Hike #163: The Perfect Birthday Hike

 

Mount Washington in the way back. 

Bailey and I have taken 22 birthday hikes over his lifetime. Yesterday's proved to be a stunner (or stunnah, as we say in Maine). Bailey hiked like a young mountain goat, and I felt strong throughout the 6-mile trek on Whitecap. We met two people on the way down, so we really did own the mountain once we summited. 

Friends chuckle at the number of times I've climbed Whitecap Mountain with Bailey (400 - 600 times?). Usually, I write until lunchtime and then hike for a few hours in the afternoon. It's tough for me to travel too far for a different hike, and like folks who go to the same church year in and year out, I'm happy with this old mountain trail. It's home.  

My phone did OK with the scenery, but I think I have to get an iPhone 12 with that fancy camera. Photography is important to me, so I'm starting to save my pennies...

Not a fast time for us. I enjoyed a leisurely hike and took 100+ pictures along the way.
Oh, I also dropped a bandana on the trail and had to backtrack to retrieve it. 

Blueberry bushes. 

I love cairns... so artistic. 

These paths make me think of the generations of hikers
who've trekked up this mountain. 

What I call the Andover Covered Bridge. 

It's a 20+ picture effort to get one good selfie. Witness below: 

This dog. 

During my selfie struggles this one just appeared! 

Sucking a bit of wind after the 3 central granite ledge climbs.  

Welcome to the World, Simon!

 

Michal, Simon, and Hanka

In 2004, I hosted a delightful young man from Slovakia named Michal Cicala. On October 7, he and his wife Hanka welcomed their first child, Simon! 

One of the gifts of hosting students for so many years is watching them find their places in the world and find their people. Michal has done just that with Hanka and Simon.  He's an architect... but most importantly a husband and a father and friend to many. 

During his time in America, Michal had many friends and participated in a host of activities, including  soccer and skiing. He loved to mountain bike, and I have a favorite picture of the two of us on a trek in the mountains of western Maine called the Mahoosucs (below is Michal during that fall mountain bike ride). 

Michal biking with me in the fall of 2004

All through the past 2 decades, Michal and I have kept in touch. He's visited Anne and Rob's home in Southern California. Even more remarkable is his mom and I have stayed in touch, too. A veterinarian, Jane is a dedicated writer and correspondent. It's so fun to have such a long-range friendship.   

Here are a couple of pictures of Michal from Maine with family members. 

Cousins Duncan and Ian with Michal. 

My niece Marion--now a practitioner of eastern medicine--
teaching Michal how to use these battle sticks (I forget the name!)

During his exchange, I took Michal to California with me to visit with Anne and Rob Kent's family I remember we went to a car show (Michal is wild about cars) and, of course, we went to the Southern California beaches.

Southern Californian beach during a visit with Anne and Rob and family.

I remember writing a response to Michal's English portfolio for Mr. McIassac's class (below). I had such fun reading and writing about his excellent work. 

Parent Letter (p 1 and 2) for Michal's English Portfolio

I also remember Michal asking me to write him a recommendation in 2006 (below). I enjoyed thinking back about his exchange year in America. 

And now, 17 years later, Michal is a husband, father, and a professional. What a life! 

Congratulations! 

 

  

Mystery Mountain with Anne & Joe

Anne & Joe nearing the summit of Mystery Mountain
Click on photos to enlarge. Computer screens provide best viewing. 

I introduced Rumford Point's Mystery Mountain to my dear friends, Anne and Joe. They busted up the mountain chit-chatting the entire way. Talk about fit! It's fun to share a new trail with friends, especially those friends who love the outdoors and new adventures. 

Anne trying out my hiking poles. 

Again, note the small cloud on the summit of Mount Washington

"No, Joe. I said put the hat on." 

Joe: "It keeps wanting to take MY picture!" 

The Androscoggin River

Mount Washington has one lone cloud on top. 

"Finally. My turn." 

Another mountain conquered. 

Think I got enough pictures of them? 

Hard charging! 

"Don't feel slighted, Joe. I have treats in my pocket." 

He is who he is that dog. 

"Is there anything better than sharing a hike with friends?"
Not hardly, Dear. ;-)  

Pictures from another Mystery Mountain hike

Rumford Point Church with Mystery Mountain Ledge
just above its steeple. 

                             

           

Azi's Birthday

Reading my inscription in Play On! On his Insta account, 

Azi wrote the following: 

Azi turned 16 years old today. Bailey and I organized a birthday surprise early this morning. We think Azi is the nicest young man. What a privilege to have him in our home. Happy Birthday, Azi! 

NorthFace sweatshirt. 

Bailey's letter to Azi... 

Birthday Dinner

Card and balloon from our neighbors, Connie and Ben.