North Pack Monadnock - Hiking

North Pack Monadnock summit
Summit Shaka!

North Pack Monadnock (2,276ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Trails: Ted's, Cliff and Carolyn's
Distance: 5.6 miles roundrtrip

So much fun rock scrambling in the rain! Gray skies couldn't keep us away from hiking. Got together with 4 others of the Metrowest Retirees (or not yet) Ready For Adventure meetup group for a rainy day hike to the summit of North Pack Monadnock.  Great hiking company, peaceful woods, wildlife surprises and fantastic lookout views near the top more than made up for the challenge of the brutal mosquitoes. We hiked in the clockwise direction taking Ted's trail to the Cliff trail to the summit, then descended via Carolyn's trail. Enjoy some photos of our fun, rainy day hike!

This is my favorite photo of our group as we ascended. Although foggy, I really love the background. A marvelous hike! 

Fun rock scrambling in the rain

Waterfall at mile 1

So many gorgeous views from the lookouts! (3)

Quabbin Reservoir - Hiking

A mellow 5.5 mile hike through peaceful, beautiful woods and sights! Joined the Metrowest Retirees (or not yet) Ready for Adventure meetup group for a hike in the Ware, MA area. The Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, Wachusetts Reservoir and their contributing watersheds supply drinking water to many communities in the metro Boston area as well as the Chicopee Valley area. The reservation is accessible to the public via more than 50 marked gates from around the perimeter of the reservoir. Our hike took us from the Observation Tower, to the Enfield Lookout, and finally to Hank's Meadow. Enjoy some photos taken of our hike.

Quabbin Observation Tower

Views from the Tower

Along the trail

A fine specimen with hair and bones!

(Coyote scat)

Fiddleheads

Many water crossings

The view from Enfield Look Out

Read here about the underwater ghost town

Pano of Quabbin Reservoir

Reflections

Along the trail

Pinnacle Rock - Rock Climbing

Met up with Nicole to do some climbing in her backyard. We headed out to the Pinnacle Rock crag in the Central Valley of CT. This is the first time I've ever climbed on Traprock and it reminded me of Granite, but more smoother. One of the climbs we did (First Crack) was interesting. I climbed it trying to use as many hand and foot jams as I could, and I was able to get a few good hand and foot jams. One thing I learned while climbing that route - I actually felt more secure using of foot jams to get me through a couple of sections - so fun! Thanks for a great day Nicole! Enjoy a few photos of our day.

Pinnacle Rock in the background

Tadpoles in a puddle at the trailhead

First Crack (5.4)

From the top of Cracked Wall

Bumped into Matt Shove

Here he is leading Second Crack (5.7)

Also got to chat with Bob "Bob-O" Clark

Central Rock Gym - Climbing

Got to introduce several folks of the Metrowest Retirees (or not yet) Ready For Adventure meetup group to some indoor climbing. I organized a meetup at Central Rock Gym in Worcester, MA. and we had a good group to climb. The staff at CRG was fantastic with rental gear and overall gym orientation. It was evident that everyone had a great time. Not only did they learn to climb, but they also improved with every climb - they catch on fast! #borntoclimb #thestokeishigh

Crack Climbing - Instruction #3

Tired, sore and bruised

Sore and bruised finger knuckles - but happy to have a crack climbing lesson with Tino this morning! Worked on getting my thumbs rotated into my palms and then twisting my hand in the crack. Made for a solid hold but I have to remember to keep that all locked as I have a habit of loosening as I move up. As for my foot jam technique, I experienced only one good foot jam today. It was solid as I moved up and there was pressure on my foot but absolutely no pain. Learning on vertical cracks is definitely more challenging than learning on low-angle cracks. But I get so much out of learning to crack climb! It's difficult, but helps me focus and brings me great joy, especially the learning aspect. The rewards far outweigh the pain! 2i - Ice and Ibuprofen!

Women's Climbing Festival - Salt Pump Climbing Gym

Although I didn't get to stay for the film like I had originally planned to, I did get to take the Crack Climbing clinic. The class was limited to 6 and taught by Kaili Throp. I met some other badass women who love crack climbing! Other clinics included Anchor Building, Rappelling 101, Climbing Movement, Training Off The Wall, Intro to Climbing, Kids Intro to Bouldering, Anatomy of a Rope, Project & Route Building Facing the Fear of Falling on Lead, Injury Prevention and Yoga/climbing workshops.

Kraft Mountain Loop Trail - Desert Hiking

Kraft Mountain Loop Trail

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

Another perfect day for desert hiking! Today Ronnie and I hiked the 3.1 mile loop around Kraft Mountain. Although the parking lot was filling quickly, we managed to find parking at the Sandstone Road trailhead. We hiked counter-clockwise as the ascent is less gradual in that direction. There were many boulderers arriving and already many in the boulder area. Many hikers out with their dogs were enjoying the day as well. Enjoy some photos taken of our hike.

The start of our hike. We hiked counter-clockwise and started our hike (East) from the Sandstone Road trailhead. Left: Ronnie with the pink Kraft Mountain in the background. 

Entering the Kraft Boulders area

Entering the La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area

Along the trail

Beautiful formations

  

Along the trail
We came up the trail that leads to Turtlehead Peak

There were two, short, steep, sections that required rock scrambling (Class 2). For someone with two knees replaced with Titanium, Ronnie crushed these sections!

White Domes Trail - Desert Hiking

Slot Canyon of White Domes Trail
Valley Of Fire State Park, Nevada

The last hike Ronnie and I did at Valley Of Fire SP, was the White Domes trail. What a great trail this is. It's a 1.1 mile loop which is moderately trafficked and has many stunning views!! Like Mouse's Tank, the White Domes day use area has picnic tables and bathrooms. There are also several boulders for the kids to scramble upon.

Other Valley Of Fire SP hikes:

Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank

Rainbow Vista Trail

 From the trailhead at the parking lot, cross over a crest and admire the terrain below! Beautiful sandstone formations line the trail down to the desert floor with the White Domes on your far left.

At the desert floor you'll reach an open area. This 'amphitheater' is surrounded by formations. Also in this open area are the "fake ruins" (right) of a 1965 production The Professionals. Valley Of Fire SP is a popular filming location for commercials, films, TV shows and photo shoots.  

 The trail continues and immediately drops into the Kaolin Wash. The walk along the wash is short and you're immediately at the opening of the slot canyon. 

Entrance of Slot Canyon

As you step into the slot canyon the walls quickly become narrow. But the canyon is only 200 feet long. Stepping out of the slot canyon you are on the wash again. But the trail continues up to your right, between large sandstone formations. 

The well-marked trail winds its way between formations of yellow, pink and beige. 















Found a small arch

Pink, yellow and beige formations

Another arch

The trail curves to the right and you'll know when the trailhead is near. There are a couple of cement steps which leads you around the corner of a large formation, and up along the side of White Domes road to the picnic and parking area. This hike is short, but there are so many views, colors and formations in this short hike! Highly, highly recommend!