Another loaded walk

Rain is your friend.
At least that's what I told myself as I tramped up and down the hills of Middlesex Fells on a training hike, carrying 50lbs in my new Osprey Aether 85 (liter) backpack.
Rain cooled me down, rain made everything a vivid green, rain made the rocks wet and slippery giving an excuse to go slow and steady. Rain meant I could try out my new Seattle Sombrero from Outdoor Research.

Seven miles and 3 hours 45 minutes of Skyline Trail hike time, and a short drive later, beer and nachos were my new friends.

The pack stood up well, sat comfortably and can only improve when I get the belt custom heat-molded to my hip bones (if I can find them).

On the other hand, the hat looked slightly over the top, but in Alaska will probably go completely unnoticed.

Middlesex Fells a revelation of a reservation

OK, so no snow, elevation, mountain vistas or cold weather, but Middlesex Fells, only 20 minutes from home (excluding the time taken to find a parking spot among the dog brigade) is nothing short of delightful and proved a great place to try out my new Asolo Fugitive GTX boots.

The 7-mile long Skyline trail, cunningly marked with white blazes to simulate the Appalachian Trail, criss-crosses the parks other trails to such an extent that it is more a test of observation than stamina. Its craggy terrain, mix of mud and occasional steep section were a vast improvement on the silly-sloped test bed found in most outdoor stores. Pity it left its mark on the sole - guess I'll be keeping these boots, despite the relaxed fit.
Covering the 7 miles in a little under 3 hours under light to no-load conditions sets a useful benchmark for measuring fitness conditioning as we count down to the big trip.

Next up it will provide the perfect place to try out my new Osprey Aether pack, the one I currently covet for our Alaska back country trip. That is when I buy it.

Cardigan Lodge High Cabin

The high cabin is situated about 2 miles and 1200 feet above the much cozier Cardigan Lodge. Only two hours from Boston and with some brutal above tree line weather, great snowshoe trails makes this a great getaway destination.
We had an interesting weekend, as much for the personalities, as for the hiking activities which felt curtailed by some participants lacking the correct gear required for the trip above tree line.
Still, as this was billed as a workshop, much learning took place.
For example, carry firewood to replenish cabin supplies, even if only three logs, makes for a long slow climb. Oh, and there's only so much food (which I have to say was all very filling and tasty) that seven people can eat and carrying it both ways feels, well, excessive.

I used my Osprey Atmos 65 pack for the first time. I just love its suspension system, easy access and abundance of useful features all in a 3lb 12oz package for the tall version.

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