This blog post is going to be something along the lines of a “what we did during our summer vacation” theme and will reveal some of the cool and interesting things our guides did over the past several months. The activities range from international adventures, to domestic pursuits, to expanding one’s education. Not all of our guides will be mentioned here. Not to say the ones not mentioned didn’t do cool and rewarding things. They all did cool stuff — hiking adventures, etc. — but the activities mentioned herein are just a little more over the top or exceptional. In “who replied first” order, we’ll begin with…
Arlette Laan
I spent month in the Sierra. About 300 miles ranging from 8000 feet to 13.200 feet. Alpine lakes, high passes, meadows with wildflowers. A section of the Pacific Crest Trail with some additional meanderings. —Arlette
Will Murphy
I have a goal of climbing Mt Fairweather. I’m not sure when I first heard about it, but at 15000’, Mt Fairweather from the sea by glacier to the summit by the Carpe Ridge presents a not oft repeated appeal. When my brother sailed solo from San Francisco to Juneau, we decided to explore between Juneau and Lituya Bay. We spent time on the Mendenhall Glacier before the Suicide Basin released and flooded the region. We then spent 6 days in Galcier Bay National Park, exploring the glaciers and observing whales. Finally, we went to the Pacific Ocean and north to Lituya Bay. The goal: to get to glacial-sea base of Mt Fairweather and understand the logistics. I’ll be back. An unbelievable world in transition and the next time I see it, it could be different. —Will
Chase Hall
2025 was the year I took the leap into Ultra Trail Running. I signed up for two incredible challenges — The Jigger Johnson Ultra 50 Miler and Bubba’s Backyard Ultra — and both of these races changed me in ways I never expected. They pushed my limits, reshaped my mindset, and reminded me why I fell in love with movement in the first place. I’m endlessly inspired by the energy and passion of the trail running community. There’s so much growth that comes from every mile, every climb, every moment of doubt that turns into strength. The foundation for 2026 is already being built — and I can’t wait to show you what’s next. The journey is only getting started. —Chase
Rhonda Willette
The days were long and packed with information. We covered everything from patient assessments to environmental emergencies, and then we practiced again and again. The hardest part was working through the ‘panic mode’ that hit every time a scenario began. You have the knowledge in hand, but putting it into play under pressure is a whole different challenge. —Rhonda
Eric Hansen
A busy summer in the Whites, I mostly “stayed local” and chipped away at my (2nd) New Hampshire 48 grid. The styles and routes were very mixed this season, ranging from speedy efforts to bang out the usual 4k’s, to taking longer and less traveled routes to the summits, sometimes off-trail and/or on abandoned trails. Along the way I managed to “grid out” the months of June through Sept, hiking and trail running solo, with friends, family, and quite often just with my dog. In July I linked up with Mt Washington Observatory Seek The Peak to serve as a steward for the event, hiking Boott Spur for sunrise. And in August, had a fabulous alpine adventure with my son, staying overnight at AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut and summiting both Mts Monroe and Washington in very fine conditions. To cap off the season, I ran the Kilkenny Ridge Race in September for the fourth year in a row, and had my best time to date! And of course lots of cool guiding, much of it helping people with their own hiking lists and goals, very satisfying. On the board for summer 2025: 86 x 4k’s, Single Season Summer 48, and completion of rounds 21 and 22 of NH48. —Eric
Dominic Torro
This summers adventures took me to Washington State and Chile in South America. In WA I skied from the summit of Rainier and Baker. I also skied some big lines lower on Rainier, scoring powder in Nisqually chutes end of May! Also skied some lines in the Tatoosh range. Chile was amazing. I explored 3 different, major areas, skied from the summit of several 14k+ mountains, scored phenomenal powder and racked up over 75 miles and 35k elevation gain in 12 days of ski touring! —Dominic
Ken Hodges
What I did on my summer vacation. I walked across the width of northern England, about 190 miles. I started from the Irish Sea at the village of St. Bees and walked through the mountainous Lake District then into forests and pastures and heathland before reaching Robin Hood Bay on the North Sea. I stayed in B & B’s, inns and pubs. My luggage was transported for me. The weather was a total mix of sun, driving rain and drought conditions as I crossed Englands varied terrain. The food was great, the people were friendly, the history was incredible and there are many places I would love to spend more time again. —Ken
Debra McCown
I took two trips out west to climb mountains bigger than the ones we have in New Hampshire. I (and my T-Rex costume) visited the summits of Mt. Hood (elevation 11,249), Mt. Shasta (elevation 14,179), Mt. Whitney (elevation 14,505), Eldorado Peak (elevation 8,868), Glacier Peak (elevation 10,541), and Mt. Rainier (elevation 14,411). While I was out there, I also stopped to say hi to Arlette in California! —Debra
