- Month #5 of the "Do it for the Vert" elevation challenge brought in much-needed warmer temperatures, mostly snow-free trails, and easy access up Mount Washington from Pinkham Notch. It was the first month of grinding out elevation all on foot, 117,861' over 292 miles, during 27 days on trail with 4 days off.
- May was also the first White Mountain Throwdown of the spring/summer. The throwdown segment was Peaked - Middle Ascent over in North Conway's Green Hill Preserve, 3.3 miles and 1725' elevation gained over very runnable terrain. Considering all the volume I had been putting in, I was ecstatic to run a 38:26, which was good enough for a top 25 finish out of 100+ runners who had run the segment in May. (View Results). I also bombed down from the end of the segment back to the trailhead, setting a PR for the 5.5 mile run, 53:21. For the next two throwdowns this summer, I will not be bombing it back down to the trailheads, as this beat up my body a little more than I would have liked. Preservation is key to hopefully achieving my goal
- Over the month, I summited 46 4K peaks, 22 counting for the 26 Grid #3 peaks for May. I was able to get in some big days over the month; A 28 mile, 9,400' loop of the Osceola - Tecumseh - Tripyramid, and a 21 mile, 10,400' Wildcat - Double Washington - Monroe day.
- Below 4K days included Imp Face, Pine Mountain, Crescent Range, The Bluff in the Great Gulf, Slide Peak, Boott Spur, Cherry Mountain, and the first Friday Night Vert at Cranmore, where it down poured on us, but it was worth it for all you can eat pizza for $5!
- Sarge also had a great month, finishing his Four-Season White Mountain 4,000 footers with a beautiful day on a Zealand - Bonds Traverse. 🐶 The Dood has now hiked all 48 4K peaks in summer, fall, winter, & spring 🐾☀️🍁❄️🍃🌼🐾.
- For June through August, the goal will be 125K per month. My strategy will be one 10K-12K day per week, with 3K to 5K days for most of the other days, with a day off per week when my body needs a rest.
- With daylight starting before 5AM, "Wake Up Washington" before work will be my go-to move. Last summer, Sarge and I averaged about two to three of these a week. On trail by 5AM, summit by 7AM, down by 8AM, at my desk working by 8:30AM. Not a bad way to start the day!
Sarge on the Carter-Moriah Trail as he heads to Middle Carter, with the Presidential Range behind him.
Early morning on Mount Jackson. Willey Range in view.
Pano of the Pemigewasset Wilderness from an outlook just past East Oscola's summit. Owl's Head is the lump in the center of the photo, behind and to the right is Garfield. Franconia Ridge makes up the left side of the photo, Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, and Flume.
Upper right, Tripyramids from Mount Tecumseh Waterville Valley Ski Area. Upper right, Osceola's from South Tripyramid Slide. Lower left, Tecumseh from Middle Tripyramid outlook. Lower right, Greeley Pond in Mad River Notch
Logging campsite relics along the abandoned Flume Brook Trail
"Hale" to the Doods! Sarge on Mount Hale
All smiles on Mount Liberty
Taking in the view
Glen Boulder
The 7 in King Ravine's Great Gully. A springtime favorite for hard-core backcountry skiers. When the 7 breaks, it's time to start planting your garden north of the notch!
Beautiful day on the Twins and Galehead
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Mount Monroe
Sarge at Zeacliff Outlook. Mount Carrigain and Carrigain Notch in the background
Sarge on Mount Bond
That is one happy Dood!
Four-Season White Mountain 4,000 footers finish on Bondcliff!
Top, Summit of West Bond. Bottom, along Bondcliff Ridge
Just a Dood taking in the view!
JQ Adams summit pin, Star Lake, Crag Camp, King Ravine
Star Lake and Mount Madison
Polecat Ski Trail, first ascent historical marker, Tuckerman Ravine, Mount Washington, as seen from Mount Monroe summit
Sun Halo above the Rockpile
Lakes of the Clouds
Lion Head and Wildcat, summit cone of Washington, Jacob's Ladder, Marshfield Station
Todd hiking up Catapult ski trail, Wildcat as seen from Lila's Ledge, Floor of Tuckerman Ravine, the start of the snow bridge in Tuckerman Ravine
May ended with more snow, boo! Sarge on Cherry Mountain and on Wildcat ski slopes, getting in some final turns!
Five months in, right on track!
Jan: 100K / Feb 125K / March 120K / April 114K / May 117K
Amber is still rolling along on her world record attempt for most vert in a year. She spent most of May hiking the Cannon Mountain ski slopes averaging 13K a day, six days a week!
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