Thank you followers
It's been a hard road thus far. We finally reached the start of our journey at the Pine Cobble trail head at 1230 7/3. Climbing 1894 ft with almost 55 lbs on my back, Bump a little less. Reaching the summit and meeting the first person of our journey, Sam. She was a lovely young lady that snapped some photos for us and caught the eye of a certain young teenager. He loves her. College girls are not for 14 year olds. Though at 14 we can all hope.
We said our good byes to Uneksia and Justice ( sorry no trail name yet). Bump and Frog Prince hike on.
Day one we hiked on right by the first shelter, missing the sign for the blue blaze trail. On the way though we came across beautiful rock gardens and fern fields. The day also brought me leg cramps like I've never known after only 7 miles
This was day one in a nutshell
Day 2
Brought us nose to nose with a moose on the trail. Beautiful scenery and education on what to do and not to do. We washed in a Mt stream stayed at congdon shelter. Meet some people. None of them with real names of coarse. Day 2 also brought us another 7 miles.
Day 3
Trying to keep a schedule day 3 brought us 14 miles to Glastenbury Mt. and the haunted shelter. We just slept. No one else could with my snoring.
Day 4 brought us 9 miles and to map #2. the 14 mile day slowed us down. Bump is tired. Our packs weigh to much and we can't wait for our mail drop so we can mail stuff back. It also brought more of the same ups and downs and we beat the storm to Story Spring
Day 5 a 15 mile day with a peanut butter Thai noodle breakfast. A trail magic lunch and a disappointing dinner we hike on because we learn my frog princess is going to meet us at the trailhead joy of joys. Energy so excited.
Day 6 was a 5 miler of rolling hills and a late start. But my baby's waiting at the end of today's hike. We picked stuff up took hot showers ate food that is not hiker friendly. A great day
Day 7 was more of the same just day 6 in reverse. Breakfast ice cream shopping.
We've cut weight 31 & 26 with out water that was a happy moment but next would be some sad good byes but never really good byes just I love you's. Tears and hugs and tears.
All that know me know this. I am a husband and a father first. I love my wife with all I have. I would die for my children. I am taking a hike to make me better understand me. Make me a better person a better father a better lover a better friend. I take this hike and hike on because I am at a cross road and can't just hitch a ride. I need to find direction and I am finding help from friends I find along the way. Together we all have a story and we all hike on.
Tonight we sleep on the summit of Bromley Mt. 360 degrees of beautiful views. It was an easy day for hiking only 3 miles but a very difficult day for emotions.
My first and last thoughts of everyday are Jennifer.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Final steps to the beginning
Sunday morning is fast upon us. Bump and I have said our good byes and our I love yous, which you can never say enough, to friends and family. Thank you to Jessey at the Stage Neck and to all at EMS
Thank you to Mike Cooper for the work that has allowed me to get to this point. Thank you all that believe in us. Most important Thank you Jennifer my love my world my everything.
We have made the final steps to start. Thank you for the late start so that we could spend time together.
I am yours and you are mine always and forever.
I must sleep so that I may start fresh.
All is ready, except for my pining heart.
Start point. Pine Cobble Trail, Williamstown, MA. north towards the AT/Long Trail.
most likely Seth Warner shelter will be our first stop, weather pending...
But now I take my final steps to the beginning, starting with my last shower ending with my last sleep in a bed.
Missing my wife and family and I haven't even left yet.
I will be doing my best to keep you posted from my phone on the trail. Lets see how it goes.
Frog Prince!!
Thank you to Mike Cooper for the work that has allowed me to get to this point. Thank you all that believe in us. Most important Thank you Jennifer my love my world my everything.
We have made the final steps to start. Thank you for the late start so that we could spend time together.
I am yours and you are mine always and forever.
I must sleep so that I may start fresh.
All is ready, except for my pining heart.
Start point. Pine Cobble Trail, Williamstown, MA. north towards the AT/Long Trail.
most likely Seth Warner shelter will be our first stop, weather pending...
But now I take my final steps to the beginning, starting with my last shower ending with my last sleep in a bed.
Missing my wife and family and I haven't even left yet.
I will be doing my best to keep you posted from my phone on the trail. Lets see how it goes.
Frog Prince!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Out of Step for the weeks end
Migraine, Friday put me down for a few hours, which really upset me do to the fact that my soul mate planned a very busy weekend with family so that we may have a joyous time time in saying good-bye see you soon to Bump and I.
A fast recovery got me to Buxton between 7 and 730pm for a outstanding lasagna dinner. Following dinner was a game of Picturnary, a game we got to teach Reggie and his always smiling girlfriend, Kelsey. Boys vs. Girls, I'll take those odds. And the winners are... Yup! Boys rule. Midnight bed.
Saturday morning started the day like any Saturday morning should be started, Cartoons. As a family of little people we watched "Tangled", most enjoyable I recommend it to all. After the movie, lunch, making sandwiches with kids can be so fun. Off to the "Maine Wildlife Park" in Grey ME. Awesome walking around the park. Bears and Moose and every Maine critter in between. Seen the park whats next? Off to Biddeford for a bird wildlife preserve along the ocean. What a wonderful day. Kids should be ready to collapse for bed now, WRONG ! end the day with hide and seek in the dark. Always a good time. Did I say end the day I was wrong. S'mores. Heaven! BED.
I get up Sunday morning thinking I'm getting ready to go home and chill from this very busy weekend. Family breakfast and we're off again. This time to Fun Town/ Splashtown USA. It's just nice enough out all the rides all the slides. I have to make it home before i collapse.
This weekend has knocked me out of step, out of planning mode and a little out of ready mode. Thank you my wife. I love my family and most of hers too. Now everybody else go out and find yourself out of step and take a hike.
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A fast recovery got me to Buxton between 7 and 730pm for a outstanding lasagna dinner. Following dinner was a game of Picturnary, a game we got to teach Reggie and his always smiling girlfriend, Kelsey. Boys vs. Girls, I'll take those odds. And the winners are... Yup! Boys rule. Midnight bed.
Saturday morning started the day like any Saturday morning should be started, Cartoons. As a family of little people we watched "Tangled", most enjoyable I recommend it to all. After the movie, lunch, making sandwiches with kids can be so fun. Off to the "Maine Wildlife Park" in Grey ME. Awesome walking around the park. Bears and Moose and every Maine critter in between. Seen the park whats next? Off to Biddeford for a bird wildlife preserve along the ocean. What a wonderful day. Kids should be ready to collapse for bed now, WRONG ! end the day with hide and seek in the dark. Always a good time. Did I say end the day I was wrong. S'mores. Heaven! BED.
I get up Sunday morning thinking I'm getting ready to go home and chill from this very busy weekend. Family breakfast and we're off again. This time to Fun Town/ Splashtown USA. It's just nice enough out all the rides all the slides. I have to make it home before i collapse.
This weekend has knocked me out of step, out of planning mode and a little out of ready mode. Thank you my wife. I love my family and most of hers too. Now everybody else go out and find yourself out of step and take a hike.
Monday, June 20, 2011
One step closer to being one step closer
Yesterday was a beautiful fathers day. Movies and restaurant's filled most of my day on top of a little work and a little play.
With the long walk in the woods only a short two weeks away and still shopping to do. We made our way to a store that shall not be mentioned for their lack of soul, and over abundance of stupidity for some active wear, tees, underwear and shorts. These last minute purchases are what brings me one step closer.
Another realization happened last night as I was sitting out side watching the stars and the satellites move across the sky. I'm leaving in 2 weeks for a month. The reality of it is I'm going to miss the things I've done on this day. Sitting at the table for breakfast with the family, catching a matinee, lunch out, ice cream, my favorite TV shows all things that I get to enjoy with the people that I love.
I've made some jerky, and now I'm getting ready to set up camp in the yard. Taking inventory, making lists, trying to remember whom I still have to thank for all of their help, like Nikki at EMS for the good read on camping and what it takes and what will help and hinder.
I had Richard reading it, and I think he lost it, in true Richard fashion. We've got our guide books our compasses, most of our clothes, packs, tents and pads, pillows, sleeping bags, and I'm even bringing my vacation mascot, Mr. Chicken.
Trail names selected, I am Frog Prince and Richard is Bump, as it has always been a nickname for him. The stories behind the names is for another time as we come one step closer to being one step closer to miss all that we truly love.
Chad
With the long walk in the woods only a short two weeks away and still shopping to do. We made our way to a store that shall not be mentioned for their lack of soul, and over abundance of stupidity for some active wear, tees, underwear and shorts. These last minute purchases are what brings me one step closer.
Another realization happened last night as I was sitting out side watching the stars and the satellites move across the sky. I'm leaving in 2 weeks for a month. The reality of it is I'm going to miss the things I've done on this day. Sitting at the table for breakfast with the family, catching a matinee, lunch out, ice cream, my favorite TV shows all things that I get to enjoy with the people that I love.
I've made some jerky, and now I'm getting ready to set up camp in the yard. Taking inventory, making lists, trying to remember whom I still have to thank for all of their help, like Nikki at EMS for the good read on camping and what it takes and what will help and hinder.
I had Richard reading it, and I think he lost it, in true Richard fashion. We've got our guide books our compasses, most of our clothes, packs, tents and pads, pillows, sleeping bags, and I'm even bringing my vacation mascot, Mr. Chicken.
Trail names selected, I am Frog Prince and Richard is Bump, as it has always been a nickname for him. The stories behind the names is for another time as we come one step closer to being one step closer to miss all that we truly love.
Chad
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Take a Hike
From
Frog Prince aka Chad,
Here I am with only a few week left before I leave on my first true multi day long hike. I've shared with many people about my dreams and goals regarding hiking the Appalachian Trail or A.T. for short. I failed to make my budget for that trip this year. So to not waste all that I have worked for, I am hiking the Vermont Long Trail in July.
The Long Trail should take me about 25 day give or take a few for health and weather. My youngest, Richard will be joining me on this expedition. I hope he learns a lot, as I know I will. We have so much to gain in a trip like this.
We will learn more about nature, ourselves and each other. We will have time to reflect on our past and on our futures. Bonding all the while. Sharing our knowledge, missing friends and family, his mother aka my beautiful and supportive wife. I know that this trip will only help us grow to be better people and a closer family.
We have about 90 % of what we need.and a small percentage of stuff we don't need. I have ordered the last reference book that we'll need , so now we have the "The Long Trail Guild" and the "End-to-Enders Guild" from the Green Mountain Club. All that I need now is a map. If there is anybody else out there that may be thinking about multi day pack trips and need a hand just ask, I am fast becoming an expert on the subject.
In closing of this blog, I must put out a very special thank you to the people at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). The team of people over there in Portsmouth have been more that just helpful with gear selection and their knowledge of what we're getting into. They have been supportive and motivating, sharing stories about their own hikes and trips.Giving me thing to think about when I thought that I've already made up my mind.
I feel like I've made a new group of friends. So a heartfelt thank you to the crew at EMS, Jason, Chris, Rob and the rest. Bless you, you all truly make the difference.
Frog Prince !
Frog Prince aka Chad,
Here I am with only a few week left before I leave on my first true multi day long hike. I've shared with many people about my dreams and goals regarding hiking the Appalachian Trail or A.T. for short. I failed to make my budget for that trip this year. So to not waste all that I have worked for, I am hiking the Vermont Long Trail in July.
The Long Trail should take me about 25 day give or take a few for health and weather. My youngest, Richard will be joining me on this expedition. I hope he learns a lot, as I know I will. We have so much to gain in a trip like this.
We will learn more about nature, ourselves and each other. We will have time to reflect on our past and on our futures. Bonding all the while. Sharing our knowledge, missing friends and family, his mother aka my beautiful and supportive wife. I know that this trip will only help us grow to be better people and a closer family.
We have about 90 % of what we need.and a small percentage of stuff we don't need. I have ordered the last reference book that we'll need , so now we have the "The Long Trail Guild" and the "End-to-Enders Guild" from the Green Mountain Club. All that I need now is a map. If there is anybody else out there that may be thinking about multi day pack trips and need a hand just ask, I am fast becoming an expert on the subject.
In closing of this blog, I must put out a very special thank you to the people at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). The team of people over there in Portsmouth have been more that just helpful with gear selection and their knowledge of what we're getting into. They have been supportive and motivating, sharing stories about their own hikes and trips.Giving me thing to think about when I thought that I've already made up my mind.
I feel like I've made a new group of friends. So a heartfelt thank you to the crew at EMS, Jason, Chris, Rob and the rest. Bless you, you all truly make the difference.
Frog Prince !
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