Trail Chaser in the News!

I've been so grateful for the support that so many have shown for my ATC patch! Hikers express interest in the program, applications roll in faster than I expected, and organizations publish information about it. 💗 LRCT recently gave me a shout out in their newsletter. And last week our local newspaper, The Baysider, published an article regarding the new hiking challenge. It's not my first time in the papers (I made the news repeatedly many years ago when active in grooming competitions & dog shows), but it's still a little thrill to be mentioned. 😉

You can read the whole paper online here or go to salmonpress.com, click on archives, and open issue 2025-07-17. There is some interesting news in there! But here is a copy of the section about Alton Trail Chaser for easier navigating (I threw together a quick layout in Adobe Illustrator). 😊

Thus ends my latest brag. LOL As always, keeping following me on social media for the most hiking updates. I will post any blog-worthy news here... which, in a couple weeks, I probably will have something new & exciting to share! 🍀

Vista, indeed!

Hiking = productivity…

Fluffy moss & abundant blueberries!

"Alton Trail Chaser" - the PATCH!

Three or four years ago, I had an idea to create a local hiking challenge and patch for hiking all of the various trails in Alton, NH. Within this single, "small" town's borders, we have over 14 hiking trails, from gentle footpaths to mountain climbs and everything in between. Certainly Alton deserves its own hiking patch! Add in my creative propensity and hiking patch addiction, and it only seemed fitting that I produce this permanent, year-round hiking challenge. 😊

It was a long journey that hit several speed bumps, but I am excited to finally announce the launch of Alton Trail Chaser, aka the ATC Challenge! Hike all 14 official trails/destinations in town and earn a patch. Get all the details here on my blog. 

20% of any net profits from patch or ATC merch sales will be donated to conservation funds, probably starting with LRCT. If you have another favorite charity for me to consider in the future, please drop me a note!

Thank you to everyone who offered advice and encouragement along the way! I was thrilled to already hear from several people who are interested in my patch program. I hope everyone enjoys adding it to their collection while exploring my hometown trails!

There’s a new hiking patch in town! Are you ready for some Trail Chasing?

The GRID - another challenge complete!

Never Again! (The December Grid)

Winter Solstice. We were finally out of “ugly season” with everything freshly dusted with snow. Wind chill was manageable until the final stretch, and overall trail conditions were some of the least sucky we’ve had in this section of the range. But we’re still grateful to never have to do this again.

But first let’s back up…

Solo Adventure

It’s amazing how unmotivated one can get when it’s cold and cloudy and there’s no one to hike with.  I honestly just wanted to stay home and make cookies or something.  But after accomplishing some schoolwork, I ramped myself up and eventually got out the door.  All I had left for the September Grid was Whiteface.  I needed to wrap this up while I had the chance!  

GPW. That's enough for now.

So... yeah... hiking an equally long hike the day after doing Mack Ridge might not have been the smartest idea. 😅  Though in fairness I didn't really think about it being as many miles, and definitely thought it'd be less elevation.  I guess three mountains combined adds up, huh?  Turned out we actually totaled a hair MORE today than yesterday!  

Mack Ridge: cobwebs, bugs, and rocks

We only hiked this trail once before while redlining, and that was in late winter/early spring.  But I remembered rather liking it.  Surely it would only be better in late summer...

Grid #111: MKRQ

Well, look at that, I'm writing about the inner peaks yet again.  For one of our least favorite hikes, it sure seems to get the most blog attention! 😂  (In reality, I mainly just want to have easily accessible trail notes for myself.)

Belknap Grid 111/144
Mts. Mack-Klem-Rand-Quarry via Wood-Reed Rds, 7.3 mi, 1640 ft, 3:37 hrs

Making progress! 👍🏻

Belknap Grid 96/144 - MKRQ

Mack overlook

Long overdue blog… but it's hard to find the time to write (between business, college, life, and of course hiking).  Plus not every hike is worthy of a full story, so a few pics and #hashtags is all it takes. 😉 I do keep up on instagram/facebook, which honestly is enough of a time suck too. 😂 But it is comparatively quick & easy.  You can always stay up to date on my hiking adventures there.  Meanwhile I keep the blog for bigger stories.

Hummingbird and I have continued to go hard at the Belknap Grid.  We currently have 5 months completed (not all consecutive), with several more half done, and are intending to grid out June!  If things go as planned (take notice weatherman!) we should be able to finish this month very efficiently AND include a girls' hike with my sister! 😊