West Hill Dam with Koop

Mix it up with Trent

Trahan Family Backpacking Firsts

Central Mass Rail Trail

New Bike Day Round Monadnock

Got out of the woods. Again. This time with Astrid, Noelle and Stella as my adventurous companions….. and Jack 🐶 A milestone moment for this Dad and proud Mom. Their first backpacking experience and their first 4000er.

Astrid really put her faith and trust in me. I sure had my work cut out! We left nothing behind, well prepared and all the right gear, layers, sleeping bags, food and most importantly SNACKS! 71 pounds of gear, food and water total amongst us. Definitely prepared! 

….never had I taken a dog into the woods overnight. Jack herded us together all weekend. He did great with his new pack: carrying his food, snacks and packing out his poppy 💩 bags 😂 

We had a weather window with seasonal temperatures no rain in the forecast. Sustained 20mph winds whipping up at 3am spiced up the challenge for them  and ME with wind chills dipping into the 30’s at 3800’.  Trekking pole tents flapping vigorously all night irregularly pitched on wooden tent platforms definitely helps there was no rain. We were VERY exposed! 

We woke up to a blazing glory of sunlight on our faces and almost cancelled out the morning wind chills. Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Oatmeal and Warm Granola filled our bellies. 

All together we made the push for Mt Jackson and they were certainly surprised by the rock scrambles and steep sections. We made it and welcomed by those favorite familiar Canadian Jays who entertained us all for more than an hour on the sunny summit. It was very special. 

The descent was challenging and fatigued spirits and tired legs made it slow going. We did not push them and encouraged the many breaks, making sure to eat and drink and most importantly move on. Some definitely defiant moments to challenge parental patience. They were tough and in the end….. we found our way.  

25 hours elapsed time from start to finish. They did fantastic and might actually let me take them out again next year. I’m already looking forward to it!!!!

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Mark Trahan

Trahan Family Backpacking Firsts

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West Hill Dam with Koop

Mix it up with Trent

Trahan Family Backpacking Firsts

Central Mass Rail Trail

New Bike Day Round Monadnock

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