Isolated on Isolation for #115

[procook131]

One of the best and worst parts about life is not knowing the way things are going to go. For me, I am totally fine with that and it keeps me going full speed everyday. I set a pretty big goal for myself back in June and accomplished it just four days short of the time restraints I had set. On June 21st I stepped foot on the Eyebrow Trail heading up Old Speck in Maine; two months and twenty six days later on September 17th I returned to Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch thus completing a New England 67 round in less than a summer. I had the joy of completing three lists in one shot; N.H. 48, N.E. 67 and Northeast 111 on Mount Isolation at 3 p.m. Weather early in the morning kept me from going “Cedar style”, so I went Diretissimma to Glen Boulder, Davis Path to Isolation and return via Boott Spur to Pinkham to curry favor with my friend Joe. I hope he still thinks I am strong enough! ;)

The trails were.................ahhhh, who cares?! If you really wanna know, PM me I guess. Wet here, dry there; but I was in my element. Mountains have come to define my life. Last June I was a slow and fat ADK 13er with a love of the outdoors. Today I am slender fanatic that cannot do without them, particularly in the season that most people pack it in. Much of this hiking to become a NE111er was reconnaissance for winter in those far off places. My wolf pack and I carried gps in Maine and New Hampshire to record a plethora of data for winter 111 peak-bagging. I now know the roads, where key stores are, places to stay and most importantly, I got to know the mountains.

Maine? Maine was beautiful! Early summer, tons of bugs but got to hike with my friends on three out of the fourteen that I would have company for out of sixty seven. The Knife Edge obviously stands out as the biggest highlight, but I think my favorite part was camping with my friends. I was pretty depressed in the Rangeley/Stratton area because of things I could not control, and the minute I pulled in and saw Joe, Lee, Siobhan and Liam all those feelings flew out the window. Campfires, beers, walks around the campgrounds, the talks, the support, the love........I have some unbelievable friends. Oh yeah, and the mountains were pretty too!

The Shire was an experience for sure. My first week was so socked in I had no idea how big the mountains were all around me! Or where I was for that matter! Finally got my bearings and some views from the summits. Only two days of company in this state; Wildcat-Mporiah Traverse and Owls Head for seven more non-solo. Tied the master in number of days it took; could have done it a day faster but I didn't want him to feel “old”. I have to say though that they are definitely easier than the Adirondacks. Trails are like paved superhighways and no mud. It's really weird to be on trail eight to ten hours and when you are done you are clean!

Not much to say about Vermont. Sunset Ridge on Mansfield was my favorite trail in the state.

Honestly I am still just trying to soak it all in. I thought it was going to be harder when looking at it on paper. Turns out the driving was the hardest part........between a flat tire and dodging deer, foxes and a few moose!!! I have all the mileage written down but I don't think my calculator goes up that high. What a way to spend a summer!!!

Final mileage and ascent numbers
Maine 87.4 miles and 30,441' of ascent
New Hampshire 227.7 miles and 82,058' ascent
Vermont 28.5 miles and 10,960' ascent

343 miles and 123,459' of ascent to complete a N.E.67 round

Most important number of all........15 pounds lost. Hiking this winter virtually pack-less!!! :D

Pics from the finish
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2048992&id=1287576204&l=2c9c84ecd9

[SoloJoe]

Wow, what a summer indeed. Congrats, Dave. Those are some big numbers for three months. :tup: Continued success. :)

[Rik]

I don't believe you did all that. Prove it.

And congrats!

[1ADAM12]

Big congrats Dave. I bet you have inspired a lot of people here :tup:

[Mark Schaefer]

:tup:Congratulations on your big finish! Awesome accomplishment.

[El Loco]

Way to go, Dave! It was inspiring to read your TR and you have become a major role model for future hikers. The same goes for Siobhan, Lee and the others that also achieved major goals this summer. Given what you did your report could have gone on for pages and would have been an easy and exciting read. I hope you consider doing an article with photos for "Peeks" magazine. It would be a great read and and inspiration for many. Stay in shape...winter is not that far away!

[Jim C]

Congrats on a very impressive and inspiring accomplishment, Dave. Hope to hook up w/ you for a hike one of these days

[PA Ridgerunner]

Congratulations on this huge accomplishment, Dave! You've been a hiking machine this summer. :drop:

[procook131]

Wow, what a summer indeed. Congrats, Dave. Those are some big numbers for three months. :tup: Continued success. :)

Thanks! All while working 50-60 hours a week full time!

I don't believe you did all that. Prove it.

And congrats!

For myself, I have a headshot from every summit, but I know you don't want to see my face 115 times!:eek: White text......aren't you tricky?! Thanks Rik.

Big congrats Dave. I bet you have inspired a lot of people here :tup:

I hope I just inspire people to get outside! We have all these wonderful places practically in our backyards but can't put down the xbox controllers LOL.

:tup:Congratulations on your big finish! Awesome accomplishment.

Thank you!

[procook131]

Way to go, Dave! It was inspiring to read your TR and you have become a major role model for future hikers. The same goes for Siobhan, Lee and the others that also achieved major goals this summer. Given what you did your report could have gone on for pages and would have been an easy and exciting read. I hope you consider doing an article with photos for "Peeks" magazine. It would be a great read and and inspiration for many. Stay in shape...winter is not that far away!

Me? How about you?! I hope I am in your shape when I am retired! You kept up with me all winter Keith. Thanks for the kind words and I very much enjoy our weekly talks. Glad I get to call you my friend :)

Congrats on a very impressive and inspiring accomplishment, Dave. Hope to hook up w/ you for a hike one of these days

Thanks Jim. Honestly I have been mulling over trying to get hooked up for a few of your last six for winter. Keep in touch as the time comes nearer. :)

Congratulations on this huge accomplishment, Dave! You've been a hiking machine this summer. :drop:

Thanks Steve! Just want legs that won't be shocked with ten more pounds on my back and snowshoes on each foot!!! I think they are ready :D

[Rik]

I can't believe you all believe him?

[procook131]

I can't believe you all believe him?

I think it's because of Facebook. They have all watched my progress week in, week out. I think they are tired of all the headshots from summits. Now they are just trying to shut me up.....

[PA Ridgerunner]

I can't believe you all believe him?

We're just humoring him, Rik...enabling, if you will.

[ferrisjrf]

So what's next?

Just wanted to be the first one to ask.

[Jim C]

Thanks Jim. Honestly I have been mulling over trying to get hooked up for a few of your last six for winter. Keep in touch as the time comes nearer. :)

We'll definitely work something out sometime. Looking forward to hearing about these adventures in person


White text......aren't you tricky?! Thanks Rik.

Sneaky stuff, Rik. Have you been leaving hidden messages all over the forum for years? Like the DaVinci code or a Beatles album? Or is it a ploy to get us to spend more time on the forum to drive up the advertising revenue for the Foundation...

[Rik]

Sneaky stuff, Rik. Have you been leaving hidden messages all over the forum for years? Like the DaVinci code or a Beatles album? Or is it a ploy to get us to spend more time on the forum to drive up the advertising revenue for the Foundation...

I guess you will just have to go through all my posts to find out? I'll also say that I'm not the only one.
Not even the only one on this thread.

[Cory D]

Sure does seem like a SS W46+ should be another speed bump. Then again maybe you've bought too much gear?

[AdkWalrus]

Congrats! :tup: I've enjoyed following your journey and, as I've said elsewhere, hope to follow in your footsteps someday. As with so many that I've "met" here, it'd be great to share a hike sometime, as well.

PS- Don't let the doubters get you down! :)

Also, yay for stupid vBulletin tricks!

[JoeCedar]

Dave,

Congratulations!

It has been a pleasure coaching--sometimes seen as baiting or goading--you this summer. I saw the potential and in particular the determination to take your hiking up several notches--and you did it with style! Even if you didn't go over Mt W to Isolation, I'll give you a pass just this once.

I also must thank you for the offer to let me tag along on the trip to Baxter Park. It kicked me into gear to cruise the NE 4000 peaks.

As for winter, I think Cory is right--you are ready for a SS round. I just hope I don't have to drag you up too many of them! :)

But for now, enjoy it and take off a few weeks and rest at work. Then get out the Microspikes and snowshoes and get back to the mountains. December 21 is just 12 weeks away.

[JoeCedar]

OK, Dave, now that climbing 115 mountains is fresh in your mind:

1) What was your most memorable day?

2) What was your most difficult day?

[SummitHat]

:tup: Inspiring in all aspects - huge kudos on a great summer of adventure, and an exceptional achievement! :tup:

[Snickers]

Congratulations!! Amazing journey!

Happy Trails - Cindy

[procook131]

So what's next?

Just wanted to be the first one to ask.Honestly, SS NH 48 is calling me. Not in nine days mind you!:razz: I just want to be a W46er really; that means more to me than anything right now. I have so much respect for the people that can do this day in and day out ALL year. Not for nothing, but for me summer is not much of a challenge unless you are doing 20+ mile days. Even then they are only ten hour hikes, so continuing to push is a challenge unless it is a big day. Winter is a different story. I admire you Jason...

And you got your question in just in time LOL ;)

Sure does seem like a SS W46+ should be another speed bump. Then again maybe you've bought too much gear?

The fact you put a plus sign cracks me up.....still trying to lay out a contingency plan for twenty four peaks this winter just to finish one round, and you are talking SS?! Who said I needed to use it all? Although I am really anticipating the arrival of my brand new Feathered Friends -10 degree Eider :D

[procook131]

Congrats! :tup: I've enjoyed following your journey and, as I've said elsewhere, hope to follow in your footsteps someday. As with so many that I've "met" here, it'd be great to share a hike sometime, as well.

PS- Don't let the doubters get you down! :)

Also, yay for stupid vBulletin tricks!

Thanks; and you lead and follow EVERYday when you get out there and have fun outdoors. Hike as much as me and you will by default meet people from here; you have to cross paths sometime!!!

[procook131]

Congratulations. I got sore legs just reading your accomplishments. :tup:

Thanks Alan; means a lot from someone who has traveled all over the Northeast and knows what it takes!

Congratulations on the NE111 good buddy!!! :tup: Onto the winter round :D

You know I am ready. Only four years or less ;)

:tup: Inspiring in all aspects - huge kudos on a great summer of adventure, and an exceptional achievement! :tup:

Thanks a bunch. My only regret is not being able to join you and Gerard on Cascade in June. I would have loved to see the mountains touch him as it has so many of us!

Congratulations!! Amazing journey!

Happy Trails - Cindy

Thanks kiddo! Hope to see you at the gathering :)

[procook131]

Dave,

Congratulations!

It has been a pleasure coaching--sometimes seen as baiting or goading--you this summer. I saw the potential and in particular the determination to take your hiking up several notches--and you did it with style! Even if you didn't go over Mt W to Isolation, I'll give you a pass just this once.

I also must thank you for the offer to let me tag along on the trip to Baxter Park. It kicked me into gear to cruise the NE 4000 peaks.

As for winter, I think Cory is right--you are ready for a SS round. I just hope I don't have to drag you up too many of them! :)

But for now, enjoy it and take off a few weeks and rest at work. Then get out the Microspikes and snowshoes and get back to the mountains. December 21 is just 12 weeks away.

I don't even know what to say. Thanks?! You have not only been my biggest motivator and inspiration, but just a good friend which we all need more of these days. I played it all straight, never shorted myself of a challenge and used your experience to make me better where I needed improvement.

No "thank yous" are necessary; the pleasure was all ours. BSP was the highlight of my year! I am so glad you got to meet my friends. :)

I promise dragging will not be necessary; legs feel great and IF I am lucky, maybe you will let me break trail for you? I still owe you for Nye and Street.....

[procook131]

OK, Dave, now that climbing 115 mountains is fresh in your mind:

1) What was your most memorable day?

1-9-2010........Algonquin and Iroquois in -40 degree temperatures. One of the best hikes ever. Lee, Siobhan, Nate and Peggy were awesome partners along with a few other friends. Any other partners besides them I would have been bailing out!!! Allen with Lee in winter was pretty good too. All three in Baxter with you and the gang round out the top three, in no particular order.

2) What was your most difficult day?

Sewards to finish my first three season round in March. Hardest 500' ever. Twins with Zealand and Bonds was tough in adverse conditions as well. Funny that Presi Traverse is not up there more!

[procook131]

Now that a week has passed and I have had some time to reflect upon this awesome journey, I just wanted to throw a huge thanks out there to everyone who has supported me! Re-reading this post and all the replies really puts a huge smile on my face!!!