Jdubs

If I have service, you will definitely get a text!

Wind, sun, t-storms...the ever changing forecast is predicting everything!

Ready for this? My Samsung 9+! It was taking better pics than my older Fuji so that cam went back into the pack and stayed there. I've been looking hard at a Sony 6400 and Fuji T-3 or T-30, but haven't decided which way to go yet. Also staring hard at a GoPro 7 Black to maybe take up to Katahdin. The Costas are awesome. I've been a long time Maui Jim guy, but just picked these up last month and love em.

I know a lot of you enjoyed watching me finish the ADK 46 last summer so it's about time that I posted pics from my recent hikes. Needless to say, it's been a busy summer! About a month ago, my friend Jenny joined me for a sunrise hike up to Rocky Peak Ridge and Giant. Zero parking issues along rt 73 when you're starting out at night! The hike up Giant is short (3 miles), but demanding (3000' elevation gain). However, the payoff is hiking along open ridges for much of the top half. You can't see much in the moonlight, but we enjoyed it on the way down. The trail to RPR drops down just before Giant's summit and it is a steep one! This is the toughest stretch of the hike. Once the trail finally leveled out, it was a pretty easy walk up to RPR's summit where we took in a gorgeous wrap-around view of the mountains waking up at sunrise. Two weeks ago I told my daughter, "Hey, I'm getting you up at 12:30 and taking you on a sunrise hike!" At first she thought I meant 12:30 PM! The forecast was for a clear night and perfectly sunny Saturday. But no! Fog began to fill my headlamp beam about half way up the mountain and would never clear off. While she enjoyed the hike (kinda, sort of), I don't think she'll be hounding me to go again soon. I'm proud if her for hiking her first 46er with me and bummed that she didn't get to experience the spectacular views from Cascade's summit. We stopped for chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate shakes on the way home. This might have been her favorite part of the whole day! Next up, I'm leaving Friday to tackle the most epic hike in the northeast: Mt. Katahdin and the Knife Edge! Should be an awesome trip!!

Ha! No rings.

Pics didn't save to my OP, but these are the kayaks we were in. Open platform versus the closed top. Is one design any better than the other?

Rented some kayaks with a friend of mine yesterday and we had a blast paddling around Saratoga Lake. So now I'm thinking about getting one (or two). However, there were also a LOT of women in bikinis on SUP's (stand up paddleboards)! For those in the know, which is the best way to go?

Is the Foam beer helping?

Once you go barrel-aged, you never go back!

Wicked thunderstorm beer!

'Energy Equals' pure DIPA goodness in my glass!

Looks like the wine barrels cut down the ABV pretty good compared to the bourbon barrels. Which did you like better?

Brought a 4-pk of Samurai Hipster home from Unified Beerworks last night. Another nice easy drinking local IPA at 6.4%.

I use their spray when hiking, not the wipes. Yikes at the $25 price tag! It's pretty good, but nothing is going to give you 100% protection.

Oh man, are you ever getting the hard stare!

Samples of A Constant Sparkle, Brass Knuckled Ballerina and their 6.0% stout, Evoked by Madness. Went with a pour of the Ballerina.

Finally made it over to Unified Beerworks! No excuses since they are pretty much right in my backyard. Starting off at the top: a 7.9% DIPA, Welcome to Valhalla. Welcome indeed!

Had some waaaaay back in the day!

Cooling down with an Easy Jack then going to check out a local brewery.

It was this or Stella. One and done. The food was much better!

Cleansing the palate.

Pool party beer.

Really liked that one. Did you go to the brewery?

Technically, it is 5 o'clock here so...