The complexities of being safe in the time of coronavirus challenge us, but the more we do, the more varied the operations, the better we are able to properly comprehend the disease and manage its always possible presence. Thus, leading a quasi-technical hike with full rental gear — our Ready Packs — was the perfect next step up for us. And as such we learned a […]
Upon finishing this endeavor, he exclaimed: “It was one of the most physically demanding, if not the most physically demanding hikes I’ve ever been on.” By “it” he was referring to the classic Franconia Ridge loop following a series of trails to include Falling Waters, the Franconia Ridge Trail itself — covering four peaks, two of which are official 4000-footers — Greenleaf Trail, and Old Bridle […]
We realize that while most of our adventures and weddings are going to offer up the a pretty specific set of challenges to us as it relates to COVID19, our educational offerings, being even more diverse, will probably be our most challenging aspect yet. Granted, we have it so easy compared to some businesses, but we also take the safety of us and our guests very, […]
[…] the trip was a success. Everyone felt safe […] Check check, testing, are we ready to go live? The hike test went well enough, it wasn’t technical so that simplifies matters, a lot, but it made us think as well. And knowing this it was time to up our game and try to test out a backpacking experience next. Could we stay distanced? Would masks […]
We met outdoors and kept a good distance — at least six feet. So if either of us had viral matter to give to the other, we weren’t going to make it an easy exchange. We said hello then we whipped out a… what is that? A gun?! A blowdryer? Oh, it’s just a touch-less thermometer. We grabbed our guest’s temperature with their permission. This was […]
It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. It’s the truth. A necessity for us — for the greater good — is that we suspended our normal operations for an unspecified period of time. Our “invention,” so to speak, is that we are trying new things, because another necessity is making a living. Specifically we are dabbling in the dark arts of video […]
When beginning a day where we teach Winter and Mountaineering Skills, we tell our students that “real or imagined, we’re planning and preparing to ascend Mt Washington via the Lion Head Trail’s ‘Winter Route’ the very next day” explaining this is the premise of the course and we will in the process prepare them for that very task. Everything learned, of course, is useful on any […]
Our guest’s family had purchased gift certificates from us over the holidays because they knew he wanted to do some things with us, and that all came to be this week. First it began with some Winter and Mountaineering Skills classes taught by Redline Guide Ken Hodges. Next up was an attempt of Mount Washington led by Redline Guide Ryan Mcguire, but as is so often […]
The plan was to complete a Classic Presidential Traverse — Madison to Pierce — but what ended up happening was an attempt at said traverse. An attempt that yielded Mounts Madison and Adams, which is no small feat in its own right. As is often the case with those taller 4000-footers, the weather proved too formidable a foe. In this case it was the wind. We […]
The plan was to ascend the northern ridge, bag some 4000-footers, Madison first, then Adams, then retreat down to the Randolph Mountain Club’s (RMC) Gray Knob Cabin located at treeline. The following morning the team was to continue to Jefferson heading directly to Edmand’s Col via Gray Knob Trail and Randolph Path over Israel Ridge to get there. Afterward our single returning guest — led by […]
Prior attempts proved futile so it was an even more awesome accomplishment to finally conquer the mountain and summit the 6288′ Mt Washington. Between weather and other mitigating circumstances, twice it has eluded the team, so on this day, this summit is the result of perseverance. That, and that the third time really is a charm. Guiding this guest, on this trip and on all the […]
Reports from the regions down yonder speak of brown grasses warming in the sun, awaiting their cue to rise and reach to such heights they sway in the season’s warm breezes. It seems too soon, though. Up here there is snow on the ground — and, honestly, that seems right. Sure, it is March. Spring does happen this month. But life is too short to run […]
