about White Mountain safety last summer. The headline, "<a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/08/17/a_beautiful_place_to_die/?page=1">A Beautiful Place to Die</a>," might strike some as rather alarmist, but the truth is, the White Mountains are famous for having the worst--and the most unpredictable--weather in the United States. Please remember to use common sense when embarking on any mountain adventures in the upcoming weeks and months. We want you to be around next spring for Wilderness Heals training season!Vickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02861774546753586909noreply@blogger.com0