Here are some pics from a couple weeks ago. We went to the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine. It's an eclectic fair filled with hippies who over charge their wares to the yuppies. A vicious circle. The fair is based around agriculture, sustainable living, and artisans. What we like are the sheep dog exhibits. The dogs show how fast they can pen in sheep and ducks, while the trainers have a good time with their audience.

After the Fair we took our new toy out camp'in. We drove up to the West Branch of the Penobscot River for a little fish'in. The west branch was very slow so we headed up to Nesouwdehunk(?). Here we found a small town where the map indicated a camp ground. However, it was a nice lake, quite spot, and the fishing was on fire. Sorry, no fishing pics, typical. I fished the outlet where 8"-14" Brookies were loving caddis nymphs. We brought up the kayak and paddled around the lake. Niki watched three huge bull moose having breakfast and many birds getting ready for winter. The ducks at the campground are not shy, damn near domesticated from all the people feeding them. Jake did not know what to make of them. He loves to chase all forms of mammals smaller than him, but had no care for the ducks. Finally, fall has arrived. I've included a few pics of some of the color around and hope to post more.

As Always we hope this finds everyone well and in good spirits. I've been prepping the house for winter. Yesterday, (Sunday) I cut down three big problem trees that had me worried they would crash into the house. Love that chainsaw, thanks dad. I'm currently building a little woodshed and starting some small engine repair with the lawn mower and weed eater. From observing all the little critters around, I have a feeling this will be an early and long winter.


Common Ground Fair

West Branch of the Penobscot: side channel

Our new toy: '86 VW Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition, with some custom modification.

I haven't shared pics in a while, so I thought I would pass on some older ones of Jake. Things around here are good. I had a great birthday surprise from my mom and we partied at Jeremy's Birthday Celebration also known as The American Folk Festival in Bangor. Pics are soon to come. Other than that we've been working hard and working on winterizing the house. I hope my next post should contain a few new items and a little fall color. We hope everyone is well and wish you the best.

This post is a week late. We've been trying to catch up with the yard, house , BBQ's, and just taking in summer. We had a great time last weekend at Seek the Peak. Thanks Scot for the executive tour of the observatory and the choice of breakfast on Sunday. I can't remember the name of the dish, but it was damn tasty. Those who were familiar with Lee Jay's in Jackson, this breakfast took a close second to the "Larry Turner Special" (LTS). Mmmm...LTS.

It is finally cooling back down around here with dyer air and temps in the upper 70's. The badass miton is going strong, Niki and I will soon hit the international circuit. Other than that, My job is going well, Niki begins a week of nights, starting Wednesday, and Jake has been enjoying the cool basement. As always, we hope this finds everyone well and those in the west try not to catch fire.

Enjoy the pics from SEEK THE PEAK, and thanks to Holli and Baron for your sponsorship. Overall the Observatory raised over $61,000.

I think you can click on any pic to enlarge the image? Update...I thought wrong...I'll work on that.

Due to our cars nearing the end of their lives we rented a car and with a $10 upgrade we cruised to New Hampshire in the Mustang.

Seek the Peak 2007

I see you.

Head out.

Seek the Peak.

Peakers

Tuckerman's is an Eastern skiers mecca. I have not witnessed the craziness that goes on, maybe this year?

Taking a breather at Hermit Lake Shelter. Lion head and the summit in the background.

Pretty view.

Water refill.

Scot having an, Oh Boy, moment.

up...up...up

Tuckerman's face

Scot and Niki at the base of Tuckeman's face.

Looking down Tuckerman ravine.

Scot and Niki having a snack on Tucks face.

Scot making his was up Tucks with a smile.

Which way to the summit.

Scot and Niki celebrating making it to the top of Tucks.

WooHoo...made it to the parking lot.

Shit, after all the hiking you still have to walk up a flight of stairs.

Stupid stairs.

Must...make it...up...steps...

The original observatory building. The wind is so strong they need to chain down the building.

One last rock pile to hike up for the summit.

Smile baby, you made it.

Jeremy, Niki, and Scot on Mount Washington summit.

Niki laying her hand on the summit marker.

The summit sign with the observatory tower in the background.

The storm cell that never was. We were told we had 45 min before all hell breaks loose. The forecasters were...incorrect.


Heading down to the kitchen.

Niki outside the tower on the deck.

Scot dropping some knowledge about the observatory.

Heading up the tower

Ahhh...love the smell of cloud in the afternoon.

1,2,3,...smile

Niki and Scot on the top tower.

Jeremy climbing to the tip top.

The artificial summit marker.

view from the top.

Niki climbing down.

Can we take the cog rail down?

Tuckerman's or lion Head?

Heading down Lion Head.

headed to the lookout.

Smile.

This is a great place for lunch.

Lunch! Scot packs a mean bacon sandwich.

Summit in the background.

Ready...Go!

WoooHooo!!!

Sooo tired.

Pretty cascade.

YOU! Seek the Peak!

Sooo very tired...

Thanks again Scot, see you next year!!!