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We've embarked on a number of big projects around our house in the past year, which have involved a number of contractors, carpenters, painters, and other workers, and it's all led me to some conclusions about people who work in these fields. For instance, there seem to be some unwritten rules they follow - like these:
1. No matter how many empty parking spaces there are in the driveway, your truck should always be parked directly behind my car so I cannot get in or out without asking someone to move.
2. Your truck should always be parked at an angle so as to take up at least 2 spaces.
3. If a ladder is put up to the roof, it should always be placed right in front of a bathroom window, making the room unusable for the duration of the project.
4. Never bother to ask whether there is an outdoor electrical outlet - just run your cord through the door so it has to always be opened enough for flies to enter.
5. Always leave drop cloths, ladders, power tools, or other equipment wherever you want and the homeowner can just work around them when you leave.
6. Don't bother letting the home owner know if you are not coming. Homeowners have nothing else in their lives other than waiting around for you to arrive. So if for some reason you can't show up, its no big deal.
7. If you aren't going to come back for two weeks don't bother mentioning it - just don't come! Who cares if a homeowner is anxiously waiting for this work to be completed?
8. Always make sure you are juggling at least 4 jobs at the same time so you are never on any one of them more than a couple hours a day, making a two day job last at least two weeks.
I'm sure there are more I could ad here if I gave it more thought. After putting on a new roof, having six rooms painted, renovating a bathroom, re-doing a deck, and installing solar panels, I've definitely seen some patterns...


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No products
$0.00 Tax
$0.00 Total
All Natural Handmade with dead sea salt, essential oils, and powdered botanicals No Animal Products - No Animal...More
Used for assistance in healing of the body and soul, relief of sore muscles, aids poor circulation, to wash away the energies of illness.
Used for clearing and purifying your energy fields, washing away energy that may have been picked up from others, breaking old patterns, releasing the past, and spiritual purification.
Used for attracting prosperity and wealth into your life, fullfilment of hopes and wishes, invigorating your own energy so that you are better able to create within your life.
Used for protection from haremful energies, preparation for entering difficult situations, warding off unhealthy intentions and bad luck
Used for waking up your personal power, building confidence, placing you back in touch with what you are passionate about, and waking up your senses.
Used for sharpening your mind, revitalizing enery, increasing memory and cognitive abilities, and dispersing depressive energies.
Used for aiding in communion with the divine, entering meditative states, waking up intuition, and welcoming in the helping spirits and guides.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
As a transportation company - finding appropriate software for a medium size company was an extremely difficult task. After months of searching I could not find what we needed in the price range we could afford. We decided to write our own applications - and started the search for an application development tool.
With little time to learn a new tool, limited developers and no requirements - this became a situation I had seen before. A recipe for a disastrous implementation.
When I found ParaSQL - I knew that we could put out a top notch application, quickly and within our budget. The learning curve was manageable, development and testing was quick, and we could work through requirements using a proto-type approach.
Users were amazed at how fast we got applications working.
ParaSQL support has been incredible - helped us get through the learning curve and always answered my emails and calls.
The updates always include some new feature, and we look forward to expanding our applications to include them.
As we move forward with our application and technology roll-outs we will start to integrate with other applications - like Electronic Driver Logs, ParaSQL will be part of our solutions.
Some of the key features we like when developing is the ability to link files together (parent - child relationships), creating buttons, drag and drop reports, free format screen layout, triggers, multiple development languages (Java, SQL...), testing, and lots more.
We have found the up-time and stability where it needs to be - backed by the Google infrastructure. We no longer have to think or purchasing hardware, networking or special software to build and maintain our applications.


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text:
The Friday Question
Brew day 5 for the week sees me finishing with a Summer Light Ale, thankfully. It's been unbearably hot in the brewery as you can imagine, so I'm very happy that the mash to be dug out later is minimal. I've also brewed a Bishop's Breakfast, two batches of Ironman Pale Ale and an Old Habit. Next week looks to be equally busy as I'll be brewing an Irish Red Ale, Strongman Pale Ale, 3 Lions, 3 Spires and Blonde Ale. Today I'll also be racking firkins of Golden Glory, a 5.5%abv wheat ale brewed with root ginger which will be going to Metropolitan, Frisco Grille, ChurchKey and Meridian Pint so look out for those. The remainder will be transferred to conditioning and will be carbonated next Tuesday and on tap at The Ale House on Wednesday.
By-the-way, new on cask @ The Ale House today is the Pagan Porter with vanilla beans. There's one firkin only so get it while you can. It's soft and smooth with wonderful hints of chocolate, coffee and, of course, vanilla. I am in love with this beer!
O.K., onto the Friday Question. Last week I asked how much Jacob (my baby boy) would weigh as of his doctors appointment on Wednesday. The prize is a growler of Jacob's Summer Celebration (released in a couple of weeks), a bottle of '08 Fuller's Vintage Ale and a bottle of '08 Stone Double Bastard …. a nice little haul, I'm sure you'll agree. The little man turned out to be 9lb 14oz (and 22 inches long by-the-way) which makes Brandon the winner, congratulations sir. This week I'll be giving away 2 more bottles from our stash, Bell's Batch 9000 and Three Floyds Black Sun Stout as well as a growler of our Golden Glory.
The question is this …. as I mentioned in previous posts, the Golden Glory, released next Wednesday, is brewed with root ginger (which is chopped and suspended in the boiling wort) … what you need to know is how much ginger is used in a 7 barrel brew? As usual, please submit your answer via the comment option below. Good luck…. sort of…. I'll be honest with you here, I hope that nobody gets close because I really want to drink that Three Floyds Stout!


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- Wool Frolic Sept. 16 at Landis Valley
- Bluetrain will kick off shindig season
- AJ's pop up mini golf fundraiser returns
- Another round! Ephrata Brewfest back for second year
- This summer, at the movies…
- Easter Egg Hunt List
- Irish dance showcase at Warwick High School
- Roots and Blues 2017
- Reel Reviews: 2017 Oscar picks
2013-2014 Girl's Basketball Preview
Mike Garman, head coach of the Ephrata varsity girls' basket- ball team, will have a whole new approach to the upcoming season. The 2013-2014 season will be a rebuilding year for the team.
After losing six seniors, three key starters, and a key junior returning after a knee injury, the returning players are prepared to work hard.
Last year the girls knew they had t o work hard to accomplish their goal of winning the section. But after having seven girls playing together for a few years they knew they had something special.
The summer before their season two very important players were taken down by serious knee injuries (Hannah Raezer and Joelisa Harvest).
The team knew that they would have to work extra hard after the injuries, but they were ready t o take on that challenge. "Seeing our teammates hurt just made us want to play harder for them," said graduate Sarah Haddon. Their skill level was still higher than the average high school team.
The team never failed to give it their all during every game, and their hard work paid off when they beat Cocalico in the section game, bringing them to their goal of winning the section title.
This year winning will not come as easy, but the team has accepted that challenge, and has been working extra hard to prepare. The girls do a full body workout three days a week, and practice their basketball skills three days a week also. "Working hard six days a week in the off season is what will make it all fall together in the games," sad junior Hannah Raezer.
The team has no intentions of letting their disadvantages hinder their season. Mike Garman has been coaching for a total of twenty-nine years, and he said that "no two years have ever been the same."
While the basketball fans are focusing on the returning teams, Ephrata will work to the top. "Being the underdog doesn't bother me at all," he said.
Garman's expectations of the season are to be competitive, work hard in every game, have a good attitude, and to always put themselves in a position to win each and every game.
Change is occurring at the middle school level as well. Ninth grade head coach, Michelle Sola, has stepped down to let her former player s, Jan Woolly and Alysia Goodman, take over the team.
Alysia is currently attending Eastern University to obtain her degree in Youth Ministry. She is currently working as the Ephrata School District's coordinator for TNT youth ministries. "The reason I chose to coach was to be a part of a program that builds not only strong basketball players but also builds strong character as well," she said.
Jan recently graduated from McDaniel College in West Minister, Maryland where she played collegiate soccer for four years. "I expect a great season from the ninth grade team since there is a lot of talent coming up," she said.
Both are former players of Garman who know first-hand what their former mentor expects from students at the high school level. "It doesn't matter how good the five individuals are that you put on the court. If they don't work together, they will never win," said Garman.
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|Lock One Community Arts is deeply grateful for both the participation and financial support of our sponsors. A large part of our success is due to that support and encouragement. All sponsor donations are tax deductible. Below are listed the individual donor levels and the type of recognition that comes with each level.
Sponsor Levels
Bowman Level – donations up to $99. (names listed in the program)
Steersman Level – donations of $100.- $199. (names listed in the program)
Captain Level – donations up to $200.-$499. (names listed in the program)
Lock Master Level – donations up to $500.-$999. (two complimentary season tickets & names listed in the program)
Canal Commissioner Level – donations of $1000. and above (two complimentary season tickets, sign used for advertisement & names listed in the program)
|If you are interested in donating please contact or send your donation in a sealed envelope to:
Lock One Community Arts
P.O. Box 21
New Bremen, Ohio 45869
Many Thanks go out to these generous sponsors:
Canal Commissioner-above $1000
CROWN Equipment, Inc.
Dianne Komminsk
Machine Concepts, Inc.
New Bremen Foundation
Lock Master – from $500-$999
American Budget
Baumer Construction, Inc.
Cutaway Styling Salon, Barb Topp
Sandy Dieringer
Edward Jones, Travis Elsass
Elmwood Assisted Living, New Bremen
Family Audiology Associated Inc.,
Sponsorship & Endowment Fund


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text:
Day Trip Report: 30 July 2017
Sun finally. It had been rainy & cold for several days. So large group of people were ready for a nice bicycle tour. Some 30 of them were at the station when I arrived on the train with a few others.
I took Fitchburg line of MBTA Commuter Rail, leaving Concord at 9:15 arriving Ayer at 9:38. It was on time.
After a brief safety talk with the group, we split into different paces, & got on the trail for a short distance to Groton. We stopped to supply food for picnic at the park two hours later. First choice was Bliss Bakery:
Location: 42.606868°N, 71.569171°W
There is also a Natural Market & Salt & Light Café.
West of Groton, routes 225 & 2A were somewhat busy with cars for about 12km, but had wide shoulders. Then we switched to small quiet roads for the remainder of the tour.
A couple on a tandem with toddler in tow started with us at the train station, with intent of round trip to Pearl Hill pond. By the time I arrived, they were already there & their son already playing in the water.
Of course I also jumped in:
Location: 42.656901°N, 71.758013°W
We rested & ate snacks at the picnic table. There was also a water fountain to fill bottles.
Very few stops were available until Hollis, unless we needed a break from rolling hills.
On the other side of town was Lull Farm:
Location: 42.743928°N, 71.577950°W
Local peach, watermelon, yogurt, & milk were available:
Large section for bread & pastries:
Soon after the farm, we entered the Nashua River Trail from its northern terminus all the way to the southern terminus in Ayer.
A few short sections on the trail were rough from undergrowth of tree roots. Otherwise, very pleasant, in the shade, & many benches to rest on.
Shops in Groton were closed by 15:30 on Sunday afternoon. Instead, we continued to Ayer train station & waited for the train at 16:05.
- Map from Garmin & Strava: download GPX, FIT, TCX, KML, & other file format for GPS track.
- Distance ➡ 92.26km
- Speed ⏩ 15.6km/h
- Duration 🔄 5h:55m:22s
- Ascent ⬆ 692m
- Descent ⬇ 696m
- Calories *⃣ 2,545
- Temperature 📶 23.3ºC
- Feature:
- Groton: start with Bliss Bakery. Other options nearby are Natural Market, Salt & Light Café, & Black Bird Café.
- Pearl Hill pond & state park. Camping available.
- Lull Farm: fresh fruit, bread, & milk.
- Nashua River Trail
- Variations
- Shorter loop: continue on train to Fitchburg station, navigate to meet the route near Pearl Hill State Park, continue on the same route to return by train from Ayer.
- Easy trail ride: stay on Nashua River Trail for the entire day. Start in Ayer, stop in Groton to supply with food, continue on the trail all the way to northern terminus, & then turn back. Total should be about 40km with little elevation gain.
Day Trip Report: 16 July 2017
I had recently learned about many bakery options in Providence, so I had to make a visit. In fact, I created several itineraries that include bakery visit in Providence. This was the first one I explored.
The route started from Charles/MGH subway station along Charles River:
Location: 42.359241°N, 71.073125°W
I was not sure how riding will be through busy city streets, between cars, & with little scenery. It turned out that Beacon street offered bicycle lanes & wide shoulders on long stretches:
Location: 42.339776°N, 71.132124°W
The scenery was pleasant to explore unique neighborhoods of Boston College, Newton, & Wellesley:
Location: 42.330222°N, 71.194672°W
Many of them reminded me of the route I ran just a few months earlier for Boston Marathon.
Eighty minutes later, I arrived The Common Café & Bakery just in time for rest & snack. Options included stacks of pancakes, fresh parfait, & thick French toast:
Location: 42.283253°N, 71.347380°W
I sat for a few minutes across the street in Natick Green before proceeding south onto some suburban & rural quiet roads. They were narrow, well paved, twisty, & fun to be on bicycle.
Location: 42.172255°N, 71.317437°W
In Dover Market, while not ready yet for another snack, Avelines hazelnut Swiss chocolate did not count. I had to try one:
Location: 42.244850°N, 71.282067°W
Deli, cheese shop, & other Swiss chocolates were available.
Popular bicycle destination was Blue Moon Bagel Café & bakery:
Location: 42.194050°N, 71.288680°W
I carried asiago & jalapeño bagels with me for the road to eat later in Franklin Green: rest, snack, & nap in gazebo:
Location: 42.089231°N, 71.401650°W
Along the way, I found the gift shop for Trappistine chocolate, made with love & prayers by Sisters of Mount Saint Mary's Abbey:
Location: 42.040658°N, 71.394180°W
The shop was closed on Sunday. However, through a small visitor center, there was a limited selection of chocolate boxes for purchase.
The route was about to get even better closer to Providence on the paved Blackstone River trail:
Location: 41.912450°N, 71.408630°W
The trail ends before arriving Providence, but there were plenty of signs to navigate through side streets. I made my way to Seven Stars bakery:
Selection was large. Bread choice was heard. But of course I got olive bread:
Location: 41.849555°N, 71.394880°W
Knead & PV donut shops were closed by then. I will have to visit them another time.
I got on the train at 16:56 to arrive Boston at 18:07.
- Route map & log from Garmin & Strava: download GPX, FIT, TCX, KML, & other file format for GPS track
- Distance ➡ 111.16km
- Speed ⏩ 15.3km/h
- Duration 🔄 7h:15m:54s
- Ascent ⬆ 807m
- Descent ⬇ 806m
- Calories *⃣ 3,315
- Temperature 📶 27.2ºC
- Food:
- The Common Café & Bakery: try pancakes & French toast.
- Dover Market: Swiss chocolate, cheese, deli, & produce.
- Blue Moon Bagel Café: large variety of bagels & pastries. Try the asiago & jalapeño.
- Mount Saint Mary's Abbey: Trappistine chocolate.
- Places:
- Natick Green & gazebo.
- Franklin Green: rest, snack, & nap in gazebo.
- Blackstone River trail.
- Seven Stars bakery: olive bread.
- Variations:
- Start from Natick train station. Take Framingham/Worcester train from Boston at 8:40 to arrive at 9:20. Get breakfast at Bakery at the Common. Continue route as is, less 28km.
- Try the route in reverse! Take train in the morning from Boston to Providence & bicycle back to Boston along the same route.
Trip report 23–25 June 2017
Family-friendly bicycle tour of Cape Cod: bicycle path, farmers' market, salt water taffy, ice cream, bakeries, lighthouses, & many beaches to play at.
We met on Friday evening in Eastham hostel, set in a wooded area with common space, eating area, open play space, & small cabins. We spent the weekend visiting many attractions along the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) going out to Orleans farmers' market, Nickerson State Park, Coast Guard beach, Nauset lighthouse, PB Boulangerie bakery, Flax pond, & much more.
The route was mostly flat, with many services & food stops along the way to purchase meals & snacks.
Friday: Rock Harbor Beach
We arrived Friday afternoon to find our cabin, meet the group, & explore the area.
There was plenty of space for the kids to play frisbee, hang the hammocks, & chase each other.
Later we took a short bicycle ride to Rock Harbor beach.
Initially, we wanted to get dinner from the seafood shack near Rock Harbor beach. But they were running out of supplies when we arrived minutes before closing at 18:00. Instead, we spent time on the beach chasing crabs & getting feet wet:
Location: 41.800087°N, 70.008461°W
We traced our route back toward Orleans for dinner at Guapo's Tortilla Shack.
Our group had a mix of 8-bed & 4-bed cabins: bunk beds, limited electricity outlets to charge devices, outdoor showers. The main building had indoor showers, restrooms, kitchen, dining area, & wireless internet.
Saturday: Nickerson State Park
Weather forecast was for heavy rain in late morning. We opted to proceed with our bicycle plan regardless.
But first we had a healthy breakfast of cereal, juice, fruit, & blueberry pancakes.
The hostel is a short distance away from CCRT. Within 15 minutes, we arrived Orleans to shop for bread at farmers' market & bagels at Jo Mama's.
Location: 41.787172°N, 69.994133°W
Then we proceeded to Nickerson State Park to find shelter from the expected rain. Once there, the group decided to continue on bicycle, rain or shine.
One group decided to take the park roller coaster trail with many quick hills & some dirt tracks:
Location: 41.77327°N, 70.02903°W
Another group continue on the main CCRT.
This was when the rain started coming down. Heavily. We got soaked. No matter. We had a blast on the park trail, with the thrill of steep short hills followed by quick descents. The dirt trail was plenty fun, difficult at times, just what the kids asked for!
In the afternoon, the sun came out warm & bright to dry all the wet gear we had:
Location: 41.802355°N, 69.990451°W
Back at the hostel, we had a choice of indoor or outdoor shower before hearty dinner that we ordered from The Corner Store:
Location: 41.786767°N, 69.990020°W
They offered whoopie pies in triple chocolate, peanut butter, red velvet, strawberry, coconut, & classic.
No. Whoopie pies were not our dinner! We ordered burritos & salads.
Sunday: Coast Guard Beach
We had an amazing plan to visit the best bakery & the best beach on Cape Cod.
We started for a short distance on the CCRT before turning right to join Nauset trail for a winding ride through forest & marsh area:
Location: 41.843761°N, 69.950867°W
The trail ended at Coast Guard beach. There were changing rooms, restrooms, showers, & endless sand for the kids to play on.
We had an extended stop there resting & body surfing on the waves. Then everyone was ready for lunch.
We returned to CCRT by way of Nauset lighthouse & The Three Sisters:
Location: 41.858847°N, 69.957283°W
We continued to the northern terminus of the trail to visit PB Boulangerie for chocolate almond croissant, bread, & soup:
Location: 41.916820°N, 69.989288°W
|Friday 23 June 2017
|Eastham hostel: stayed here for the weekend, both nights.
Dinner at Guapo's Tortilla Shack
|Saturday 9:06
|Sunday 9:30
|PB Boulangeire
Packing List
Small portable games to share: rackets, frisbee, cards, ball, puzzles, kite, Sequence, Sorry, SET, & others.
Extra towels, sun screen, goggles, & change of clothes.
- Bicycle in good mechanical condition
- Helmet (include label inside helmet with emergency contacts)
- Two bicycle water bottles or water bladder
- Pump, spare tube & patch kit
- Tire levers & tool kit
- Lock to leave the bicycle near beach or restaurant.
Bicycle Bag
The most comfortable option for carrying gear, clothes, & food is inside panniers mounted on a bicycle rack. These relieve back pain & keep better balance.
Otherwise, small backpack with such gear, ideally with a waist strap to keep it steady.
A bunk with mattress, sheets, pillow, pillow case, & blankets are provided. Cabins are not heated. Bring extra sweater, jacket, or sleeping sack. Personal linens & sleeping bags are not permitted.
Bathrooms are outside the cabins, in the main building. Bring headlight to walk out at night.
- Rain gear
- Casual clothing, vest, jacket, sweater
- Warm clothing
- Lunch food, snacks, & money to purchase
- Navigation tools: GPS device & phone with navigation apps
The following is a long list of items to bring. Use it as a reminder of additional items that can make your trip and rides more comfortable.
- Bicycle Clothing
- Vest
- Socks
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Bicycle Gear
- Nuun hydration tablets
- Rear-view mirror
- Chamois cream
- Tail light
- Front light
- Pannier, handlebar bag, or backpack
- Casual Clothing
- Shoes, sandals, or flip flops
- Slacks
- T-shirt
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Jacket
- Swim suite, goggles, & towel
- Accessories
- Toothbrush
- Lip balm
- Toothpaste
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Contact lens solution & case
- Glasses
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Mobile phone & charger
- Deodorant
- Comb (or light hat for the evening)
- Sunscreen
- Camera & battery charger
- GPS, power charger, bicycle mount
WiFi was available at the hostel.
Mobile phone reception was available throughout the entire trip.
Phone Navigation
Used MAPS.ME app for phone navigation. Prepare these steps ahead of the trip when you have internet connection.
- Install MAPS.ME app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Open the app
- Open menu options from the three horizontal bars at the bottom right corner
- Select Download Maps
- In the subsequent menus, navigate to find the country & region to download maps for
- Download map for United Stats of America: Massachusetts: Barnstable
Social Network
We used Rudel app to share location of other participants on the trip.
Share your location anonymously in real time. No login, email, or phone number required.
The battery drains quickly when using this app. Watch it closely, use it when needed, & carry extra battery with you.
This is one of several trips we have made to Cape Cod, with different ideas, itineraries, destinations, & duration.
Trip Report: 27–29 May 2017
The triangle between Northampton, Brattleboro, & Keene towns is an obvious bicycle tour destination.
Location: 42.568797°N, 72.591325°W
All three offer small walking street, bicycles trails, art shops, ice cream parlors, & hearty meals in co-op markets. We even got the chance to watch the new release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales.
A bakery had to be near the start point. A location close to both Boston & New York helped for the group coming from both.
We met Saturday morning in the parking lot on Hampton Avenue. We only had to pay $2.50 for Saturday while Sunday & Monday were free due to holiday. Sylvester's breakfast café & bakery were near by for bread & granola:
Location: 42.318387°N, 72.628137°W
A bikeway leads out of town to small roads along the Connecticut river, passing by Mount Sugarloaf. Some decided to bicycle up to the summit on a very steep road that was well worth it:
Location: 42.469903°N, 72.592147°W
Closer to Greenfield, we got on long stretches of trails with direct view of the river, where the kids had more opportunity to ride next to each other & chat:
Location: 42.598338°N, 72.568267°W
In Turner Falls was our extended lunch break at 2nd Street Bakery of soup & cranberry walnut braid bread:
Location: 42.606280°N, 72.555612°W
Of course followed by Country Creemee ice cream:
Location: 42.608833°N, 72.556345°W
Then we got to see the falls on the way out of town:
Location: 42.610717°N, 72.553353°W
We still had about half way left on pleasant roads on small rolling hills, except a big one when leaving Turner Falls. No specific stops on this part of the day other than occasional. snack stops by the side of the road.
Until Brattleboro. We checked into Latchis Hotel & Theater. The best part of dinner was a slide of fresh bread & maple Greek yogurt from the Co-op:
Location: 42.850730°N, 72.557838°W
It was tempting to watch a movie at the theater. But we saved that for next day in Keene when we would have more time.
We had two route options open to group preference. Both started out of town, crossing the border from Vermont to New Hampshire:
Location: 42.884925°N, 72.555795°W
Then traveled along the Connecticut river north, before splitting.
Most of the group decided to go with the shorter route briefly along route NH-12 before taking the Cheshire Rail Trail. It was rough initially with rocks & roots. But they had to keep moving away from bugs. Later, the trail was smoother as it got closer to town. They took advantage of a stop at Yolo Frozen Yogurt & swim in hotel pool.
Meanwhile, I continued with two others north back in Vermont for big lunch at Miss Bellows Falls diner.
With full stomach, next was a hill. A big long hill with steep sections between colorful neighborhood:
Location: 43.082356°N, 72.351050°W
It was a very sweet descent & fast ride to reach Surry Mountain beach for a dip in cold water:
Location: 43.004029°N, 72.317487°W
In Keene, it was time for dinner, movie (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales), & von Trapp Bock Bier (A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont):
This last day was about covered bridges. It was also the longest with rain in forecast late morning.
Just outside of Keene, we arrived at Cresson covered bridge:
Location: 42.88624°N, 72.286638°W
Thompson covered bridge circa 1832:
Location: 42.871925°N, 72.327675°W
Slate covered bridge 2001:
Location: 42.847477°N, 72.340352°W
Coombs covered bridge 1837:
Location: 42.837912°N, 72.360912°W
With bonus sight later of French King bridge:
Location: 42.59585°N, 72.49593°W
We caught two Memorial Day parades: the first one in Winchester, NH:
Location: 42.773255°N, 72.383559°W
The second was in Northfield, MA.
Drops of rain started to come down. It was an opportunity while watching the parade to wear our rain gear.
Wet & cold, we pressed on to reach The Lady Killigrew Café & Pub for lunch:
Location: 42.537955°N, 72.537317°W
We stayed there for two and a half hours to dry, warm, eat, & wait for rain to subside.
But we only had a third of the way to go, ever so slightly downhill with the river, & a long section on Norwottuck trail between Amherst & Northampton.
We arrive in good time before 17:00 to eat a snack & return home.
|Saturday 27 May 2017 10:49
|Sunday 9:25
|Monday 8:02
Trip Prospectus: 1–18 November 2018
Along the white beaches of the Indian Ocean, through evergreen forests and the desolate Karoo, through the wild solitude of the Swartberg Mountains, in the Wine lands of the Cape and further to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world. Mountain passes, solitary gorges, breathtaking coastline—all on very good, European standard roads. From November to March is the South African summer, which means, cycling with lots of sun in warm temperatures in the Cape Province.
Dual Ride Options
We will offer two ride options daily:
- Moderate: effort will be 50% of normal, given the pedal-assist electronic bicycle. This group will cover about 65km (40mi) during the day with about 600m (2,000ft) elevation gain, at average moving speed of 15–22km/h (10–14mph). Some days may have shorter distance & higher elevation. Other days may be the opposite.
- Advanced: compared with the moderate, this group will go longer (100km average, higher (1,000m average), and faster (20–30km/h average).
Both groups will not drop anyone behind. We will frequently regroup. We will have backup plans to cut the day short when we must.
At a minimum everyone on the trip must be able to join the moderate rides daily.
We will offer two bicycle options:
- Electric pedal-assist bicycles: default bicycles, unless you want a regular bicycle, then you need to speak with the leaders.
- Put 50% of the effort or cover double the distance.
- These are not "motor-bicycles". They do not drive on their own. They simply assist you as you pedal. You still have to put the effort & retain full control of the bicycle.
- The electric motor does not assist when speed is higher than 25km/h (16mph).
- This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the full experience for the trip, joining the advanced rides, with less fitness requirement.
- Road performance bicycles: you get a road bicycle with carbon frame & Shimano 105 compact group.
Vehicle Support
Our accompanying vehicle transports your luggage, water, & snacks. It also transports participants & bicycles based on route itinerary. There will be times when we have either a remote start or stop. That will require transfer from or to our lodging destination.
All participants are expected to be self-sufficient while on the road with extra food, bicycle repair equipment, tubes, clothing layers, etc.
We overnight in selected guesthouses, lodges and small hotels in a personal & relaxed atmosphere.
Facilities range from ★★ to ★★★★, depending on the area we are staying in. Such information is indicated in itinerary where available.
All rooms are double occupancy.
All distance & elevation information are approximate based on representative maps.
The leaders reserve the right to change the itinerary for reasons such as weather, road conditions, availability of accommodations, group preference, etc.
|Thursday 1 November 2018: depart the US on evening flight
|This departure date is highly dependent on flight route. Depart on Thursday for low cost flights over two days.
|Friday 2 November
|For US departure on Thursday, arrive in Europe for connecting flight, with extended full day stay to tour the city & relax from travel.
Another option is to depart US on Friday on more expensive flight with quick connection in Europe.
|Saturday 3 November: arrive Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
|Relax, adjust, & recover from flight
|Sunday 4 November: Transfer in group shuttle to Addo Elephant National Park. Game drive in the National Park. Lodge ★★★★
|Relax, swim in the pool, & check the bicycles. Take a game drive in the open jeep in Addo Elephant National Park. Apart from the elephants there are also, amongst others, zebra, lions, buffalo, ostrich, tortoise, warthogs and bontebok. Transfer to Humansdorp on the Garden Route.
|Monday 5 November: Cycle Humansdorp–Tsitsikamma. Stay at a charming lodge ★★★
|Along the old Cape road our first afternoon ride takes us along the boundary of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range.
|Tuesday 6 November: Cycle Tsitsikamma National Park–Plettenberg Bay. Transfer to Knysna to a comfortable lodge ★★★★. Knysna is famous for its 'Heads', two steep, towering cliffs, which mark the entrance to Knysna Lagoon
|Our second ride takes us into the Tsitsikamma National Park. Visit the Storms River Bridge. Once on the coastal plateau again, we are soon taken down into the deeply cut river valley of the Bloukrans and later through Nature's Valley. A break on one of South Africa's most beautiful beaches. Back to the plateau and towards the seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay.
|To Natures Valley:
|Wednesday 7 November: Cycle Groot Brakrivier – Oudtshoorn. We stay for two nights in a charming historic guesthouse ★★★★
|After a transfer to Groot Brakrivier our ride takes us over the Robinson Pass Pass (850m) with beautiful views back along the coastline. Within a few kilometers the landscape changes from the evergreen coast to the dry expanse of the Little Karoo. The host invites us to a traditional South African barbecue evening, called a Braai. Of course, ostrich steak cannot be missing!
|Ruiterbos to Oudtshoorn:
|Thursday 8 November: Cycle to Cango Caves and Ostrich Farm
|From the ostrich town of Oudtshoorn we cycle through Schoemanns Gorge to the well-known Cango Dripstone Caves. After the visit carry on to an Ostrich farm where you learn more about this curious bird.
Optional transfer to nearby De Rust & ride through beautiful Meiringspoort: ➡48km ⬆250m
|Friday 9 November: cycle Oudtshoorn–Calitzdorp–Ladismith. We stay overnight in a simple but clean guesthouse ★★
|We cycle on level ground to Calitzdorp, which is well-known for its port wine. After a lunch stop, we cycle up to the Huis River Pass (670m). Along the Swartberg Mountains we reach Ladismith, with the over 2,000m Towerkop towering over it.
|To Calitzdorp:
|Saturday 10 November: cycle Ladismith – Barrydale. Stay at the charming Karoo Hotel ★★★
|Through the grand expanse of the Little Karoo, full of unique succulent plants, we reach Barrydale a little hamlet on the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain.
|Sunday 11 November: cycle Barrydale–Montagu. The hot springs, for which Montagu is famous, are very close to our comfortable hotel ★★★★. A benefit for our tired cyclist muscles!
|Lots of indigenous Fynbos plants like protea and heath can be found. Following the Langeberg Mountains we climb on top of Op die Tradouw Pass (950m) before following the undulating route into wonderful Montagu, a wine town in the Cape Mountains.
|Barrydale to Montagu:
|Pretty Tradouw gorge across the Langeberg Mountains:
|Monday 12 November: rest day
|There are many leisure excursions to be considered, hiking in the Bloupont region, drive with a tractor and trailer on the 1,400m high Papageikop, golf in Robertson, wine tasting on a wine estate in the Breede river valley, Montagu museum, or simply relax by the pool.
|Tuesday 13 November: cycle Montagu–Bonnivale–Robertson. Stay in a beautiful guesthouse in the winemaking town of Robertson.
|Today we continue cycling through the charming Kogmanns Gorge after which the landscape opens up. We ride through the Bree River Valley with vineyards on either side of us to Bonnivale. Along the way we might stop at a winery and do another wine tasting.
|Different route in between and joins the Valley road at Bonnivale:
|Wednesday 14 November: cycle Robertson–Worcester–Wellington. Stay in comfortable cottages on a lovely wine estate.
|In front of the impressive backdrop of the over 2,000m Hex River Mountains we cycle through the Bree River Valley to Worcester. We pass wine estates before entering the idyllic Bainskloof Gorge and ride up onto Bainskloof Pass (600m). Along the way there is a chance to swim in one of many natural river pools. After a long downward ride, with wonderful views over the Cape Vineyards, we reach the winemaking town of Wellington.
|Start riding from Worcester to Wellington:
|Thursday 15 November: cycle Kleinmond–Gordons Bay. We will stay in a ★★★★ hotel not far from the sea and waterfront. The seafood cuisine in Cape Town is outstanding with lobster being their specialty and also affordable.
|A short transfer takes you to Stellenbosch, the second oldest settlement in the country with lots of nice homes build in the unique Cape-Dutch style. We do a guided walk pointing out the most interesting ones. We start riding from nearby Kleinmond and cycle together along the beautiful False Bay coast line to Gordon's Bay. With a bit of luck we can spot some Southern Right Whales in the bay whilst riding! A short transfer brings us to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful situated cities in the world.
|Friday 16 November: cycle around Cape of Good Hope
|Transfer to Simonstown where we visit a penguin colony. Start of the awesome ride around the Cape of Good Hope. In the National Park we might find Eland and Bontebok antelope as well as Baboon and Cape Zebra. On the Western side of the Cape Peninsula we cycle along the Atlantic Ocean back to Cape Town. The coastal road over Chapman's Peak and Hout Bay are truly one of the most breathtaking stretches in South Africa. It is not by chance that the popular annual Cape Town Cycle Tour, with over 35,000 participants from all over the world, takes place here.
|Start at Cape of Good Hope & ride all the way back to Cape Town:
|Saturday 17 November: Transfer to Cape Town Airport. Return to US
|Before the airport transfer and depending on your flight departure time, you may have time to do the following, go up Table Mountain and enjoy the amazing views over the town (optional), or for example visit the prison cell on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held captive for the majority of his prison sentence (optional). This versatile tour ends with your transfer to Cape Town Airport
|Sunday 18 November: arrive US
You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas which are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time. If you do that, we guarantee that you will have a great time.
Experience & Risks
People wishing to participate in this trip must have previous group bicycle experience, at the intermediate level or higher. Several of the days are long and strenuous. You need to be prepared to commit yourself to keeping in shape between the time you sign up for the trip to the time you depart on it.
When you participate in this activity, you should be prepared both physically and mentally, and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not responsible for your safety—you are.
Nonetheless, it may happen on any trip that a leader decides that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant's being unable to perform one or more activities. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.
Prior to your being accepted as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. Please do not be offended by our questions.
Weather is likely to be temperate and sunny, although there is always a possibility of precipitation. That said, climate is unpredictable and can range from 30-80℉.
The final trip cost will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make and currency fluctuations. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases, will be passed back to you. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase.
Cost is US$3,999 per person shared occupancy. Deposit of US$1,000 is due with application. Balance of US$2,999 is due by 1 April 2018.
- Fifteen nights of lodging.
- Breakfast and dinner for the entire trip, starting with dinner on 3 November through breakfast on 17 November 2018.
- Van transport & support as a scheduled part of the itinerary.
- Emergency medical & evacuation insurance coverage.
Does not include:
- Airfare. The trip leaders will advise you as much as you need and will facilitate group travel. At this time, we estimate that the cost for a round trip ticket between the US East Coast and South Africa will be in the range of $1,500–$2,000.
- Lunches, beverages, & incidental expenses.
- Local transport between arrival airport & beginning of trip.
- Local transport between end of trip & departure airport.
- Insurance for travel delay, interruption, cancellation, or for baggage loss. If the possibility of such problems concerns you, individual travel insurance is suggested. The AMC has a recommended vendor whose material will be sent to you if your application is accepted.
We expect a group size of 16 people, including the 2 leaders. This trip is likely to fill quickly. If you are interested, you should apply as soon as possible. When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all those going on the trip.
To apply, you must download, complete, and submit the application documents which consist of:
- Application
- Deposit check
- Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form
- Confidential medical form
- Supplemental Medical Questionnaire (optional)
You will not be accepted and your check will not be deposited until the leaders have determined by telephone conversation with you that you and the trip are a good match. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until a spot is available, the applicant is accepted onto the trip, & they confirmed their continued interest.
Participant cancellation policy
Cancellation will not be allowed to raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders.
The minimum cancellation fee is $500 once the trip has been declared a go. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf, and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration & cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant.
Trip cancellation policy
In the unlikely event that the trip is cancelled, everything you have paid to AMC for this trip will be refunded in full.
Participants are responsible for their own airline tickets & other external expenses. Most airlines no longer give refunds for cancellations; instead, they issue coupons for a future trip with an administrative charge and an expiration date. Trip cancellation insurance is advised—policy information will be supplied to all participants.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a nonprofit basis. Leaders are not compensated except for their travel and administrative costs associated with the trip. A program fee is assessed toward AMC Adventure Travel program and administrative expenses.
Mike Barry
Mike has been biking since junior high and has been leading rides with the AMC since he moved here in the 1990s. He leads rides from evening rides to local day trips to regional weekends to week long tours in New England and in Tuscany and the Czech Republic for AMCs Adventure Travel Program.
Rami Haddad
Rami is an active AMC leader with Adventure Travel, Bicycle, Ski, & Family committees. He travelled throughout the Alps region on several trips for hiking, bicycle touring, sightseeing, Boston Marathon, & Ironman Switzerland. He has been on extended trekking & bicycle tours through the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountains, Japan, France, & Germany.
Required Packing List
- Passport. Tourist visa not required for US citizens. For other citizens, check with the embassy.
- Helmet (include label with emergency contacts)
- Water bottles or water bladder
- Bicycle shorts
- Rain gear
- Casual clothing when off the bicycle
- Warm clothing (it can get cool)
- Tire irons, wrench keys, chain tool, patch kit, & pump
Optional Packing List
The following is a long list of optional items to bring. Use it as a reminder of additional items that can make your trip and rides more comfortable.
- Bicycle Gear
- Tubes
- Helmet mirror
- Chamois cream
- Bicycle Clothing
- Shorts
- Jersey
- Arm & leg warmers
- Rain jacket
- Vest
- Socks
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Swim suit
- Toothbrush & paste
- Lip balm
- Razor & shaving cream
- Contact lens solution & case
- Glasses
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Mobile phone & charger
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Camera & battery charger
- GPS, power charger, & bicycle mount
- AA & AAA batteries
Event Report: 17 April 2017
How could I decline the opportunity to run the marathoners' marathon?
Way back in October 2016, I entered the lottery to join John Hancock team of 150. At number 74 on the wait list, I did not have any hope. It meant that 50% of those already on the team will have to drop for me to get the next spot.
With less than three months until Patriots' Day, on Friday 20 January 2017, I received a notice: "Congratulations! You have cleared the waitlist to receive a guaranteed invitational entry for the 2017 Boston Marathon!"
Never mind the very short notice to allow for proper training. I jumped right in. And so the difficult & painful training schedule started.
Training did pay off in the end, finishing the race within my target time in 3:59:07.
Adventure Cycling
I chose to raise funds for Adventure Cycling Association—not that I needed any excuse. There are always many ways to do that anytime. Please support their mission:
- While shopping at Amazon
- Donate to many of the active programs they are advocating for
Race Day
Boston is tough. Training started hard in the middle of winter. I trained in snow blizzards with ice pellets piercing through my eyes. I trained in the rain & slush completely soaked. And trained late at night, on week days, after work, in far below freezing temperatures with headlight.
Boston course is tough. It hammers the legs from the first step with a descent that busts the thighs to hills that strain the calves.
Yet, the race was a beautiful day to remember, achieved my target time, & showed Adventure Cycling some love.
Half way through the race, the official clock showed me 59 seconds behind my target time. Ahead me was the second half, four hills, & tired legs. Nevertheless, I pressed on with faster pace, gaining just a few second with every kilometer. The sound tunnel of spectators along the entire course gave me more energy. Then I saw the finish line, with 53 seconds to spare.
Midnight Bicycle Ride
While training for the flèche bicycle ride in 24 hours of all 6 New England states, I joined a midnight bicycle ride of the marathon course on the morning of 18 April 2016.
This has been an annual event, unofficial, while the course is still open for traffic.
Dubai Marathon
It has been more than five years since my last marathon in Dubai on 21 January 2011:
My goal was to finish in 4:00:00 hours. I finished in 3:58:24.
We were traveling around the world for most of that year. The marathon was an opportunity to stay active on the road.
Training Plan
I followed the training plan from Runner's World magazine July 2010 almost to the letter with pace, distance, & terrain.
There were only a handful of exceptions when on one early run I was injured so I walked most of the allocated distance, one full weekend when I was away on a ski trip, & a few days when I was ill in bed.
|Sunday 22 January 2017 16:36: easy
|I had just cleared the waitlist two days ago on Friday. It took me most of Saturday to digest the news, plan training, & get my gear in order.
This long run will turn out to be a very fast start, causing me much pain for several weeks. After much stretching & training, I recovered though.
|Tuesday 20:39: easy
|I normally run on trails with Salomon shoes. I started with this pair until I decided on a Salomon road running shoe.
Garmin Tempe sensor attached on shoe to record temperature during run.
|Wednesday 20:04: hills
|Neighborhood hill on a short loop that allowed me to repeat it several times, accumulating elevation throughout the run.
Later, this hill became part of every single run during training. Initially it was on hill training days only. But given how difficult the Boston marathon course is, I decided to include it regularly.
|Friday 20:28: marathon pace
|Saturday 20:36: easy
|Sunday 29 January 2017 8:26: long
|Wednesday 10:19: hills
|Thursday 15:52: easy
|Trail run in Missoula, MT, just head of my first meeting there as a board member for Adventure Cycling Association.
|Saturday 11:46: easy
|There were plenty of reasons to talk me into running on a treadmill, inside a gym warm room, instead of outside on snow in sub-freezing temperature. None of them was enough.
|Sunday 5 February 2017 12:04: long
|Pain. Not sure how, but I got injured badly on this run. True that I had been in pain since I started training. Today was different. Well into my run, at about 14km, I fell in pain. Not able to continue running. I walked the remaining 10km.
It was time to get serious about stretching & treatment.
|Tuesday 20:38: easy
|Garmin fēnix 5 was recently announced, but not available yet in market. Until then, the fēnix 3 had the most important job of keeping my pace.
|Wednesday 19:51: hills
|Getting recommendations for cinnamon, turmeric, Aleve, & others to help with knee pain.
|Friday 16:49: marathon pace 1.5km warm up at 6:15/km, 5.0km at 5:41/km, 1.5km cool down at 6:15/km
|Foam roller was definitely helping, not without screams.
|Sunday 12 February 2017 11:39: long
|Big storm, snow accumulating fast. I put traction on my running shoes. Completed hilly loop multiple times. This loop, with minor variations to it, was becoming my favorite on every run to combine hills, & allow flexibility to make minor adjustments to distance.
|Tuesday 7:53: easy
|In Toronto for training all week, just ahead of big ski trip. Very hard to find hills around town.
|Wednesday 22:00: hills
|After much map studies & people recommendations, this was the most hilly route I can find nearby.
|Wednesday 22 February 2017 19:55: tempo 2.5km warm up at 6:12/km, 8.00km at 5:17/km, 2.5km cool down at 6:12/km
|This came after a long break from running while I was away on a cross-country ski trip in Maine. I put plenty of distance there, but did not count it toward training.
For these regular night runs, or during the low visibility snow days, this reflective vest was essential.
|Friday 12:25: marathon pace 1.5km warm up at 6:12/km, 11.00km at 5:41/km, 1.5km cool down at 6:12/km
|Saturday 16:56: easy
|Middlesex Fells Reservation on my way to the airport.
|Sunday 26 February 14:24: long
|Fund raising for Adventure Cycling Association:
|Tuesday 20:56: easy
|Most unexpected gift from dear friends in Switzerland. Ovomaltine is chocolate fortified with vitamins & minerals, designed for endurance sports. This was exactly what I needed for the long marathon runs.
|Wednesday 20:15: Yasso 6✖800
|Daily stretching routine using this convenient strap:
|Friday 17:15: marathon pace warm up, 14km at 5:41/km, cool down
|Hammer Nutrition Tissue Rejuvenator for joint pain, Race Caps Supreme for electrolytes.
|Saturday 16:17: easy
|Sunday 5 March 2017 13:31: long
|Feeling comfortable with the food arrangement during run: small bottle with liquid chocolate & honey mix with supplement of energy bars or sweets.
|Tuesday 18:39: easy
|Thinking about summer: purchased swim tag for Reservoir & town pools.
|Wednesday 20:44: easy
|Toes bruised & blue, even though wearing toe socks. Switched to toe gel caps for rest of training:
|Friday 16:23: marathon pace warm up, 13km at 5:41/km, cool down
|Heartbreak Hill training, part of marathon course, the last of four consecutive hills.
After work, I took train to Wellesley, started running the course back toward Boston.
|Saturday 17:02: easy
|Incendo Hoody is very light wind breaker, with some water resistance, frequently used external layer.
|Sunday 12 March 2017 13:05: long
|Half way through training plan.
|Tuesday 12:19: easy
High wind, wet, cold. Running on thick snow like running in loose sand. Ran in track, steps marked trail on first loop, kept head down to avoid ice pellets in my eyes, followed steps loop after another.
|Wednesday 14:25: tempo, 3km warm up, 8km at 5:17min/km, 3km cool down
Snow from storm yesterday will remain for a while. Sidewalks & trails covered with ice & crusty snow. Meandered through small streets.
|Thursday 19:29: easy
Evening run, trying to avoid black ice on sidewalks & streets. Greek yogurt & chocolate Vermont Peanut Butter fuel.
|Saturday 15:27: easy
|Sunday 19 March 2017 12:47: long
|Slightly shorter from last Sunday in preparation for the longest run next Sunday.
|Tuesday 19:04: easy
|Wednesday 22:08: Yasso 8✖800
|Started run very late at night after long busy day. Track still covered in snow & ice. Instead, ran intervals on Minute Man path.
|Friday 15:56: easy
|REI dividend received, just when the Garmin fēnix 5 was available for pre-order.
|Saturday 14:30: easy
|Nervously preparing for longest run tomorrow, planning for food to carry.
|Sunday 26 March 2017 12:51: longest run of training plan
|Kept steady pace, felt good, nutrition was sufficient: Ovomaltine chocolate spread mixed with Honey Stinger gel packets.
|Wednesday 20:07: easy
|Skipped training on Tuesday, shifting training plan by one day, so that long run will be on Monday to match marathon day.
Upgraded my old Black Diamond Icon headlight to the latest model with 500 lumens to help on night runs.
|Thursday 14:05: tempo 3.25km warm up at 6:04/km, 6.50km fast at 5:11/km, 3.25km cool down at 6:04/km
|Spring is here: sunny warm weather:
|Saturday 13:22: easy
|Not funny April Fools' day joke for weather to turn into heavy wet snow all day:
|Sunday 15:49: easy
|Weather cleared again, trails still mostly wet in slush. Feet & shoes were soaked, although water proof socks helped:
|Monday 3 April 2017 16:59: long
|Fell sick. After an already tough week in changing weather, rain & caught up with me in Toronto. Arrived from run shivering cold. Stayed sick, rested without any training runs until end of week.
|Saturday 17:15: easy
|Slowly recovering. Luckily, I was tapering, so runs are getting easier.
|Sunday 13:53: easy
|Nice & warm.
|Monday 10 April 2017 20:19: long
|Feeling very close to weekend celebrations & marathon. Received ticket for Red Sox reception & game.
|Wednesday 22:24: tempo 2.50km warm up at 6:04/km, 3.00km fast at 5:17/km, 2.50km cool down at 6:04/km
|Friday 20:55: easy
|Picked up bib number & race packet, including a large poster of race runners.
|Sunday 12:40: easy
|Resting all weekend, preparing for race day with target time of 4:00:00.
|Monday 17 April 2017 11:21: race against target time
|Official finish time 3:59:07
Here are my most frequently used gear during training. They vary greatly based on weather.
- Chocolate: large variety of chocolates helped me along the way, from Switzerland, Canada, Norway, & of course Seattle
- Reflective vest: for night runs, or during the low visibility snow days
- Salomon running shoes
- Arc'teryx Incendo Hoody shell: light wind breaker, with some water resistance, frequently used external layer
- Waist pack: carry chocolate, hydration capsules, & phone
- Garmin fēnix 3 & later fēnix 5: keep close watch on pace, elevation, & distance
- Garmin Tempe temperature sensor
- Electrode gel for heart rate monitor strap on cold days when it is hard to break a sweat
- Black Diamond Icon headlight: 500 lumens on night runs
- Shower Pass waterproof socks on slushy & rainy days
- Assortment of winter clothing, mostly wool: hat, gloves, glove linters, tights, shirts, & hoodies
Trip Prospectus
3–18 March 2018
Trip #1807
Join leaders Sarah Keats and Rami Haddad on a 15-day adventure to remote southern Patagonia, land of superlatives—majestic pinnacle peaks, immense glaciers, fierce winds and exotic animals. Explore some of South America's finest national parks including the Los Glaciares National Park, home to some of the world's most stunning ice formations, and Torres del Paine National Park famous for its granite pillars, lakes and mountains.
Patagonia is the geographical region that lies at the southernmost tip of South America, lying in both Chile and Argentina. Patagonia has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding natural and scenic beauty. Spectacular treks will lead us to iconic massifs: Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Cuernos and Torres del Paine, and other dramatic sights. Join us on this exciting adventure to see jagged peaks, massive glaciers, icebergs, blue-green lakes and much more. A combination of day hikes, backpack with full-service backcountry refugios, and guided tours will provide us a unique opportunity to experience this rugged and beautiful area.
Accommodations & Meals
The accommodations provided on this trip are a mix of small hotels, hostels, & backcountry full-service huts (called refugios). Accommodations will be mixed gender in some of the hostels and refugios. All meals on the "W" backpack are included. Most breakfasts are included.
Itinerary Summary
|Meals Included
|Saturday 3 March 2018
|Leave US
|Sunday 4 March 2018
|Arrive El Calafate, Argentina, airport (FTE); transfer to local accommodation
|Monday 5 March 2018
|Visit Laguna Nimez bird sanctuary; explore the town
|Tuesday 6 March 2018
|Guided tour to Perito Moreno Glacier; travel to El Chaltén
|Wednesday 7 March 2018
|Day hike to Laguna Torre for views of Cerro Torre and massive glaciers
|Thursday 8 March 2018
|Day hike to Laguna de los Tres for excellent views of Mt Fitz Roy
|Friday 9 March 2018
|Guided Viedma glacier ice trekking
|Saturday 10 March 2018
|Private charter van excursion from El Chaltén to Puerto Natales
|Sunday 11 March 2018
|Tour to Milodon Caves in the morning, time to do laundry, repack
|Monday 12 March 2018
|Take the bus to Torres del Paine National Park where we will start the world-famous "W" trek; hike to refugio Grey and spend the night
|Breakfast & Dinner
|Tuesday 13 March 2018
|Hike to the mirador beyond Grey and Hike to Paine Grande lodge for the night
|Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
|Wednesday 14 March 2018
|Hike to Refugio Cuernos; optional side trip up the French Valley, weather permitting
|Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
|Thursday 15 March 2018
|Hike to Refugio Chileno along beautiful Lago Nordenskjöld for our last night in the Park
|Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
|Friday 16 March 2018
|Up early to hike to Mirador de Las Torres area, and return to Hosteria las Torres to meet our private transport to Puerto Natales
|Breakfast & lunch
|Saturday 17 March 2018
|Bus to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) for afternoon flights home
|Sunday 18 March 2018
|Arrive US
Air Transport
Please arrive at El Calafate, Argentina, airport code FTE, by late afternoon on Sunday 4 March 2018.
The trip ends at Punta Arenas, Chile, airport code PUQ, on the morning of Saturday 17 Mar 2018.
Your transportation to El Calafate, Argentina & back from Punta Arenas, Chile are your responsibility. They are not included in trip fee. You can use frequent flyer miles, a travel agent, an airline, or any discount wholesaler (Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Kayak, Excite, Priceline, etc). The leaders will try to assist you as needed.
Experience & Risks
Although the hiking will be at a moderate pace, this is not a trip for beginners or people who have not backpacked for several years. Several of the days are long (up to 15 miles) & strenuous. Be prepared for very high winds and the possibility rain. You should be in excellent physical condition at the time we depart. Since it will be winter in the US and late summer there, you need to be prepared to commit yourself to keeping in shape between the time you sign up for the trip and the time you depart. At six weeks prior to the trip you should consult your physician to see what, if any, vaccinations are recommended for travel to South America.
When you participate in this activity, you should be prepared both physically and mentally, and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not responsible for your safety—you are.
Nonetheless, it may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of group or individual safety. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant's being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.
Prior to your being accepted as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. Please do not be offended by our questions.
Weather is likely to be temperate & sunny, although there is always a possibility of some precipitation. That said, mountain climate is unpredictable and can range from 30–80ºF. Snow can fall in every month of the year.
Typical Participant
You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas that are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time. If you do that, we guarantee that you will have a great time. This trip is designed for experienced hikers. You must be able to hike for up to 8 hours a day, not counting breaks, at a moderate pace, with moderate elevation gains (not higher than 3,000 feet), while carrying enough equipment to keep you safe in the event of bad weather or injury.
To participate in this excursion, you must consider and agree to the following:
- Group dynamics: you must participate as part of a group and abide by the leader's decisions. You must work towards the group's having a good time, be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other participants on the trip. By doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
- Group safety: this is our number 1 priority.
Group Size
The trip is priced for 10 participants & 2 leaders. We fully expect that the trip will fill up as it has every time it has been offered. Apply early to avoid disappointment.
Itinerary Details
All distance & elevation information are approximate based on representative maps.
The leaders reserve the right to change the itinerary for reasons such as weather, trail conditions, availability of accommodations, group preference, etc.
|Saturday 3 March 2018
|Leave US (if coming direct). You may leave Friday evening to spend an extra night in El Calafate or en route in Buenos Aires.
|Sunday 4 March 2018
|It is likely that you will connect via Buenos Aires: allow plenty of time (4–5 hours) to transfer from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) to domestic Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). Arrive El Calafate and transfer to our local accommodation by taxi. The name & address of your hostel (shared two-bed rooms) in El Calafate will be provided. The town has many restaurants. There is a supermarket nearby to shop for lunches, trail snacks & fruits. We will have our first evening meal together with all participants on either the first or second night depending on when trip members arrive.
|Monday 5 March 2018
|Buffet breakfast in our hostel opens at 6:00. There is an interesting National Park in town and a wonderful bird sanctuary, Laguna Nimez, which we will visit. If your luggage or your flight are delayed, you can use today to catch up.
|Free exploration or catch-up day in El Calafate.
|Tuesday 6 March 2018
|Check out of the hostel. Travel to Perito Moreno glacier, passing Lago Argentino, accompanied by a local naturalist. We will continue travel by the same charter van to our hostel in El Chaltén with stops for breath-taking photography opportunities. Stay in the same hostel for 4 nights in shared twin bed rooms with breakfasts included.
|Inside the National Park, we will wander long and wide catwalks, arranged in three levels, to be dazzled by the spectacular views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, further enhanced every now and then by the calving, sometimes significant, of its front wall.
|Wednesday 7 March 2018
|Day hike in Los Glaciares to Laguna Torre, with magnificent views of the extraordinary rock spire of Cerro Torre and a sprawling mass of intersecting glaciers. We may take a side trip to Mirador Maestri for more views of Cerro Torre and Cordón Adela, a serrated ridge of snow-capped peaks between Cerro Grande and Cerro Torre.
|Distance ➡21km, elevation ⬆450m, book time 🔄6:00 hours, without the side trip.
|Thursday 8 March 2018
|Day hike to Campamento Poincenot & Laguna de los Tres, the lake at the foot of iconic Monte Fitz Roy. At Campamento Poincenot we will look directly up at the spires of the Fitz Roy massif. Rewarding views of Fitz Roy from Laguna de los Tres and its surroundings.
|➡22km, ⬆1,100m, 🔄8:00hr
|Friday 9 March 2018
|If the weather forecast is good in El Chaltén, we will take a guided Viedma Glacier ice trek adventure. Board a boat which takes about an hour to reach the glacier. The whole trip is about 6 hours. If the weather is not suitable for the boat ride, this day will be a free day for short hikes to nearby waterfalls and other attractions.
|After scrambling over some cliffs and being given a geological history of the glacier, you will put on provided crampons and venture out onto the glacier for about 2 hours to see some amazing features of the glacier.
|Saturday 10 March 2018
|Private charter van excursion and many magnificent viewpoints again along the way from El Chaltén in Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile, the jumping off place for the Torres del Paine trek.
|Sunday 11 March 2018
|Visit the historic Milodon caves outside of Natales. Milodons, giant, extinct prehistoric sloths used to roam this area. Who knows, we might see a puma! You will have time in the afternoon to repack and get ready for TdP. Our luggage not used in the 5-day "W" backpack will be stored at our hostel in Puerto Natales.
|The caves and surrounding trails are fascinating and picturesque.
|Monday 12 March 2018
|Take a public bus to Pudeto pier on Lake Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park. We will take a scenic catamaran ride at noon to Paine Grande Lodge and hike from there to Refugio Grey where we spend our first night.
|➡11km, ⬆350m, 🔄4:00hr
|Tuesday 13 March 2018
|Trek to viewpoints beyond Refugio Grey to take in views of the snout of Grey Glacier, the largest in Torres del Paine before we return to Paine Grande for our second night. Paine Grande is the largest refugio in the Park and sports a full bar and lots of lounging areas.
|➡14km, ⬆350m, 🔄6:00hr
|Wednesday 14 March 2018
|Trek from Paine Grande to Albergue los Cuernos. If the weather and Park conditions permit we will explore the remote French Valley from Campamento Italiano. The French Glacier clings to the mountain here and we may see and hear cascading avalanches of snow and ice as we hike up the opposite side of the valley. Trek back down the valley and continue on to the Albergue Los Cuernos. If we are able to do the French Valley, this is a full day's hiking with fantastic views of granite peaks as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Skottsburg, and Nordenskjöld. We spend the night at the beautiful Albergue Los Cuernos on the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld.
|➡25km, ⬆900m, 🔄9:00hr, including French Valley spur. Otherwise, ➡14km, ⬆300m, 🔄5:00hr
|Thursday 15 March 2018
|Some ups and downs and ups, hiking to the refugio Chileno, which lies at about 1300′. We continue trekking northeast along the tranquil shores of Lago Nordenskjöld and on to our hut. Get ready for an early start the next day!
|➡15km, ⬆750m
|Friday 16 March 2018
|Hike to the much photographed Torres del Paine lookout (Mirador). We can take just our day hiking gear with us and leave our overnight gear at the hut. We will pick up all our gear and hike down to Hosteria las Torres where we catch a private charter van back to Puerto Natales. We will have our farewell dinner here.
|Round trip to Torres del Paine: ➡10km, ⬆550m, 🔄4:00hr. Continue to Hosteria las Torres: ➡5km, ⬆75m, 🔄2:00hr.
|Saturday 17 March 2018
|The 9:00 bus to Punta Arenas, on the Straits of Magellan will drop us at the airport (PUQ) just before noon in time for afternoon flights home (or to your next destination). Most of us will probably fly home via Santiago, Chile from Punta Arenas.
Those wishing to visit Punta Arenas may stay on the bus and spend a day or two for a tour of a penguin sanctuary. There is easy transport back to PUQ airport from the city. This extension is not part of the AMC trip but the leaders are familiar with this option and will gladly advise you about it.
|Sunday 18 March 2018
|Arrive back in the US
The final trip cost will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make and currency fluctuations. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases, will be passed back to you. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase.
Cost of $3,450 include:
- All accommodations 4–17 March 2018
- All breakfasts from 5–17 March 2018
- All meals on the "W" backpack from dinner on Monday 12 March through Friday 16 March 2018
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Local ground transportation as part of trip itinerary, from 5 March through 17 March 2018
- Hut and backcountry permits
- Park admission fees
- Guided Viedma glacier tour, ice trek and boat ride
- Guides in Chalten and Torres del Paine
- Milodon Cave tour
- AMC Adventure Travel fee
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Not included in price of trip:
- Airfare
- Transportation to & from airports
- Airport departure taxes (usually included in your airfare)
- Dinners & lunches when not in Torres del Paine and not the farewell and welcome dinners, as listed in Summary Itinerary
- Alcohol
- Personal expenses
- Insurance for travel delay, interruption, cancellation, or for baggage loss. If the possibility of such problems concerns you, individual travel insurance is suggested. The AMC has a recommended vendor whose material will be sent to you if your application is accepted.
We expect a group size of 12 people, including the 2 leaders. This trip is likely to fill quickly. If you are interested, you should apply as soon as possible. When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all those going on the trip.
To apply, you must download, complete, and submit the application documents which consist of:
- Application with $1,000 initial deposit payment. Second payment of $1,000 is due 1 June 2017. Final balance of $1,450 is due 1 November 2017.
- Deposit check
- Confidential medical form
- Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release agreement
- Supplemental Medical Questionnaire (optional)
You will not be accepted and your check will not be deposited until the leaders have determined by telephone conversation with you that you and the trip are a good match. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until a spot is available, the applicant is accepted onto the trip, & they confirmed their continued interest.
Participant Cancellation Policy
Cancellation will not be allowed to raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders.
The minimum cancellation fee is $1,000 once the trip has been declared a go. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf, and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration & cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant.
Trip Cancellation Policy
In the unlikely event that the trip is cancelled, everything you have paid to AMC for this trip will be refunded in full.
Participants are responsible for their own airline tickets & other external expenses. Most airlines no longer give refunds for cancellations; instead, they issue coupons for a future trip with an administrative charge and an expiration date. Trip cancellation insurance is advised—policy information will be supplied to all participants.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a nonprofit basis. Leaders are not compensated except for their travel and administrative costs associated with the trip. A program fee is assessed toward AMC Adventure Travel program and administrative expenses.
Sarah Keats
Sarah Keats is currently one of the Co-Chairs of the Maine Chapter Young Members and she leads AMC Maine and New Hampshire Chapter trips. She has explored numerous beautiful places out West, including the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Tahoe, Central Cascades, Canyons and National Parks. Sarah has been hiking mountains over 4,000 feet since she was 12 years old, and has completed the Adirondack 46, New England Hundred Highest, Winter NH 48, and Northeast 111/115. She has been an August Camp hike leader in both Oregon and Washington for the past two years. For Adventure Travel, Sarah has co-led a cross-country skiing trip to Austria and a canoe trip on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. Sarah can be contacted at +1-207-245-2563 or .com.
Rami Haddad
Rami is an active AMC leader with Adventure Travel, Bicycle, Ski, & Family committees. He travelled throughout the Alps region on several trips for hiking, bicycle touring, sight seeing, & Ironman Switzerland. He has been on extended trekking & bicycle tours through the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountains, Japan, France, & Germany. Contact Rami at +1-857-288-8571 or .com.
Equipment List
The best exchange rates for Argentine and Chilean pesos are probably at ATMs in each country. In-country banks and money exchanges away from airports are probably next best. Traveler's checks are not recommended. There are no reliable ATMs in tiny El Chaltén.
Required & Essential Gear
- Passport, at least six months from expiration
- Backpack, at least 45–60 liters
- Waterproof pack liner or both a liner & a pack cover. A pack cover will not keep water out in very high wind, but can keep the outside of the pack dryer
- Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with extra shoelaces
- Sleeping bag 30–40°F for "W" trek
- Synthetic hiking clothing (tops & bottoms)
- Waterproof rain gear (tops & bottoms)
- Sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
- Long pants, wool or fleece
- Nalgene bottles/Camelback (at least 2 liters total capacity)
- Sun hat or bandanna
- Warm hat, neckband or balaclava
- Gloves/mittens
- Three pairs of hiking socks with liners
- Tevas, Crocs or other similar footwear (to wear around our lodging)
- Headlamp/flashlight with fresh batteries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal blister kit, first aid kit and personal medications
- High-energy trail snacks
- Whistle & knife (knife not in carry-on)
- Camp towel or light weight bath towel for backpack (yes, there are showers in the huts!)
Recommended & Optional Gear
- Small daypack/lumbar pack for sightseeing (or adaptation of full pack)
- Gaiters (for rain and debris)
- Hiking poles (not in carry-on), highly recommended for stream crossings, in rain and high winds
- Waterproof matches (not in carry-on)
- Casual clothing
- Camera and spare batteries/charger and voltage converter or adapter as required.


text: Jagat Singh Rathore has been a part of the thriving tourism industry in Rajasthan for the past 40 years. Born in Jodhpur, he has been bought up and still resides with his family in Jaipur. He has done a Masters in History and, hailing from the Rajput warrior clan, has vast resources of knowledge about the land of his forefathers, especially Jaipur.


text:
Nuclear energy was once thought to be the best idea since the invention of the wheel. Little did anyone the noxious side effects that come along with it. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster is the pivotal example of what a nuclear disaster entails. On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl power plant had a major meltdown. The explosion killed dozens of people immediately after, but it's the aftermath of the disaster that has scientists reeling. Some 30 years after, the death toll has gone up from a couple dozens to tens of thousands. But the efforts of three doughty men have been able to keep the death toll from reaching the millions.
About a week and half after the Chernobyl meltdown, there was a new threat that came to light, the threat of nuclear steam explosions. The water-cooling system at the plant failed, subsequently a pool formed under the extremely radioactive reactor. Since there was no cooling, it would have only been a matter of time before a lava-esque substance melted through the barriers which would drop the reactor's core into the pool. Had this happened, steam explosions would have been set off sending radiation into the atmosphere spreading across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Soviet physicist Vassili Nesterenko further explained the impending disaster. "Our experts studied the possibility and concluded that the explosion would have had a force of three to five megatons. Minsk, which is 320 kilometers from Chernobyl would have been razed and Europe rendered uninhabitable." Knowing what was at stake, three courageous plant workers agreed to a seemingly suicidal mission. They would dive under the plant to release the critical pressure valve, in order to save the world. Alexei Ananenko was one of the plant's engineers and was the only who know where the pressure valve was located. The men were told that they could refuse the inquiry, "How could I do that when I was the only person on the shift who knew where the valves were located?" Ananenko recalled.
Valeri Bezpalov, also an engineer, and Boris Baranov the shift supervisor were the two other men who entered this dangerous task with Ananenko. Fortunately, the three men were able to release the valve in enough time to avoid a complete catastrophe. Tragically, when the men resurfaced from under the reactor, all three of men had severe radiation poisoning. They all died within a few weeks of their world-saving mission. Like all the victims of the Chernobyl meltdown, they were buried in lead coffins. To think of what the word "hero" actually means, these three men would be in the definition. They knew outright their lives were in danger and they would very likely not make it out alive. And even if they did make it out alive, they would not have lived for very long. Selfless acts such as these, have allowed humanity to continue to thrive. But with all the irresponsible things humans are doing to the environment, it's a wonder if these three deaths have been taken completely in vain.


text:
Pain is surely one of the most unpleasant experiences that may affect any living creature. People can just use words to say when they are in pain, but things get much more complicated when it comes to animals.
First of all, pets are not able to express their pain with words and they cannot communicate directly to their owners and say what they feel. Secondly, pets usually hide their pain and may behave quite usual showing no signs of any ache. Animals hide their pain instinctively, as in the wild a sick or injured animal is quite vulnerable and they need to look strong to protect themselves from predators.
Causes of Pain
There are two common types of pain: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (ongoing). Acute pain is quite easy to identify and they include pains after surgical operations, blow-to-the-body traumas, inflammations from animal bite wounds or an abscessed tooth. Chronic pain is more difficult to identify. It can be caused by arthritis or cancer first of all, as well as some chronic wounds, chronic pancreatitis, long-term ear disease or some dental disease.
Signs of Pain
Our pets are not used to vocalize their pain, they don't cry or whine about what they really feel. But it doesn't mean that our cats and dogs don't suffer from pain at all. On the contrary, it is now well known that animals feel the pain nearly exactly the same way as humans do, even though they may not display any obvious sign of distress. Animals show their pain in certain actions and behaviors that may seem subtle to us. So you need to be something like "detectives" to determine whether or not your pet is in pain.
Below are some signs showing that your pet might be in pain:
- Lack or excessive grooming
- Heavy panting
- Abnormal chewing habits
- Loss of appetite
- Drastic weight gain or loss
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to move
- Hesitance to climb
- Limping
- Shyness or aggression
- Changes in eye brightness
- Licking, biting or hiding a particular area of body
- Not using the litter box
- Fleas and skin lesions
- Reduced social interactions with the family
- Hiding or seeking isolation
These signs can help reveal serious diseases that your cat or dog may have and start proper treatment in time. You should not forget about regular wellness exams that allow evaluating your pet's general health and discovering any health problems before they become serious illnesses. You are your pet's caregiver and guardian who knows his furry friend better than anyone else. So if you noticed some changes in your pet's behavior, do not ignore them because you can save your dog's or cat's life and relieve them from suffering. And by keeping our pets happy, we keep ourselves happy too.


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