35 Peaks in 30 Days

With retirement quickly approaching, I needed to find something to challenge myself both physically and mentally. Since my first idea of a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail was out of the question, (sleeping on the ground every night for six months is not a just a challenge, it's slightly suicidal) I decided to attempt to hike all 35 peaks in the New York Catskill Mountains that are over 3500 feet in elevation in 30 days.

The Catskill Mountain 3500 Club awards certificates and patches to those who make all these required climbs.


Almost immediately after retiring, I traveled to New York and did manage to make it to the top of 32 of those mountains in the first 30 days including signing in at 11 cannisters on trail-less summits.


I later continued the quest by coming back after only a month away and finished out the last three "in season" hikes. The unique part of this quest is that in a departure from the requirements of several other such "peak bagger" mountain clubs, you have to return once again and re-climb four select mountains during the winter season.


Three of those winter climbs have been done. Only one remains. It will be completed in December 2011, hopefully with my close family standing on the top of the last mountain with me.


If you happen on this blog and find any of it of interest to you, please understand that each post shows up as most recent first but, the story actually began back in September-2010. Please scroll back and feel free to look at all of it...




Thursday, September 9, 2010

With all the planning that has gone into this trip, the one thing that you can't fully prepare for is leaving your best friend for a little while. The best part of this whole trip will be that after a week of climbing mountains by myself, Sandy will join me for a couple of the toughest, and actually the highest mountains of the trip. We've been to 14,000 feet together in the Rockies, this should be a breeze.....
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3 comments:

  1. SandySeptember 14, 2010 at 6:21 PM

    I miss you already! I am so excited for you and I think it is great that you are doing this! Can't think of a better "Dale" adventure. I can't wait to join you. It is only a breeze because you know what you are doing and I am looking forward to following your lead!

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  2. GattsBSeptember 15, 2010 at 6:55 PM

    Ahhh.....

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  3. UnknownSeptember 19, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    I can't wait for you two to be able to climb those mountains together! You guys are awesome. I'm so greatful for this blog, it's great being able to "check in" on your progress... I can't wait to read more about your adventure! Keep up the good work!

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