Hiking updates are usually found out on our still developing 2020 vision Quest website and as such I’ll keep them
minimal here. I will say that our new video loads on the front page and is pretty marvelous. The long form is now in
our possession and will be available to you very very soon! It’s yet another chance to see my work in some inspiring
ways.
www.2020visionquest.org

Since Mt. Washington there has been a lot of excitement around here. I’ve led Dad successfully up Mt Hale, Tom, Field
and even a jaunt up Cannon with a film crew doing a very different and very cool project. The details are still secret
on that point but if all goes well I may get some major television time!! Sadly some of that Cannon film will be of
Dad pushing me into the quagmire at the Lonesome Lake Bog bridges. He says it was an accident but good luck to him when
we repeat our Cannon ascent in the future as the film crew involvement meant we could not descend. They realize now how
legitimate our challenge and work has become! Most of the crew had to bail out and take the tram to meet us at the
summit but what a great group of folks! I’ll post more when the details can be released.

We actually had even bigger news as Dad and Tracy took me to ride the MS Mt. Washington and while there decided the
offer was good we would return and repeat a cruise on October 10 of this year. This time the trip would be all formal
and as Dad said he would make tracy legitimately his future ex-fiance! A wedding on the ship in the full splendor of
fall foliage aboard this fun ship with mountains surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee! Yeah that’s not a sentence but I’m
excited so forgive me! I loved the ship and feeling the breeze with a schmorgasboard of scents abounding. We even had
fireworks as we docked and I wagged intensely as I studied the sky and excitedly nudged Dad to tell him about it.

As you might guess the wedding work in addition to the 2020 work has meant way less time for me to use the computer.
I’ll try to wrangle it from him more often but in the meanwhile will keep using my twitter account to keep more regular
updates.

Life is good and I’m a happy and energetic Quinn ready to return to all things fall: visits to schools, cool morning
walks and of course football!

So – anyone still out here after my hiatus? Drop me a yop comment or send me email:
Quinn@2020visionquest.org

http://wbztv.com/local/blind.hiker.washington.2.1769438.html

or the Nashua telegraph:

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/786379-196/dog-helps-blind-man-scale-the-heights.html

The telegraph gave us front page above the fold coverage which is simply incredible! They also included some great
video of me working to guide Dad up the Wompac trail and that is worth the watch if you can spare the time to see our
teamwork in action!

So all the forecasting aside we also had WMUR Weather (thanks Kevin) giving us the steadfast reports of what to expect
even though Dad double checked daily on the Mount Washington Observatory Summit reports. We were going to climb the
fierce and fatal Washington but at least it would be July 4. Oh yes, did you hear it snowed up there on July 1?!?!!

We have our 2020 vision quest project and I’m really pretty proud of my frequent top billing. Google Analytics say I’m
not top dog over there so maybe you should all go check out my tail at:
www.2020visionquest.org
It is true that I’ve made a single blog post there and intend to write another but you guys still loyal over here will
get my first report.

The heat wave was heading for a collision course as we escaped on Friday morning to trek North Past the Pemigewassit
Wilderness, through the Franconia Notch and then due east after Twin Mountain so we could reach the western edge of
Mount Washington. We stopped slightly short as the AMC Highland Center was our destination. We were their guests for
the night in exchange for Dad giving an hour long presentation on our Hiking Experiences and goals. Tracy had some of
our video work to showcase my talent and support his talk. The place was vibrant with hiking and I was getting excited
even before we started. People during the presentation really marveled at my ability and there were many quality
questions on our messages. Best of all we had escaped the heat wave though it was coming to the area.

Saturday July 3 was my relax day and so we only took a ride out to the trailhead for Rippley Falls where I had to Guide
dad up a stretch of narrow ledge to a river gorge with a very tough descent. There he tossed on his new TevaItunda
Water shoes and waded into the stream without me. I looked on disapprovingly as he appreciated the work of hiking with
his pack full and testing the weight. It was over 40 pounds and probably closer to 50 but we’d worked pretty well up
through the trail. Even I will admit it was pleasant enough for 100 foot water hurling itself down the mountainside at
unsuspecting dogs!

After the hike back and a short shuttle back to the Highland Center we toured the grounds and basked in Adirondack
chairs surrounded by mountain scents and scenery on a cool and perfect day. Soon our crew of friends arrived and there
were meetings for hiking, documentary work and general socializing. Really a pretty good night despite my not getting
any play and a sneaking suspicion my boots were not far away.

Sunday it began full swing as we all trekked out to the base of this path called the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. it’s been
in use since 1915 and yet they still haven’t made it very wide or very clear. They did make it very steep! There was
no delay, my boots were put onto my feet early and while I didn’t like it much I know that it protects my pads if we
hit sharp rock. So the first 2.1 miles is just deep old woods and really pretty exciting. I led Dad well enough but
there were some crazy rocks all over and since we had a different crew there was some learning in how they might
advance warn me to warn Dad. Usually I just handle it all but there are times when a new person comes into the mix and
shares pertinent information. Each trail type can be different and it took some work to adjust. We had some cool
moments like the Air Force and Army soldiers carrying the flag down from the summit. I know a little bout the Service
Industry albeit Service Animal but I still appreciate the notion of those who work for the benefit of others and the
soldiers count very high there!

Anyhow, this was Mount Washington and it was going to get very challenging right after we reached the gem pool. This
was a nifty small cascade into a broad pool that I wanted to use as a swimming hole to cool off because the heat had
started to arrive and my boots might also get lost in the water. I was foiled in the attempt but I did get to alert
them that my front left paw had a claw sticking out of the boot just enough to get twisted. Kara noticed and a little
work later had me tucked back in better but now it squeezed right on the sore spot. I worked through this as we
climbed an lot of stairs. Led Zeppelin’s song has nothing on this stretch! The nice thing is that it cooled, the hard
thing is Dad tends to miss the small steps as we go up because they are out of line or too small for his size 14 foot.
As such I end up having to wait for him to take a lot of three foot high steps and he gets tired doing this. We did
really well though and as we got to our first overlook and he took a break I was still ready to go. We hit the Avocado
cascades and I was still ready to go. After we that the section of hand and foot scrambles I wanted a break to rest my
paw and besides we had so many stream crossings that my long wet and irritated foot was not the problem, the slippery
bottom of the Ruffware was the issue on hard scrambles. I need a second pair to ensure I can have a dry boot ready to
go at all times!

One thing I guess I have to address is that when Dad puts me in a sit and stay while he climbs up something on hands
and feet, I not only worry for him but I’m eager to race to his side. I don’t tend to worry so much about the route as
just charging straight line to him with my conquer any mountain approach. Dave really observed this and we put me into
a heal with Tracy when it was scramble that I couldn’t lead Dad.

I did lead him the final rounds to the Lake of the Clouds Hut and got those danged boots off my feet gloriously!
People checked in quickly and I got a much needed nap after 8 hours of pretty steady Guide work up the toughest
mountain I’d yet undertaken…well most of the way. Kara had led Dad a bit and she did pretty well. I watched her
learn and was reasonably comfortable though I did still give her a few dirty looks of course.

Dad checked out my paw which was ok and told me I would be staying with Tracy while he did a very short trip for a
couple hours up to the summit of Mt. Monroe. I had a good meal and so was ready for this break if he didn’t need me.
I might not have been happy with anyone other than Tracy but it was good. When I’ve worked that hard I like to make up
for the amount of work with a double dose of sleep and that’s what I did. I slept until Dad returned and then greeted
him properly. I then slept through dinner, team meetings, the cold windy sunset viewing though admittedly that was
worth a bit of my attention and ultimately I even slept through the fireworks of an entire state far beneath us and
over the wide landscape. I even slept through the night which Dad hasn’t done for a bit too long now. I’m sure my
sleeping bag helped as I was snug and comfy warm up at the Lake of the Clouds.

The next morning I put on 2 hours and 45 minutes of near perfect work up terrain like we’ve never seen. It was rock
strewn wasteland for all of it. We were above the tree line and seemingly above everything as I just kept showing Dad
the deep crevices, the loose rocks, the right steps, the knee breaking rocks in narrow passes. All the while doing
some of my best work. All with boots on my back paws but none on my front because that was better than pressure on the
hurt claw that didn’t touch the ground anyhow. When we hit the summit to a gravel path I was ready to race everyone to
the pin I had so much energy from the spirit in the entire group. It was pretty amazing. I know Bill Irwin and his
Guide Orient did this journey though not up the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail. Still I had done something incredible and we
were atop the highest peak in all of New England. Home of the worst weather wasn’t so bad on this day but the terrain
was every bit as challenging as promised and I was ready for more!

That’s my abridged trip report. You want more detail? Watch for my blog post on the 2020 site. You got my excitement
first though and I’m one happy and talented pup!

Mighty Quinn
PS – Paw and claw are just fine!

It’s Wednesday and I’m preparing for my stint on WOKQ this morning – and of course the Q is for Quinn! The Morning
crew invited us to join them at 8:40 and with all the hub-bub of the 2020 Vision Quest we’ve been getting plenty of
press. From that fantastic piece on WBZ TV:

http://wbztv.com/local/blind.hiker.washington.2.1769438.html

This video features me extensively and why not!? In just four days we’ll be hiking up the slopes of Mount Washngton to
hopefully summit appropriately enough on Independence Day. Probably most dogs would find this no mean feat but when
you have to take responsibility for the well being of the blind part of our partnership, it’s impressively
daunting.There is plenty of video and pictures for my work on our climbing thus far and two themes are going to be
evident. The first is how much I love my work and take pride in our accomplishments. The second is my intense look of
conventration at every point. I really take my job seriusly and have as one of my strengths tremendous ability to
focus. Now I don’t want to hurt my elbow patting myself on the back but I thought it fair to highlight what you might
see. After all a Guide Dog is often called a Seeing Eye Dog even if they have the trademark for that in New Jersey.
Point is there is lots of media out there and more coming so please take a look at my resume and drop me a line.

So our website is really pretty well launched at this point. If you search around:
www.2020visionquest.org
you will likely find many gems with more to come steadily. There is even a rival blog there and my first post is
expected to arrive upon it this week. It has a lot of guest writers and I’m going to be one of them. Fear not though
I am not leaving my primary blog! I’m told on that page I have to mostly keep it on topic for the big project but hear
I have freedom. Yep freedom like Robin Williams rolling on his back in the grass in the Fisher King…at least I think
that was the movie but since I wasn’t born then give me a little slack here.

So we also had a great piece on WZID last Sunday morning and that may appear on our site in the next few days as well.
The Nashua Telegraph and I became good friends with a long piece set to air on the day we hit Mount Washington, Sunday
July 4! The Monadnock Ledger gave us some page 2 props and Ability Magazine has a three page add (on page 54 no less)
to highlight my work. It’s a lot of attention and hopefully our project and my work are well worth it. As you can
see from all of this, I’m one busy dog and I hope you all understand why I’ve been a little slower to post again. My
goal of a post each week returns after our Washington trip so watch for it and in the meanwhile check out 2020 Vision
Quest’s page where you can get a more steady update of our progress.

Did I mention we are doing a presentation at the Highland Center on Friday? Phew!

Mighty WOK Quinn!

The truth of my delays is Dad has been entirely hogging the computer time for his own purposes. He did upload a
blog/video blog for Teva and it can be found at:

http://blog.teva.com/post/2010/06/14/Back-to-the-Beginning.aspx

It talks about our Saturday trip with Kim, Todd, John and of course Tracy. We went back to Pack-Monadnock, the
Mountain upon which I made my first Mountain Hiking lead for Dad. We were already well ahead of the last year climb
in efficiency as back then I had to make it up as we went. Now I’m a little more experienced and Dad’s starting to
understand me more fully on the mountains. We were faster and with fewer challenges by far and that despite a steady
rain which began shortly after we started and lasted until we ended our trip (it figures!). I could and should say a
lot more about the hike since the video cast showcases only me in the back of the Saturn View as Dad put on my boots
and talked a little about the return to the Beginning. Once we hit the rain there was no photography or video work
being done.

I will say I was one wet dog when we hit the shelter atop the mountain. I was still proud of my work though since Dad
didn’t have any slips on the wet rocks which added to the challenge. John had asked if the slippery rocks would make
me change my decisions and I showed him very clearly the answer was yes. I think I earned my kibble for sure even
though at the top of the mountain the group decided to take the road off the mountain and we cruised it in 20 minutes
of steep but easy walking. We met some folks runnin it and that gave me an idea but Dad did make me keep the speed in
check for all involved. So anyhow, I still think you should check out the Teva site and catch me stylin’ in my boots
even if I do protest for a few minutes every time I have to wear them.

More of Dad’s PC hogging work involved the news that officially today was the contract approval that gives our new
non-Profit Charity Fiscal Sponsorship. This means as of tomorrow morning when the contract is signed the project can
take tax-exempt donations as befits their 501-C-3 status. It’s big news for him but as it’s an all vollunteer
organization I don’t get to score extra Charlee Bears or anything. Still if you haven’t been to our site it’s worth
making the trip to:

www.2020visionquest.org

So how about I quickly recount the final day of our Pemigewasset Wilderness hike. We woke early and I had used my
sleeping bag for the first and only time on the warm weather trip. There are photos of me, mostly nose only, using the
sleeping bag. If you want to see those I suggest you go check out Dad on facebook and you’ll eventually find your way
to those pictures. Yes Dad now has a facebook account which is probably another reason the computer time was more
restricted for me! So we woke and with amazing efficiency packed up everything. This was made more efficient by the
choice to not boil water or run the cook stoves at all. Folks were effectively out of the Woods and they knew it. We
met the van with only minimal coordination difficulties as cell pones weren’t getting signal for everyone in the area.
Matt picked us up and the gear was all loaded while a final tick check found a dog tick on Dad. Brent took care of it
and since it wasn’t a deer tick there’s no big worry for him. I think I’ll be happier about my Front Line treatments
in the future as I remained tick free! On the van ride back we did get stopped by Border patrol who apparently do this
blockade on Memorial Day weekend every year. They needed to inspect the van so it was good that Matt recalled to warn
them so they weren’t surprised by my sleeping location between Dad and the double doors! They let us pass with ease
and soon we had Dunkin Donuts for Dad and restrooms for all who wished them – me included.

Back at UNH gear was collected and cleaned while I napped out in the sun. Tracy arrived, everyone said farewell and
there was a little sadness knowing that group was unlikely to ever travel together again. We had gone through so much
together that didn’t seem right. Still some of them will hopefully make a few future hikes with us.

My journey didn’t end there though. Instead of going home as a reasonable person might, Dad had made arrangements to
drive to Hampton BBeach and meet up with our friend Kathy from Colorado. Every memorial day she takes the polar plunge
into the Atlantic’s icy waters. Fortunately Dad did not want my paw having to deal with sand or salt and he did the
plunge with her and Tracy but not with me. I personally thought they were crazy but they seemed to have fun and salt
water Dad was better than six days of hiking Dad in the olfactory department!! They talked a lot more and still got me
and my paw home to fully heal in a day of rest over the long Memorial Day weekend.

That’s sort of an anticlimactic end to the Pemigewasset trip. Still I think the videos and stories tell a quality
tale. I’m sorry there weren’t more comments but it was quality news and I’m gearing up for my next big hiking reports.
Dad says we are going to hike Canon in a couple of weeks as our final tune up for Mount Washington which is in just 19
days from today! You’ll always get to catch my blogs here and also I’ll be writing on the 2020 blog to be released
soon though I have to talk only about 2020 things when I do that. I’m letting Dad handle all the Teva blogs but they
will have many cool pictures and vids of me so I’ll let you know when those come around.

Last shout out to my many friends on Twitter where my friends list includes many pups and people as we expand our
community. Check us out when you can!

The Mighty Quinn

Meanwhile I have to admit and Dad confirmed that Sherpa hit the ‘zone’ of leading and was amazingly managing all the
work of guiding Dad. So much so that Dad pulled out his recorder and tried to let it run in his pocket capturing the
work. The rustling noise is a little too loud for me to include hear but maybe we’ll clean it up some day and get it
to you all for a listen. Maybe also we’ll convince Sherpa to write his report on the experience (hello out there
Sherpa?). It was precise and efficient and they made great time down the trail which was a little challenging at
points but overall not so bad. I don’t like the admission but for the first hour Dad was probably in better hands for
that part of the journey. They were burning some mental energy in the process but I could tell it was fun for both of
them. I still didn’t like not leading Dad and I was eager and ready to get to him. The second hour they slowed up a
bit as the concentration eased and a few tweaks were happening along the path. Dad put a good roll onto his ankle but
apparently it was more of a toughening as the swelling was slight and he seemed to get stronger from it. I think I
would have been at least equal to the second hour of work and by the third hour those two had their willpower into the
trip but they were not as effective and it was time to call as stop and let the real professional, me, take back over.
They had of course reached the Gayle River crossing by this third hour and the whole crew took a rest for lunch and a
little relaxation. I got my boots off again, thanks Sarah! and it was a great energy level in the group. We had made
better time than anticipated and ultimately had a logging road style trail left for the five mile or so journey out to
the trailhead. There was an old logging camp not far away and we had options to set up a bivvy so the group discussed
options and many folks got some quality water time to cool off. With the van picking us up early the next morning we
could camp here having had a very successful three hours or we could forge ahead to the end and have finished our
hiking. Folks were so fresh, me included we opted for the latter and it was absolutely my turn. Sherpa was burned out
from leading Dad and I was a bundle of energy which everyone agreed meant I could take over leading Dad as I preferred.
First however there was a stream crossing!

Crossing a stream, even a short piece like the Gayle River Crossing is hard for me because I can’t rock hop to show dad
how to stepping stone it unless they are close and wide. Similarly if we walk through the water together I cannot see
below the current to understand the proper footing for him. So the system here was to let Dad use a pair of trekking
poles and have someone direct him while he probed with the hiking poles and his feet. I sat and watched nervously but
Sarah talked him through it very well. The water noise can interfere as you’ll hear/see but they managed it very
smoothly and it’s a video worth checking out:

Water shoes traded in for hiking shoes it was my turn to lead and given the ok I surged ahead at highest speed for
Guide work and with nobody in front of me. After all the trail was obvious and I was eager to show I could do
everything Sherpa did and more. This means as was sadly pointed out to me, that I was doing it too quickly and not
entirely attentive to Dad’s safety. Heck if Sherpa could bounce him around a bit and get praise, why not me!?! Brent
also put a veto on my leading and setting pace so Courtney got the nod and took the lead. I was still a little eager
and wanted to pass her but Dad gave me the check in to be slower and we went as fast as Courtney would allow. I was
pretty well on my game having even learned that in some of the narrow places where I need Dad to follow me, I could
also opt to put him in the narrow place and four paw it over the obstacle myself. Normally I save energy and we single
file the approach but I was enthused. Courtney did have to help Dad with a few short water crossings on stepping
stones and she shined while I patiently evaded all the water and mud I could avoid.

This was a long but very gratifying hike and the water supply was kept high for all of us. Dad is totally sold on his
EMS Camel Bag and will never hike without it again. I like that this frees up more Nalgeen water for me. We emerged
out the trail without any complications and it was just a great feeling day. I got dinner first and the others soon
followed sharing experimental leftovers in a great cookfest to which Kyle and Jenny are awarded the prize for their
various creations. Justin had been the most creative cook over the long haul and his no-stick pans were put to use on
this day, his Birthday!, to help create some of the feasts. With the help of a Dartmouth crew we found a back
campsight to use as ours, setup fully and had some quality debriefing, sharing and round table work. Amusingly the
night became the coldest of our entire trip and I actually used the sleeping bag properly sleeping with just my nose
out for most of the night. Eventually too warm I crawled out early in the morning but that means I’d be sharing the
details of the final day and that must await tomorrow’s report.

In the real tomorrow (June 5) I have the Walk for NHAB in the morning and Dad is hosting a Bardic in the evening which
means my final blog report on the Pemi trip may slip into the Sunday time frame but you have all the quality meat of
our hiking trip. I’ll warp it up with what we learned, reflections and plans for future hikes. The sum of Friday was
I didn’t like not leading Dad early even though Sherpa excelled. I was eager and showed how much I love the work and
the woods – perhaps too eager but I set to work properly once reminded…well maybe a few times. We accomplished the
most distance of the day and it really left both Dad and I wishing we had managed a little more hiking. All this is
much easier to say since my paw was fully healed by the time of this writing. Still I welcome any sympathizers to
sponsor me for the NHAB walk tomorrow:

http://nhab10walk.kintera.org/quinn

Thanks for listening, I hope you’ve learned and enjoyed a bit. Drop me an email to:
Quinn@2020visionquest.org
or give me a comment here which we approve as quickly as possible and once approved you can always comment freely from
that account.

Be Well!
The! Mighty Quinn

Back to Justin though. The night before we had raced just ahead of a potential thunderstorm and late night folks
watched through a bank of windows as the storm crackled in the valley below us. Justin, however, was up early and
sitting on the outside porch relishing in the beauty of an early morning. He said moments like that can make a trip in
and of themselves. Dad and I were the next to rise and Dad took me out for breakfast on his own since without a bear
hang being necessary he could tend my food on his own. He then brought me to the ledge, or rather I brought him, where
Brent had shown us to relieve me the night before. Even with my stiff leg a bit gimpy I could still lead him just fine
and we got to appreciate a little of the moment which had captivated the earlier riser. The only damper for me was the
weedwhacking sound of a wind gauge that was there as part of the Gale Head weather observatory. It sure seems like
that might be better placed a little away from the hut but I guess preserve more wilderness by keeping the cabin and
other man-made aspects all together.

I went straight back to nap mode while Dad had breakfast with everyone else. They were packing very light day packs
and fanny packs for which Dad even donated his brain (the pack version folks!) to T.J. to help out. With light loads
they hoped to make much better time and would be back by 3 so that a Gale Head Summit would be possible if folks were
inspired.

The Hut Caretaker headed out to give a talk at another hut some distance away and she told us a temporary replacement
would be in for the night. She might, however, catch us on the trail the next day when she returned. She’d been gone
about an hour when the alarm of all alarms began to ring in the Hut. A quick check for fire as we all made an exit and
we were sure nothing of risk was in process. From the outside front we evaluated and ultimately decided to explore
cautiously within to see if we could determine what was happening. Dad had cell signal from Loon Mountain (barely and
inconsistent mind you) and so he began calling to get AMC folks to ask what to do. It was comical when they assumed he
was the caretaker and gave him instructions only to explain he was just a lodger. They gave him more instructions and
as he relayed the visual details to the sighted the person suggested he should just do it. There was a long silence
when Dad explained about his blindness. Can you imagine being a Hut Supervisor trying to evaluate the risk to the hut
knowing they have sensitive sensors that need to be reset but discovering you wereh ousing a blind man up on a tough
mountain trail? Reset worked and there were no more incidents but it gave an hour of distraction as well as giving me
the option to quickly tweet an update to the world.

I was, however, on mandatory R&R which I didn’t mind. I kept some tabs on Dad but I stayed laying down and he didn’t
work me except for water and relieve times. Dad had some bonding conversations about life that comes from the sharing
the three of them had done on the hike. They talked about my impact, concerns and likely plans for what would come
next as a result of this day. This day instead of going over Garfield and to the tent site up there which was the
original plan, the trip was being cut off and we would likely make our way down the Gayle River trail and ultimately
emerge early Saturday in the Twin Mountain area without doing Liberty Springs and the Franconia Ridge. I think Dad was
feeling guilty about the impact of our presence on the group. There was certainly a big benefit for the course and for
us to have learned a lot of the things we learned in the first few days. There was also some impact to the trip in not
getting them (or us) the full Pemigewasset loop. The question is what was the ratio of benefit to detriment
andultimately that’s something the class would have to determine individually. Nobody begrudged me or us for the
decision though there was impact for certain. I think the effective reason for Dad’s concern was two factors. Firstly
he knew that if he had put my boots on sooner the biggest part of our challenge would have been eliminated. He
verified that throughout the day with thorough examinations of my legs to determine that the only thing really wrong
for me was that very sore pad that I didn’t like pressing into the ground when I didn’t have to do such. Aimee’s bug
repellent had also made the difference but that too should likely have come sooner too and will on all future hikes.
The second factor was just how rough Dad was on the second day when we travelled up Bondcliff. That was abnormally
challenging for him and while he pushed on fairly well, the fact is it did slow his already slow pace. His prior and
subsequent days were probably more of an indication but that particular day had set back expectations and added to the
exhaustion of the entire group. Whether we would have managed the time schedule up Garfield or not is unclear but
given the earlier terrain the answer is probably yes, just with equal slowness and extended weariness for all involved.
There were many worthwhile aspects to be had out there afterwards and those were gone but there was still a quality day
of travel out the Gayle River trail. Gale Head Hut is nestled up around 3600 feet so there was plenty of climb down
still ahead.

I took the rest and when the full group returned we did many of the activities previously skipped due to the late
nights and long travel of prior days. We had a history lesson from Sherpa on how the White Mountains went from “Savage
Lands” to the vacation resort of the Grand Hotel era. A Painter was the primary influence believe it or not and we all
painted a symbolic impressionistic bit of canvas while he spoke. Dad’s was…’interesting’ and perhaps Aimee will give
it back so we can take a picture and put it up here for explanation someday. It was perhaps most influenced by the
full tale of Guy Watterman and that sadness is for the researchers amongst you. Me – I rested and felt stronger and
better steadily. I still got my increased rations even without the work and I didn’t mind one bit.

Our second stay for my benefit was sponsored by Sherpa who applied some UNH funds from a speaker to help supplement
the cost. Dad agreed to cover the smaller remaining share as thanks for everyone putting me first in their thoughts.
Brent of course did pay for it with us needing to tend that reimbursement after the trip. We could have set out a bit
and found a Bivy site but the rest was higher quality at the hut and off-season prices (by one day) made it worthwhile.

We headed to bed early and I slept fantastically while Dad listened to a book on the 48 by Steve Smith of the Mountain
Wanderrer. It described the following day’s trail in detail and Dad got a second night of quality sleep which would
prepare us for the morrow’s push. I probably could have gone on and been fine but this was the safer choice for me and
now we were sure I could get myself out and probably Guide Dad…as you’ll learn in tomorrow’s tale!

Mighty Q!

I slept so well at Gyot I hadn’t really done much to evaluate the environs. Dad was awake and had his full breakfast
before I got up to walk over and get my own breakfast from him. I was one tired pup last night! Geyot is a three
walled cabin effectively with the front open through a small porch. It has half ladder stairs leading up to the
platform and a double level sleeping platform. The temperatures were still so warm I’d slept atop my sleeping bag. I
moved well enough to get breakfast but when relieve time came I did not want to put weight on my back right paw. I’m
not sure I rememberred climbing the ladder stairs but with a sore paw it was less fun going down them. Several folks
noted my limp and joined Dad as
they checked me out pretty well and found my pad injury. They weren’t sure if my leg was hurt as well. My ears were
pretty bug bitten and my stomach area was a little raw from the blend of bug bites and a little chafing. Where’s the
doggy form of Body Glide?!? No doubt this was my least favorite morning of the trip. Sure I was proud of the work I’d
done the day before and I was excited about the adventure but at just this moment there was a little bit too much of
the unpleasant aspects of challenge.

We were due to head out but stopped to evaluate all the real options of tending my needs because one thing this great
group was stressing was that I was a full member of the group and needed full consideration for how to proceed. We
thought about whether to stay out at the Shelter for a bonus day and let me recover a bit while the group might have
done an optional West Bond hike without me and Dad. The trouble is that Geyot is the furthest point you can be from
civilization of any sort. It was the worst case scenario to potentially need an evac)uation) from this point. They
talked about a litter, my free walking and ultimately decided to test out my boots and see how I responded. When I
wear these boots my feet just feel odd and that’s true at home when I wear them for salt protection in winter. In fact
all the Guide Dogs who wear them get “springy paw Syndrome” until we adjust. Dad thought that letting me choose what I
wanted was best and if that meant walking out a bit it would enable us to be a little closer for an evacuation if
necessary. I walked with Brent and Dad in boots and harness and my tail was wagging furiously because I was excited to
head out – almost as if I knew this was ultimately the way to start getting closer to home. When we reached the .154
mile to the trail junction I was clearly eager and ready to go. Dad and Brent gave a double check with me and we
decided to head out towards Gale Head Hut across the Twinway.

Coming down Bond the night before, I had found the trail snow to be surprising and a different challenge but it felt
good on my underside. The heat was again ramping up today so again it felt good and I began to master this monorail
work. Winter hikers pack down the middle of the trail and as such it can remain in place for much longer stretches
than the rest of the areas. If I can Guide Dad to the slightly more solid crest he can walk really well since footing
isn’t as big a challenge. Snow is a consistent and level foot place for him and thus even if he post-holes or slides
it’s still much gentler on him than the rock-strewn chaos of the White Mountain typical trail. This also means we can
generally make better time and this was true again. I did post-hole a bit with Dad and his slides had to be mitigated
so he wouldn’t slide towards me and my rough paw nor would he slide with his left foot on the right side as that was
an assured fall for him as we tested a few times. Something about both feet and his hiking stick sliding to the right
which left him unable to levitate the center of gravity now hanging left. Fortunately falling on the three foot deep
snow areas like this usually just made him laugh and gave me an opportunity to give him a quick loving lick of concern.

The group still made much better time than we did and they employed a new plan of letting us have some travel time
ahead so that they spent less time hiking slow in heavy packs. Brent had kept Dad’s pack considerably lighter and Dad
was having a much better day so the traverse went well but still slower than a sighted hiker. As such the group was
able to continue ahead and even do a quick side trail to summit Mt. Geyot. They were back at the intersection when we
reached it and we had our first extended break with a little lunch. I laid down and rested my paw at every stop. I
was definitely tired from all the mental work of three days hiking, multiple types of terrain and my bad paw. The
Ruff-wear boots were fantastic though and I was definitely wishing they had put them on me early yesterday. Dad really
gave me more water opportunities and I was drinking pretty steadily in the heat. I sort of wished I could have put on
a bandanna like Dad. He kept his coverred with snow to cool him in the hot temperatures. It really is strange having
hot and humid near 90 and three feet of snow!

Brent checked back as walking with Dad and various folks took turns leading us in the progress. Justin took an early
turn and he did well. Several others also took part in the lesson of less information is more information settled over
folks. After all I was doing the job! The trail did get very steep and I had to work to continually find the right
pathways for us. It wasn’t quite like the last stretch of yesterday’s saddle but it was close and some of the
smoothness of today was my boots, the frequent snow cover and Dad frankly being more on his game today. He even had
time to get some Alpine Nature lessons from Sherpa like the flowerring Diapennsia (however you spell it!) which only
grows in two places in the world: the arctic and the White Mountains.

We hit the summit of South Twin and I was pretty tired so went straight to my nap. There was a meal involved and
Sherpa gave Dad a great recounting of the mountains all around as he knows the White Mountains so very well. We have a
video of this but it’s not quite ready for youtube yet. Tracy has an archaic computer and it really isn’t ready for
the edit prime time necessary. When the Teva Grant arrives for being Life Agents (!) we intend to fix this problem and
get you better access to my video world immediately. In the meantime thanks for the patience. South Twin was very
windy and the video will show that…or I guess the audio really. Still it kept us bug free along with Aimee’s natural
repellent which she had shared with my ears – thank you Aimee! Kyle actually took a few videos of this trip and I’ll
include the snow walk and South Twin vista as soon as I’m able – thanks Kyle!

This was a pretty long day as well and being tired and sore wasn’t my ideal but I was still eager to lead and my tail
wagging only slowed a bit. I definitely still favorred my paw at every opportunity though and it was helped in part by
Sarah helping me out of the boots to let them dry out on the summit that I felt a little refreshed in the downward
climb from South Twin. We did pretty well until we hit the point where Brent and Sherpa in advnace had thoughty they
might want to Harness Dad for safety. They decided he was doing well enough today that they wanted to just feel him
out but with a human guide. I tried to supress my derisive snort and Kyle and I teamed up to follow Dad being led by
Brent and Sherpa. There were a considerable amount of tough points including this massive boulder crack that was
hidden to the side. When Dad would call me to join them I’d head down with Kyle while occasionally not finding the
easy route and having to get Guidance to make my job easier. Freedom from my job had definitely let me walk easier and
while stopping to wait I would lay down or lift my paw to get a break as it was stinging. I know by later discussions
that folks were worried I’d lost a little of my power leap on that paw. We’d learn the next day for sure it was just
he pad but they were being very cautious with me and so Dad finished the long and challenging trek with Sherpa. Near
the end of this trek it became clear Dad was pretty mentally tired but he never got close to the Tuesday exhaustion.
When the group had gone ahead to find the hut and settle, all water supplies got dangerously low again which is just a
challenge of the slow pace. When Justin and Sarah arrived from Gale Head Hut with refreshed water it was a major boost
for everyone including me. Sarah asked to take Dad’s pack but he was feeling accomplished and pushed onward letting
Sarah make the offer to others. This class had a lot of folks helping each other and that’s pretty impressive. me – I
wanted to get to a warm and comfy bed and get a long sleep. Thanks to Sherpa managing some real tough sections with
Dad we did reach the hut and not nearly as late as the day before.

Gale Head hut is a full building with running water, bathrooms (non-flush) and propane power! We all ate and Courtney
the cook partner had even gotten a head start on Dad’s MRE meal. I went straight to bed and Dad slid me under the four
high bunk beds so that I’d be out of the way. Normally I want to lay with him but sleep and rest were way too high on
my list of needs. I heard them all out laughing and recounting accomplishments but I also heard them all express more
concern for me. They unanimously decided I needed a day off to rest the paw and my general weariness. I wasn’t going
to argue and fell deeply asleep. I woke when Dad came to bed and gave me a quality cuddle and thanks for all my
efforts. My tail thumped twice and that was the best I would manage until morning. Morning would bring good news
about my overall health but that’s tomorrow’s tale of the tail. In the meanwhile, we were officially half way through
the trip and miraculously still on schedule. We were in a comfy hut with tables, a caretaker and all sorts of minor
comforts. We had hiked for 15 and 12 hours back to back and there was nobody questioning how much I love my job or my
Dad. There was no question at how well I did my job either and I was one proud pup!

Take a peak at some of my snowy work

Until Tomorrow …

http://www.patriotzip.com/ostend.htm

Brent was the first up and immediately got going which is something the rest of us would learn to do in the future. As
such he was able to help Dad and others get things going to be more effective. Bear hangs gatherred we met at the cook
site and had a jovial albeit sleepy breakfast. Camp was fully broken, water loaded and by 8:15 we were on the trail
which was a little later than ideal. I had my first larger than normal breakfast as Dad upped my food shares for the
trip since we were going to burn so many more calories than normal. He also told me I would get water early and often
in this hot weather.

Things started off well enough with us making decent time for the speed of Dad. The trail was more narrow and began to
slowly rise up as we approached one of the 4K peaks: Bondcliff. The spot was working fine so folks could track us at
home. One common mistake during early and inexperienced hikes is to take breaks which last too long. We fell into
this trap as breaks got too close to 20 minutes too long. The heat was swelterring and Dad was soaked and tired sooner
than preferable. He was also doggedly determined (!) and continued to work. We did encounter a few blowdowns which
called for the saw to make the path manageable and those were just bonus breaks for those not on trail clean-up duty.

We encounterred several small stream crossings which were handled by Brent who really wanted to be sure of Dad’s safety
on the rock stepping version of these. I was asked to sit and stay and looked on disapprovingly as Dad was put into
the trust of others. I admit rock hopping isn’t quite Guide range work but I still have my union contract for Dad
worrying! Fortunately I have to admit Brent has high levels of experience in this industry for a reason and he
developed a working and safe system. So much so he even let Justin take a turn at one point after we had started some
of the more steep sections. Justin actually had a tougher crossing but handled it very well and Dad was soon safe on
the other side calling me to hurl myself through the stream to get to my post at his side.

Now most of you know Dad isn’t just a blind man, he has some damage to his cerabellum which causes a near constant
Vertigo he’s learned to manage. The Nystagmus in his eyes is sort of scary at times and you can always get a good read
for how much it’s impacting him by those eyes. So when a rock eventually and unsurprisingly tweaked his right ankle
the ginger work made it easy for pack shift to cause him to work even harder. As the trail grew worse I tended my job
with some pretty tremendous devotion if I do say so myself – and I do! He was working too hard and both Brent and I
knew it. Actually I suspect the whole class knew it because when you hike with a slow guy you all get to hike slow
typically. They were tremendously supportive and positive and to his credit Dad just kept working away. The Camel bag
was his lifeblood as he took sips of water near constantly to power him through the effort. Brent even suggested a
little redistribution of the pack contents to some others and Dad resisted the notion as we approached the heavy run of
’stairs’ which transition to the higher points of Bondcliff. Dad set upon them with my guidance and an amazingly
supportive group of also hard working companions.

Surprisingly we passed a few groups coming down from the summit and folks said it was fun to see their surprise when
they realized the job I was doing on the hike! Some of that is they knew full well the challenge of this route and
while it’s not unmanageable, it is a lot of work and moreso given the heat, humidity, bug assault and pack weights.
Speaking of Bug Assault I was fighting the buggers away from my ears and lips near constantly. Amy had a great natural
solution later for me but Dad better finish his research into the best protective alternative for me in the future.
Matt says “Pet Guard” is a gel we might want to consider and I’m in favor of any solution. Now I won’t complain too
much as poor Courtney had 93 bites just on one side of her neck and we have the pictures to prove it (shudder)! She
didn’t complain about it either and I have to say she is one of my many heroes on this trip.

At the top of the staircase we loaded up on water for the last time until Geyot Shelter which means summit Bondcliff,
cross the saddle and summit Bond and then drop down to the shelter. We were behind schedule in part due to Dad’s slow
pace and in part due to our overly long breaks. Dad’s exhaustion wasn’t helping and he really was pushing through a
physical and mental wall in driving himself forward. I’d be proud of him and in fact am but I think he already knows
it was a quality accomplishment. He’s done harder hikes and pushed harder at things before but given the collaboration
of challenges at this point, he said it was his hardest day though not yet his hardest moments on the day.

The trail got narrow and that’s where my small size and low maneuverability helped me Guide Dad with as much speed and
accuracy as possible for the conditions. When we hit a blow down that needed clearing Dad dropped to the ground and
took a hard rest until it was clear. At this point Brent made a right call which Dad didn’t like but which he also
wisely accepted as necessary. The group redistributed much of Dad’s pack weight to make it easier going for him. I’ll
thank the whole lot who loaded up on bits and pieces to make it work and kudos to Dad for accepting it. The best props
go to Brent for his style which lets people push when appropriate, grow and learn when appropriate but ultimately makes
the right mandatory decision for the group when that is required. That’s a hiking leader’s role.

The rest of the journey to the “Hillary Step” was definitely hard still but we had a mndset of pulling together and
making it happen. We fully understood the reality of the challenge and were pushing on with more purpose. They roped
Dad for the climbing of the short Hillary step and while perhaps over-kill it was in part a test of what might be
necessary. It was handled and we shot up from there to the top of Bond cliff for much celebration. It was 3:15
already (or so) and that means I got dinner while they all got lunch. We took pictures, shot video and celebrated the
amazing views all around us. The views were easily worth the work as the 360 degree panorama was amazing on this
cloudless day. Special thanks to Sarah who gave Dad a scenic tour while Kyle did some film work and
I…well…honestly…slept a much needed and very restful sleep in the first shade of the afternoon!

This time on the top rejuvinated us tremendously. Strength of spirit counts for a lot and I think everyone had their
spirits touched by the accomplishment, the view and a wind finally strong enough to thwart those steroidal Bondcliff
Bugs which seemed immune to all winds below 20 mph!

I followed Brent into the descent of one long Saddle between the two peaks. We were now headed down and over before a
rise up to Mt. Bond. I was making great time, we were all enthusiastic and the below video again shot by Kyle on the
Teva Flip Cam highlights some of the way we work through this tough terrain. It’s a longer video but has some great
scenes and you can tell the wind was pretty impressive here as well:

It seemed sort of storybook here and Dad later recounted this as one of his favorite times on the entire hike. He’d
gotten past his wall and while he was still working doggedly (t.m.!) the reward of the first climb and the pride of
accomplishment were able to drive him onward. His pride in my work was pretty spectacular and all agreed at this point
that my ability was pretty essential to the success. That’s why it is sort of sad Dad missed the opportunity to note
the rocks which had dominated our travel for some time. He was packing my Ruff-wear boots which could have saved me a
little discomfort. My bads and nails are strong but a mountain is simply stronger. It was probably on this saddle
somewhere that I cut the pad of my back right leg and broke a nail on my front paw which cut to the Quick and bled a
very little bit. I was too intent on my work and so didn’t let it be obvious but the timing really suggests to them
this is where it took place.

Roughly half way through the up portion of the saddle it was some terrain that I really couldn’t fully guide Dad.
Brent took over the Guiding and much to his dismay Dad cracked his knee pretty good. at least he made enough noise
about the boulder and knee connection that it seemed pretty good. It’s the only real sore spot remaining from the trip
but ultimately just a good solid bruise. They treckked on through the challenging areas with Aimee and Sarah each
getting a solid shift of leading Dad. Everyone was working hard and a couple of folks took packs to the top and came
back to retrieve a few packs from others. This was the group helping each other to ensure everyone could reach the
summit because due to the pace and a choice of weight reasons to not have filled the last camel pack (105 ounces) at
the last fill point; the group was unreasonably low on water. We made the Summit of Bond in considerable exhaustion
and it was very late. I took over the work and led Dad towards the Geyot shelter with Brent while others went ahead
and got the Shelter ready as well as refilling water. There was lower celebration on the summit and as an amazing full
moon rose to light the night, we headed down the often snowy trail from Bond. It was just under 1 mile and we made
reasonably good time again with me back leading Dad. Everyone donned headlamps, except Dad, and Jenny marvelled that
effectively for Dad nothing had changed. We were all wiped and mentally I was pretty tapped as we neared a 15 hour
total hike time this day. Nature gave us a pretty incredible boost along this route for standing in the snowy trail
with a bright full moon we also had the pleasure of seeing South Twin glowing pink and we all paused to share the
spectacle with Dad. The Sun had set for all of us but was still refracting atop South Twin to make this impressive
view! THere’s something to be said that so incredibly tired and tapped we could appreciate such a moment in such a
remote location. Not long after this Kyle and Sherpa arrived with fresh water bottles to the rescue and we all drank
deeply, me included!

When we hit the offshoot trail for the Shelter it was steep, very challenging and the light was even a little too low
for me. Sherpa tried to let me use his head lamp but ultimately we just let him lead the final stages. Dad was in
plod mode which didn’t help and I don’t prefer to lead him when he’s not mentally sharp enough to be fully attentive.
I followed along and at the Shelter I immediately went to lay on my sleeping bag and pass out for the night. It was
the soundest sleep I ever had. I don’t think I heard anyone running their stoves, eating their MRE and other meals or
talking about the plans for Wednesday. I am after all Adventure Dawg and would be ready but I needed sleep. Dad came
to bed after midnight and he got the most sleep of the trip until this point. A deep exhausted sleep complete with
cramps on all his stablizer muscles for which Brent, sherpa and Aimee ensured he drank a bottle of water with a Gator
Aid supplement added. What a day! What an accomplishment! We were only 1/3 of the way through our journey.

Tune in tomorrow for more!

Monday we arrived at UNH after a night at the Sherpa estate which is also home to “Buttercup’ who is not a Princess
Bride so much as a kitty with an exceedingly shy nature. Neither Dad nor I had slept too long and we were tired but
the excitement of the trip carried the day. Kyle and Sarah were trip leaders and supplies were being doled out, packs
rechecked and a film crew of Scott and Scott took a few interviews about the experience ahead.

Matt showed up with the 15 Passenger van and we all loaded up and headed to Lincoln Woods and our entry into the
Wilderness. Dad’s pack was too heavy despite several attempts to whittle down a bit. I was of course willing to eat a
few extra rations but this did not occur. We ate our lunch during a briefing meeting and the heat continued to rise
above all expectations. My coat had been one of the items sacrificed but my sleeping bag was there so I knew I could
get warm and dry every night as needed – though I was skeptical that would be necessary at this point.

The group created a flag with each member writing what they hoped to give to the group and what they hoped to get from
the group. This would be carried by various people all through the trip and hung at campsites and summits.

Dad failed in his first attempt to start the Spot and though we took time to quickly pose as a class on the Suspension
Bridge entrance, we had to get to work as we were running just a trifle behind schedule. Dad’s first steps with the
full pack were a little awkward as narrow stairs and a higher center of gravity didn’t suit him but he settled into it
well with the pack resting solidly on his hips rather than his shoulders. The old railroad bed trail is pretty smooth
and I was able to keep Dad at a high rate of speed weaving as necessary around the rocks, over to whichever side of the
bed of rail road ties was necessary for optimum work. It was a five mile hike into the woods and eventually the trail
became more trail like and I really had to show off my skills. It didn’t take long for folks to notice and Brent told
Dad along the way he now realized it would have been a mistake to leave me behind. I was proud though Dad was
evaluating whether Brent said this as motivation or in earnest.

Everyone was strong despite the heavy packs and while some kinks were being worked into the muscle memory of this kind
of hiking, I really felt great and took in all the scents a Wilderness can hold. My tail wagging approach to this kind
of work did not go without notice as my spirits were as high as the rest of the crew.

We reached our camp pretty much on time and after a search found the lightest bugs nearer to the river, we found a
Bivvy site for our tarps, cook location and Dad, Courtney and Sarah began the bear hang search. An empty Nalgene
bottle may get thrown through a tree branch but when hung up it has not enough weight to do the job. All three took
times climbing a bit to perform the rescue and ultimately the Ladies rescued while I supervised and kept Dad out of the
way. Later a group effort would provide the final official bear hangs capable of hanging the nearly 300 pounds of food
for the start of the trip!

I got my food a little late but we had all found comfortable perches around the sounds of the rushing East Branch of
the Pemigewasset River from which the Wilderness receives its name. An enormous glacial boulder had been dropped very
near to our campsite and several folks waded out to have a picture with it. Dad sat close to it on a mossy perch to
fill up all the water bottles and have us ready for the next day’s very hard schedule. Kyle helped Dad and I find a
suitable place for me to relieve and a cathole was produced by Dad even though Brent believes I get a break from the
LNT by virtue of my wild nature.

I was pretty tired so while the group did their debrief and activities until after 11 p.m., I napped pleasantly. By
the time we officially hit the bedrools under the exposed and open tarps, I was delighted to lay on my sleeping bag and
curl up against Brent and his inflatable pad. After all, Brent had confirmed a very positive and clear appreciation
for how valuable I was on this trail so far! Dad was way over-heating and didn’t sleep so well that night. So when he
gave the agreed upon 5 a.m. wake up call we were all a little tired and ready for day two: Bondcliff. That is of
course a post for tomorrow.

You should, however, ask Dad about the fantastic Card he got from Sarah’s activity. Until then I’m still resting and
recoverring. Tomorrow’s post will have the real adventure as our trip became a mountain assault of epic detail!

Mighty Quinn
P.s. Dad will have his Teva blog up very soon as well and that will hold some great video options of me working the
mountain!

I’m a big believer in Community and I admit entering this that in consideration of the age differences I might not
feel entirely at home within the class of generally considerably younger UNH students. As an excellent testament to
the quality of folks in this class, I never felt that generational distance and I completely felt a part of the
community we are building. The Shakedown weekend certainly strengthened this tremendously and I would suspect the Hike
itself will be a tremendous impact upon our community development. Unsurprisingly we are all learning and growing from
our experiences and exposure with each other. I’m pleased my learning is no less from any of my preconceived
expectations as an older ’student.’

So the plan has undergone some review and particularly about the involvement of Quinn. As readers here know, we did
evacuate him from the “Shakedown” weekend which was a rainy and cold experience you can read about in a previous post.
This had some concern for how we would manage him in the worst of possible weather experiences which might arrive in
the Pemi trip. That remains a possibility even late in May with the weather in the 80s here in Nashua the last few
days. In fact our trail reports absolutely and clearly talk about the snow in some places and monorail of snow in a
few places as well. The weather report long range looks promising but we understand that has enough variability,
especially within the White Mountains, to not presume anything. Brent donated an old and no longer used sleeping bag
to the cause and Tracy cut it down and sewed it up to make a Quinn sized bag which I’ll be carrying with me. This will
ensure when necessary and certainly at night he has a source of getting warm and dry. We know hiking he’ll be warm
it’s for the times when weather or evening brings us to quiet resting times int he cold for which we must ensure he’s
got his warmth. We also added his Ruffwear dog hiking ‘boots’ to the mix for any times the ground cover is potentially
rough for his paws. These are sized perfectly to him and while likely used infrequently the Vibra soles should give
him protection and traction when necessary.

Another significant concern is the hike frequently puts into the Lincoln Woods Trail with a stream crossing involving
waist deep wading. Quinn doesn’t much like water but as a dog he is an avid swimmer (“I only Dog Paddle” for the
Princess Bride fans out there) and could certainly cross on his own. Still fast streams in the spring can lead to some
dangers and rather than overly involve the class in tricks for crossing him we’ve decided to ensure he crosses on the
bridge regardless of weather the group of us as a whole will wade the icy waters of the Pemigewasset River. We’ll have
some minor stream crossings later into the hike and he’ll have his chance in a safer environ to show off those skills
while we can remain sure of his well being. It is my hope that if the class crosses so will I but all of that can be
addressed when we encounter them.

Quinn can lead me very well in the woods as many have learned and there’s even a video up here:

Now six long days means I will carry a lot of additional weight and responsibility for Quinn food and care. I’m
feeling physically ready for this and similarly confident in his skills. The fact is as we learned on the Welch
Dickie, Osceola and even Pack Monadnock trips, there are occasionally some terrains where I better manage the short
stretch using both hands and feet and thus no Guide Dog. As we handle these situations we will improve our skill at
discerning when this occurs. This consideration gave us pause to evaluate whether Quinn was right for this trip and
honestly it was a serious consideration, even an expectation for a bit, not to bring him. Personally I’m confident in
his safety and his skills even as I acknowledge there is added impact for this approach of which not all is positive.
The net is sufficiently positive to me that I believe in this choice and I think we’ll have a very clear understanding
of the reality by the end of the trip. I will say that when the class discussion led to the solid perspective of the
overall group to bring him, I was very pleased. This isn’t an issue of accessibility rights, this was an issue of
making the right choice for Quinn, me and the entire class. I hope to have very good news on the return about that
very decision. One thing clearly understood is that each person who might have led me or still might in parts will
have a significant challenge with me as we learn communication systems and put our mutual focus to the many challenges
a Wilderness like this can provide without sight.

I also want to give an added thanks to Brent and Sherpa because we put in some extra work for developing systems to
help me manage the worst imagined challenges of downhill drop offs. We have a rappel system which will hopefully give us
just enough extra confidence and safety to alleviate Carrie, the 2020 Hiking Leader, and others realistic concerns
about the hardest parts. I really believe we do not plan to fail, we fail to plan and this will be one assurance of us
choosing to plan fully and test it. Thanks for the extra time!

Sunday I head to Sherpa’s home for a night of final preparation. We arrive at UNH early on Monday and head out as a
group to the Lincoln Woods. We hit the trails and do the Counter-clockwise loop which takes us up a series of trails.
Each day is planned by a different pair (usually two) of students who manage all the details of the day. We know all
our stopping points and have carefully planned out all the challenges from water sources and evacuation routes to trail
hazards, nature nuggets and some activities to help us appreciate the group and the experience more fully. Some time
on the following Saturday we’ll emerge in the Franconia region having likely traversed roughly 40 miles and a host of
peaks which could include as many as 14 of the 4000 footers. It will likely be a few less than that and as evidence
for the challenge recall that last year’s group doing this same trip accomplished zero of the peaks as ferocious
weather had them below tree line constantly and battling to manage warmth and comfort. As a blind guy it’s all about
my footing and this makes me slow so I may impact the overall group speed and thus distances. My hardest challenges
are all the down sides when inability to plan the next steps cause extra cuation. Quinn is a major help in this and
that will be obvious in the video as well as the upcoming reports but it still keeps me slow and we’ll be prepared to
adjust our work as that requires. Fortunately my endurance is decent and we are all eager to experience what we are
fairly certain is the first Guide Dog led traverse of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

So this is a training mission for the 2020 Vision Quest work still ahead as we fully launch our Charity in a very short
time. We are finalizing the details of our Fiscal Sponsorship agreement which will transform us from a NH Non-Profit
(501 organization to a 501-C3 organization which means all donations are an IRS tax Deduction. I”m so very proud of
the team assembled to help make this project real and hopefully valuable to a very significant set of challenges. I
hope you will consider taking a look at our site:
www.2020visionquest.org

So that all said just a moment to recap May. It began with a Teva announcement that we would become the present Teva
Life Agent. This fantastic program will help us manage the fiscal challenges of the 2020 Vision Quest founding as well
as letting us share the attention we can bring to Teva and similarly which they will bring to our project. It’s a step
in letting us reach out to inspire some people and hopefully bring other inspirational messages to the community we
build in the process. It enhances our ability to reach out to the many schools and hopefully educate children not just
with the aspects of my life which come from my Blindness experience, Guide Dog Teamwork and Adversity Inspired
accomplishments but also the most important message of all which is that through believing in the Ability we all have
to establish goals, Identify the challenges for those goals and set about problem resolution, we all likely hold the
keys to accomplishing so much more than we might believe if we view the world as too daunting to sufficiently challenge
ourselves at reaching the dreams we might otherwise create. It’s a “Can Do” message with which I eagerly hope to
challenge many people and especially the students within my reach. I certainly benefit from a constant stream of
inspirations as I’ve learned well how to see the inspiration in so many people and experiences. I know there’s some
hard times ahead and I am also fully aware of the euphoric impact of setting upon the path of a journey I want in my
life.

I do not suggest to anyone that hiking or Martial Arts or any of a number of my pursuits are right for them. I suggest
that people should find interests which are healthy and right for them and pursue the means to reach those interests
and the many goals they can set with an active and determined mind. I do believe there are many folks for whom my
various interests may be of interest and I hope that may rekindle some passion for such. In the meanwhile I continue
to do what I do because I love the rich experiences in my life. I continue to find ways to share it going forward on
the premise that if it helps reach or inspire anyone I’ve done something even more meaningful to me!

So that was just as May began and on the first day itself I climbed Welch Dickie and made one of the largest decisions
of my life in proposing to Tracy. I have no hesitation in this choice and without question it is the best part of the
May experience. Thank you Tracy and I love you!

Engagement news aside, I still remain exceedingly grateful and proud of the Second Degree Black Belt and the community
of Martial Artists who helped me achieve it in a journey of growth and development. There is also certainly the great
news at the results of a victory against the discrimination which had prevented Quinn and I from normal restaurant
interaction even though I’ve been refused two other times in the last three months as well. Still I live in a world
which has far more open doors and enhanced education/awareness to all things. I’ve got a strong showing of friends in
diverse interests all very supportive of my life and love for that life. I’ve got a marvelous Guide Dog who is taking
me on steps not managed by other Guides and all because he loves me and loves our experiences of adventure. We
jokingly call him Adventure Dawg as a result of his approach to our shared lives. I know this that with him I feel
independent and free to take on these challenges and harness the full pride of accomplishment. When I get help from
others I’m always tremendously appreciative for their support though admittedly it never carries the same feeling of
independence, confidence and elation. Whether that is sensible or not, it is my present reality and as this is really
his blog it’s no surprise I end with praise for the Mighty One. As the video from above says: “I have a ridiculous
Guide Dog.”

Thank you Quinn and to all out there reading this, Be well!

Randy
& the Mighty Quinn
www.zipdogblog.com