Two weeks to go

Hard to believe it is only two weeks until my annual White Mountain climb. 
I heard that many of our normal group will not be able to go this year. 
That's kind of sad, because I look forward to seeing everyone this once a year, catching up on things, trying to recognize the kids one year removed from last being seen!  Next year will be the 20th anniversary of this group, 10th anniversary for me.  I imagine everyone will 'gear up' for that.

None-the-less, I am actually getting to the spot in my training, as late in starting as it was, that I think I just might make it in one piece. 
My three mile training loop of the hills in Bristol - Willis St./ Pleasantview/ Greystone/ Northmont Ext/back down Willis - is down to about 80 minutes (yesterday I hit 80!  Today was 82.).

We are taking the Crawford Path to Mt. Pierce, which is a 3 mile - moderate, they say - climb to treeline.  Then, if the weather cooperates, what makes it all worth it, is the trek across Pierce, Eisenhower and Monroe to Lakes of the Clouds Hut for the night - another almost 4 miles.  Then on up to Washington the next day - 1300' elevation gain in a mile and a half!

I have decided to do this climb in support of Amanda, my New Hampshire neighbors' daughter-in-law whose truck was crushed by a 30' chunk of ice on Good Friday.  See my April 21st entry.  Amanda has come a long way in two months, but still has probably a year more of rehabilitation.  She has been moved to Boston, and has since been released from the hospital to reside at her parent's home and do rehab on an out-patient basis.  Working through my parish, I am being sponsored to raise funds to defray some of Amanda's many expenses.  It is a great motivator for me knowing that I can push myself to do this for someone who would want to but cannot - yet.