Balsam Mountain The Big Finish!

[billandjudy]

We joined a 3500 Club Hike led by Dave and Carol White up Balsam Mt today to finish our 3500 quest. Thanks to all for a great time. Pics are up of the hardy group.http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556587841XoIyXq
This was a hike that we almost didn't make after waiting 9 months to finish. Judy slipped on the stairs on Friday and broke 2 toes on her right foot. In a bit of pain, she donned her Mukaluks (?) and limped her way up and down the Mt., smilling the whole trip. Thanks for being a real trooper sweety:tup: You are the best:D I hope it feels better when I drag her up to the ADK's next weekend:eek:
Thanks to Dave for supplying some champagne, although I think you drank most of it--I have the pics to prove it:D
Here's wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS

#1668
#1669
Yeeha!!

[mudhook]

Congrats and Happy Holidays!

[Mark Schaefer]

Congratulations! You are a privileged couple. It is not everyone who receives their hiking # on their final hike. But with the membership chairman as your fearless leader, all things are possible. :D

And Merry Christmas to you both.

[Peakbagr]

Congratulations and way to go !
Alan

[Rik]

Congrats! Hope Judy heals quickly!

[MattC]

Congrats to you both! The broken toes aspect will live long in your memories, I'm sure! Also great that you had our intrepid Membership Chair along to dispense numbers, wisdom and champagne.

Matt

[Doodles]

Congrats to both of you. Hike well done.

George

[billandjudy]

Thanks all, it was fun year and a half.:tup: Judy received bad news from her doc yesterday---no hiking for 6 weeks--really puts a hurtin' on our winter plans.:cry:, but w/ our Arizona trip 8 weeks away, there is still hope for that. I'll be solo for a while so let me know if anyone needs a tag-along.

[daLunartik]

Thanks all, it was fun year and a half.:tup: Judy received bad news from her doc yesterday---no hiking for 6 weeks--really puts a hurtin' on our winter plans.:cry:, but w/ our Arizona trip 8 weeks away, there is still hope for that. I'll be solo for a while so let me know if anyone needs a tag-along.
A belated Congratulations to the both of you! I was planning on waiting for you on the summit, but the logistics got all complicated with the holiday.

Very sorry to hear about Judy's toes - I know you guys had all sorts of plans made (and in progress) for the winter. Still headed to the 'Dacks for the New Year?

As our winter plans start to firm up, I'll keep you in mind.

[MattC]

Judy received bad news from her doc yesterday---no hiking for 6 weeks

Good thing you hiked Balsam before getting the word from the doctor!;)

Hey, BTW, here's a fun fact I've been wanting to share: more than 2200 people have summited Mt. Everest, while less than 1700 have completed the requirements of the Catskill 3500 Club. So, you tell me, who are the true mountaineering elite?!;) ;) Plus, we did it all without any supplemental oxygen!:D

Matt

[hermit]

Congratulations to the both of you. Sorry to hear about the injury.I hope to meet you at the dinner in April if you are attending.

[imarchant]

Congratulations :tup: Your trip reports are alway a pleasure to read. I also enjoy your photos. Judy, Hoping for a speedy recovery.

[Jay H]

W-I-T-T-E-N-B-E-R-G

:D

I guess you chose an easier mountain to finish on... B-A-L-S-A-M... :) Maybe a Catskill 3500 requirement should make the aspirants to spell all the peaks...

Congratulations! I've enjoyed all the pictures... See ya in April!

Jay