First big hike of the year! aka "Peakbagger Gridiots"

2024 is off to a decent start, hiking-wise.  Barely a week in, and I already have 3 hikes and just under 10.5 total miles.  

This weekend Hawk is off backpacking, so of course Hummingbird and I went out for our own hike.  With a full day available, obviously that meant gridding.  We chose the Wood Rd. approach to the Round Pond area while the trailhead was still accessible.  It’s a nice gradual route to Mts. Mack, Klem, and Rand, but unfortunately the parking lot is not plowed in winter.  So we figured we’d best get it while we can.  Good timing since a storm is blowing in tonight that may dump a foot of snow on us. 

2023 Wrap

What is a hike?  

A hike is what you make of it.  When you set out with intention of getting some exercise and distance in nature, miles are miles.  It doesn't matter if it takes you all day, or just a half hour.  It can be a mountain, or a rolling hill, or a level trail.  It can be over ten miles long, or a fraction of a mile.  It can be a path along private land, bushwhacking through a town forest, a rail trail bike route, or even a public sidewalk.  (Obviously an actual nature trail is preferable, but if you're stuck in a concrete jungle, then you work with what you have.)  Whether rural or urban, "hiking" with intention is the key.  

It's not about how many steps you rack up in a day, it's about mindfully going outside, soaking in the nature therapy, and kicking up some endorphins.  That's the distance that counts.

By this definition, here are my stats for 2023:

• 119 intentional hikes, plus a handful of "unofficial" walks
• 309.24 total miles
• 53,463 feet total elevation gain

Challenges finished:

• 52x2 Hike Challenge (104 hikes)
• Belknap Redlining completed
• Blazin' Summer Trail Challenge (Summer 65)
• Alton Trails All Star (7 hikes in 1 day)

While I didn't have as much opportunity to hike as I had hoped, between it basically raining all year, and my schedule being extra nuts, it appears that I did better than I thought!  I even broke my record for elevation gain.  Proof that all those little hikes add up.  Once again, I didn't quite hit 365 miles in one year (a challenge I've had my eye on), but I got closer.  Perhaps 2024 is the year I make it!

I have several hiking goals for the new year, including just getting out more.  Hummingbird and I will also be continuing to pick away at the Belknap Grid.  There are a few random hikes I want to do too, and a couple other challenges I'm considering.

As always, I will post most of my hikes on socials @trailchaserofficial, and blog about the noteworthy stories here.  Follow along for more adventures!

Sunset on Pine Mt.  This and other photos available for sale!  Contact me for more info.