Giant and RPR for a Big Finish 3/13/10

[mtnhiker]

Our group (HOL, bignslow, the poopsmith, turkey bob, jr turkey, crazymama, valerie, kevin, hobbitling, Britdog, mtnhiker) met up on Saturday morning around 7:30’ish. The goal of the day was to try and keep up with Highonlife on her way to RPR for a day of many finishes. We expected to find JimC in the parking lot and kept wondering where he was, after signing in at the register we learned he was sick and had headed home – hope you’re feeling better Jim! Somehow the ghost of JimC was with us all day - watch the photos for sightings.

Started our way up the trail and found some interesting conditions of knee to thigh high frozen postholes. Tough footing. This was too much for Val’s ankle and she, Kevin and Louie decided to turn back. We made our way up higher and higher and were all so happy that the rain forecasted earlier in the week did not come true - it was dry and mild and a great view day. Many stops were made at the different ledges admiring the views and taking photos. The winds picked up as we got higher and we all add some layers and wind protection just before the top of Giant. A stuffed animal photo shoot ensued and luckily none were blown away in the gusts.

Next we were off to RPR, there was one tricky section with ice, bignslow put a rope around a tree and made it quite easy to negotiate down and up. There were a few different choices of paths down in the col and we choose one that was consolidated, but wasn’t the official trail. After stopping for some food, we decided to backtrack and get on the marked trail. The winds died off quite a bit in this area and it was a nice break. Soon enough we could see the cairn on RPR and Nancy celebrated her 6th all season 46 round and her 2nd Winter 46 round! Woo Hoo! Go Nancy! A HUGE congratulations! Plus her hiking buddy Geoffrey celebrated his 46W! Lots of hugs and congratulations and signs and cards and candy! And, another stuffed animal photo shoot at the cairn. John did his group shot thing and managed to get all 9 of us in the photo, a new record for sure.

For the big day Nancy (a.k.a. The Candy Maven) had provided all the guys with Big Hunk candy bars and the ladies with candy necklaces and candy lipsticks. We opted to get out of the wind and below treeline to pull them out. Many silly photos were taken. Nancy had asked that this day be all about fun and silliness and I’m pretty sure she got her wish on that one.

Climbed back up Giant and then an easy walk out with lots of chatter and even some singing and many stops to enjoy the outstanding views. It was a great day of hiking with old friends, making new ones and celebrating HOL’s big day!

Photos are here (http://picasaweb.google.com/gglchat/GiantAndRPR31310#). I know many others have more photos to add too.

[The Poopsmith]

Great pictures of a great day!!! It was wonderful getting to meet and hike with everyone!! Congrats again Nancy!!! :)

[Cory D]

Maybe next time you'll have some fun.. Congrats Nancy and little G-money!:tup:

[bignslow]

Our pictures for the day:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mvirdone/20100313HikingGiantRPR?authkey=Gv1sRgCNXU9fi9koO0Y A#

Our camera wasn't a participant of any of the group shots because I figured we would have enough of those anyways.

[Jim C]

Boy, was I disappointed about having to bail yesterday. I was really looking forward to getting back out there and celebrating another hiking milestone with Nancy and Geoffrey. And I knew it was going to be a fun day with a fun group, which made it even worse to miss…

When I was getting my gear together, I thought up a few zingers to send Bignslow’s way about his bright orange attire, but I should have known there is no way to out-do Mike…

Mike, that picture of your shirt was so hysterical that I actually laughed out loud. When I called Anna over to see it, she laughed so loud that I’m now deaf in my left ear. That picture was worth a thousand insults… nice job :tup:

I'm glad you all had a great day. Looks like a blast. This report and pictures really made me feel better. Just what I needed.

Big congrats to Nancy and Geoffrey :drink:



Somehow the ghost of JimC was with us all day - watch the photos for sightings.

That picture of me can really haunt a house :eek:

[bignslow]

When I was getting my gear together, I thought up a few zingers to send Bignslow’s way about his bright orange attire, but I should have known there is no way to out-do Mike…

Mike, that picture of your shirt was so hysterical that I actually laughed out loud. When I called Anna over to see it, she laughed so loud that I’m now deaf in my left ear. That picture was worth a thousand insults… nice job :tup:


Funny thing is, I had a whole line-up of zinggers prepared as well prior to the unavailing of the shirt (such as: you thought the orange shirt was ugly, you should see the one I'm wearing today). It really was a shame you couldn't make it, we could have been the "in hike entertainment" for the day.

[hobbitling]

good times. Thanks for the company and the big hunk. We'll have to do it again some time.
when I find my memory card reader I'll post my photos and video.

[RTSpoons]

Nice reports and pictures everyone. You know hiking in winter is serious business lets stop with all the fun and silliness.

[Murph]

Great job all. Wish I could have gone. Looked like it was a fun hike.:)

[Adirondack Ladies]

What a great group of hikers and awesome day!!! Great photos! I was glad that Jim C made an appearance! Congratulations Nancy and Geoffry!

[britdog]

Nicole - I was wondering what that shovel dangling on the back of your pack was for all day. Now I have an idea...not sure if I'm happy I didn't ask, or if I wish I did.
Missed you Jim, but glad we got to bust your chops anyway.
Fun day! Enjoyed spending some quality time with you all.

[adkdremn]

What a group....sounds like a great day! Congrats Nancy!!

[billandjudy]

Congrat Nancy and "G"....I wish I could have made it but I ended up on the Injured reserve Lis(foot)t..and had a bad headcold too..That and the "storm".here in NJ..flooded basement..no power..etc...I'm glad I stayed home:rolleyes:

[Highonlife]

I have to tell you it was one of the most fun days....you guys bringing all the furry friends, just added to the day!! Geoffrey thanks you.

Saturday was a reminder how great life is and not to take life so dam serious. Way to go everyone:tup:

Unbelievable amounts of silliness. Jen thanks for the sign and all the goodies. Totally unexpected but very much appreciated. You two are best!!

Jim we missed you but Mike made sure we didn't forget you even though that's not possible:)

Nicole still can't get that song out of my head...

Chris finally nice to meet you

Photos of the day

http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d5455314e6a677a4e4442384d5441324d4451314e44413d0d 0

[The Poopsmith]

Nancy, as always the smilebox was awesome! It made me laugh out loud quite a few times! It really was a great day and we are so glad that we were there to celebrate with you! :)

[Junior Turkey]

Had a great time on both peaks. Thank you to all, it was nice meeting you. A great group that I woud be proud to hike with again. Stuffed animals included.

[RTSpoons]

Another great smilebox....

[hobbitling]

The Big Hunk wrapper is on my fridge.

Heres the little movie I shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yun9aL6SlHg

The soundtrack is from a couple of local boys from Syracuse. Andrew and Noah Vannostrand.

[turkeybob]

You all summed up the adventure very well. Thanks to all of you for being there for NANCY and GEOFFREY. What a fantastic day being on those with the best of the best.

Nancy and Mtnhiker--great job on the pictures.
Again, thanks to all for being who you are.

Thanks to all during our adventure in looking for the "LOST POULT"

turkeybob

[Rookie]

Wow, what a blast to see everyones pictures !
Great company you keep ! Congratulations !

[Snickers]

Congrats Nancy and G!

Sorry Brian and I couldn't make it, Bri had to work till 1:00pm.

Great seeing you at Peggy O.

Happy Trails - Cindy

[rockysummit]

Congrats to the finishers! Looks like a great time had by all. And what great pics and videos, really enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing.
-Tony

[The Poopsmith]

The Big Hunk wrapper is on my fridge.

Heres the little movie I shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yun9aL6SlHg

The soundtrack is from a couple of local boys from Syracuse. Andrew and Noah Vannostrand.

What a great video and the music was awesome! :)

[Highonlife]

Chris awesome video and glad you liked the Big Hunk!!

I guess I will have to think of another kind of chocolate bar the next time were together, this way you can have a collection on you fridge;)

[Rik]

Sorry I missed this. A stuffed animal peakbagging sounds dumb enough to be fun.

[ADK88]

Hahaha, the pictures are great, looks like you all had a blast! Congrats to the finishers ;)

[El Loco]

Congrats, Nancy! I wish I could have been there for you as you have been for me. You are an amazing individual who is a role model for all that is good in individuals and life! I can only hope I can do half of what you do and the tremendous impact you have on others. "Life is Good" whenever you are around!!

[Jim C]

Hey, where is everyone? I make it to the top of Rocky Peak Ridge and there's no giraffe, no HOL, no nothing...

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/35911/2365220380104716270S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2365220380104716270zAkxkj)


http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/46350/2609962970104716270S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2609962970104716270FvjFDo)

I'm so angry, I could de-feather a turkey right now ...

[Highonlife]

Jim...

You are way too funny...I was laughing out loud, hey he's got two peaks in:D

I am not sure the gorilla would have got along with the badger though!

[Cory D]

When that Gorilla gets wet during Spring hiking it's going to weigh more than HOL!:) "Hey..I"ll carry all your gear if you'll carry my Gorilla!":D