The Moose: Trip Reports

It was an excellent day for the weather and the company - one of the largest assemblies in quite some time, with tMail, g-$, the Puppet Master, MadDog, NateG and myself. Blue skies and low wind warmed us in the bitter cold and helped with the slog up the Ravine road to the lodge.

Trip reports and links to photo galleries will be posted as they arrive (either in the comments or in an email to me).

The Puppet Master's Trip Report (Pics Here):

• Great day out! I think the pictures say most of what needs to be said...
  (See Picasa Pics from the PM)
  
• Mad Dog, Congrats on #43 and thanks for the gifts - including the hot chocolate on the trail! Next hike, we bring you a shaving kit!
• TMail (aka Elton), Hope you enjoyed the pack... I can be bought if you can't find one online!
• NateG, It's about time you dusted yourself off and got some exercise!
• G$, Hope the bloop emergency was nothing serious. Dr Amy says "if it's red in the bowl then don't panic, if the poo is very dark and tarry then be concerned."
• MuthaZ, Whiskey... need I say more?!

Mad Dog's Trip Report: The good, the not-so good, and the bad.

The Good:

• NateG's appearance and company. We need more of that.
• Planning and execution of the ascent by Project Management Office
• Hitting 42
• Seeing all the boys on the trail
• Poles from the TSHS (tmail's second hand shop). G-$$$ I think this guy is your most serious competition.
• The clear dark blue sky reminded me of WY.
• The views.

The Not-so Good:

• My gloves really bite it. I need to work on a better solution.
• My feet produced a lot of moisture that of course was trapped in the boot. As long as there was movement, it was fine. Just don't stop for too long.
• We never saw a drop of perspiration on Tmail. Research is now underway in the Italian provencial archives for any links of his clan to nomads and their transports -> camels.

The Bad:

• Truth on the Inbound travel to the rendezvous point - Mutha and I did not make the much anticipated visit to "the" village in Montreal. But at the outset - even after clear direction from Mutha, about not discussing bhuddism during the drive and eyes being peeled for Lincoln exit signs, yep...we managed to drive right past the exit. Apparently my leading the conversation on eastern decor and calming environments was too close to bhuddism. What was priceless was Mutha's expression when we discovered our error, and then the project manager's response from on our status report "You're serious?"
• Truth on the Outbound travel from the rendezvous point - uh, you wanna guess? Yep, we missed the on-ramp, drove right by it. I asbolutely love it, without even trying - it's just a barrel of fun. Even if I am laughing at myself...life is too short not to.

Mutha's Trip Report (Pics Here): I'm writing this after reading the PM's and MD's reports, so I'll just add to what they said rather than repeat how today was the most excellent day for so many reasons:

• The contrast between the blue sky and white snow was too stark to capture on digital cameras. The pics that we all posted are so dim compared to being out there in person - but that's always the case on these bright blue days.
• The snow was beautifully textured - perfect for snowshoeing: soft, yielding, grippy and cold.
• It was great seeing NateG on the trail again. One of the most noteworthy characteristics of this group is the interpersonal dynamics. There is an absolutely smooth fluidity that allows any and all to move in any groups and sub-groups. I'm amazed at the camaraderie.
• I'm okay with never going to Dunkin' Donuts again. The place sucks pretty bad.
• Just beautiful.

g-$$$'s Trip Report: Things I learned today....

• How to climb mountains without sweating or hydrating...just do as tmail does
• I always thought Rainbow Bob was the only guy who could pull off climbing a peak with a camera bigger than his backpack, but NateG's got game.
• Hot chocolate always tastes better when you aren't the one carrying the thermos to the summit
• Santa, although you didn't give me everything I wanted for Xmas, the Jan 10th delivery was a nice surprise...now I've been a good boy so can I am hereby adding Microspikes to my want list.
• Don't tell your wife or Sig Other that today's not going to be a big day out when you know MD and MZ are carpooling together
• Corollary to the above, under no circumstances allow MD and MZ to take point when traveling by car.
• If 8 people are on the trail ahead of you and they are all wearing snowshoes and you have them on your pack...you might want to put them on....courtesy of the almost to the summit duo from Boston
• Infected blisters suck.
• Another awesome day in the mountains...You guys rock!!! Until the Bad Boy or #43 whichever comes first!

tMail's Trip Report (Pics Here):

1. How this group refuses to put on boots in the cold...DD served nicely this time.
2. MD you need to visit the Art of Shaving store...and invest in a pre shaving oil. First shave with the grain then shave against. This will give you a baby smooth finish and keep it TIGHT.
3. To the Boston dynamic duo you both remain a mystery to me maybe they were following one of us...if anyone I bet it was Mutha they were tracking.
4. NateG...One outfit, one small pack, one will to survive...a Project Managers Dream
5. MD lose the gloves join the Mittens Only Club...REI is having 50% off check them out online.
6. The PM Rental Shop no hassles with delivery or customer service highly recommended.
7. G$$$ Gannett Gannett Gannett!!!
8. MD thanks for the trail treats I stole PMs bag of expresso beans and ate them then proceeded to eat mine...my HR was higher than the turkey that got plowed by the Green Mountain Durango...
9. MD when are you next available for 43?
10. Thanks for an awesome day great company and I look forward to the next adventure!!!