Indoor Climbing

Went climbing at Earth Trek in Columbia, Maryland for 3 hours or so. Had a blast. Almost redpointed a 5.9. The 5.8's are still challenging and fun, though.

Take time before each climb to compose myself and say a little prayer. Very good for me.

PS - 7 hours from Rome to Tara's in MD.

Seneca Rocks, WV

Climbed in a cave. Man I was scared. I got so cold my fingers & toes were numb. I started to back off the rock, but Dan wouldn't let me really, and I found a good rest where I was able to relax and get the blood going. By then it was raining so much we decided to leave, but AFTER I finished the route. Went back to White's Run Road. Dog was still there so now we're waiting to use phone again.

Don't know what's going to happen now. Except lunch, that is. Good thing I brought rain gear!! Feet are still toasty thanks to Wigwam. Boots are great. Long underwear pants are nice. Wool inserts from my army gloves are a MUST from now on. I envy Dick's slippers - I'm still stuck in my heavy boots.

Gotta remind myself to THINK before I climb & not rush it. Be patient & confident!

Seneca Rocks, WV

First morning. Dick had plastic cups & mess kit which was very useful. Boil water & use plastic cups while using stove to make something else. Bought a tarp for the tent and stupidly put it beneath the tent. Woke to a nice pool between the tent floor & the tarp. Dick had a small knife that was way more useful than a Swiss Army knife - and I going to be opening wine, for example? There's always a P38 to open cans.
A dog came wandering by: 567-2243, Frank Hoffman, PO Box 73.

It's raining, but wigwam wool socks are keeping feet very comfortable.

Prep for Seneca Rocks, WV

Food for trip w/ Dan:

• 7 oz Uncle Bens Brown Rice
• 1 x 3 oz can Swanson White Chicken in Water
• 2 oz Molly McButter
• 7 Lipton Cup-a-Soups

I'm also going to get some instant flavored oatmeal. I bought a steel cup & a stove to bring along. Don't know what we're doing for water yet. Bringing Treasure by Cussler to read.

Gear list:

• Compass
• Repel
• Deet
• Water Bottle (platypus)
• Tent
• Pillow
• Pad - Ergo mat
• Pur Filter
• Hand Lotion
• Chap Stik
• Ear Plugs
• Super Glue
• Toothpaste / brush
• TP
• Mountain Suds
• Vitamins
• Med Kit
• Polypropylene bottoms
• Fleece pants
• Fleece jacket
• Bergelene tops
• 2 wigwam socks
• 2 sock liners
• sleeping back
• dickie
• hat
• harness
• shoes
• ATC's w/ locking biner
• mosquito netting
• real hat
• 1 shorts
• 1 t-shirt
• camera
• ropes
• wool gloves
• dogtags

That should be about ti besides clothes.

Prep for Seneca Rocks, WV

About 1 week until Dick & I go climbing in Seneca, WV. I'm pretty excited about it, but I sure am bringing a lot of stuff. Dick talked about eating mostly soup. Maybe I shouldn't be worrying about what I'm eating right now - I've been trying to go low fat / low calories.

MSL notes

About the last trip, it was COLD! I had a 3/4 sleeping pad, but my feet were chilly. Plus, I had no pillow and was very uncomfortable. Also, from now on, I need to bring 3 T-shirts: one for hiking in, one to sleep in & hike out in, and one in the car for the trip home. I took my first real outdoors poop. Need to remember that there's no toilet seat! I didn't squat all the way, leaned against a rock, and pissed on my pants if you can believe that.

Food was okay. Not too hungry at night, but at lunch I was starved. I have Clif bars and an MRE. Bring more water, too.

MSL again

Up again w/ Eric. Due to late start, staying @ Middle Settlement lean-to instead of Middle Branch. Plus, unsure of existence of Middle Branch lean-to since it's on the map, but not in the book. All day tomorrow so will try to locate it. Eric's right shoulder hurts. My knee is so-so. Feet are great - love these sock liners.

MSL again

Hiked Middle Settlement Lake Loop w/ Eric. 5 hours not going to Grass Pond and Middle Branch Lake. Accidentally went counter-clockwise again!!! Junction is 4 minutes from Copper Lake Road, or 200 paces from stream. Tired.

Berlin Boulder in Berlin, Massachusetts

Berlin Boulder, Berlin Massachusetts.

• From Fort Devens, take Route 2 West
• Then 70 South
• Then 62 South
• Turn Left onto West Street just before train crossing (5-way intersection)
• Turn Right onto Randall (just before Train Stop restaurant)
• Turn Left onto Lancaster

Boulder is on the left side of the road just past "Northbrook Greenhouses" which is on Right. About 1/2 hour - 45 minute drive.

I set up an anchor for practice. I climbed all East & North face - hardest was 5.7. Left at 11:05am.

*** First Kayaking Trip ***

I went kayaking down the West Canada River at 6pm. It took almost 2 hours and it was a blast. I tipped over once and got right back up & in. I was in a sit-on-top. I must go again! When I dumped I didn't panic at all and the scenery was beautiful.

*** First Backpacking Event 3 of 3***

Woke up around 7:30am. Little or no sleep. Didn't eat too much. Tough hike on the way back - lots of hills. I'm home now. Showered. Fed. Nap time. Next time, less food, less clothing, more water. Long pants & shirt and face bug screen like Kurts. The bugs were the worst part of the trip.

*** First Backpack Event 2 of 3 ***

We went counterclockwise around the lake somehow. We found the outlook, but no lean-to. Pitched camp and filtered water for Kurt & I but Eric was unsure of the safety. Now it's starting to rain. Bugs are terrible so just heading back tomorrow rather than finishing the entire hike.