We added another state to our map on the camper!

Mounts Cabot & Waumbek

He tackled the Northern end of the 48 footers today. I tried to get the dogs to pose with him at the beginning, so I asked them to sit at his feet. George started peeing on the post, and Buffy thought that while she was sitting, she should drag her butt and give it a good cleaning on the wet grass. Needless to say, they didn't get to be in the picture. I couldn't stop laughing, and Ed couldn't get going fast enough! 

While Ed hiked, we explored! 

They were sure happy to see him when he finished! 

Wiggin Reunion

I'm not sure how many years in a row this is, but it's A LOT! We had a great time catching up with everyone, took our annual trip over to the cemetery, played egg toss, and celebrated a few belated birthdays and other milestones. Oh! And Aunt Margie got kittens. We only got to meet Peaches, but he's super sweet! ❤️ All in all, a good day!

Guess who left her sunroof open during yesterday's thunderstorm?

Thankfully today is a perfect drying day - warm, sunny, and breezy! 

It's always nice when my drivers think of me...

Cheeky

 

Vermont 100

I'll start with an adage that many of you have heard - “if you want to have your faith in humanity restored, watch a marathon”. It is always so inspiring to see how people will help other people to push their physical limits. When Ed switched to the ultra trail running world, we discovered that feeling was exponentially compounded.

It is mind-boggling to watch as runners attempt the seemingly impossible and equally impressive to watch the crews and volunteers who help to make it possible. It is a team effort like nothing you've ever experienced. Pushing your body to go way beyond its limit breaks it down in ways you don't expect, despite your training. But no matter what happens, there is somebody they who did anticipate it and will help you. Even if you're a perfect stranger. It doesn't matter. There are no boundaries. That disgusting sock that you've been running in for 60 miles needs to come off so that you can tend to blisters that are excruciating painful but you can't quite bend that far because your back is seizing up? No worries. We've got you. Sweat is causing chafing in places you wouldn't normally mention in public? Here's the bag balm. You need to change your clothes because something is rubbing you the wrong way? Don't move. Conserve your energy. We'll advert our eyes. Nakedness loses it's shock value when there are much more important things at stake. Need a drink? We've got water, sports drinks, cola for a hit of sugar and caffeine, etc. Please help yourself. Need something stronger ‘cause this hurts? Have a beer. 

Mind you, this all happens over the length of the course. There are aid stations full of volunteers who set up ahead of the race at various mile-markers, but the crews that follow the runners move from point to point. So, as crew, you follow hand-written directions to each of the places where you are allowed to meet your runner, park, unload all the gear and lug it to the trail, wait for your runner, spend a few minutes bolstering their body and spirit as needed, and then pack everything back up, lug it to the car, and head to the next location. There is never a dull moment. It's an adventure, and a fascinating ebb and flow of people throughout the length of the race. It's exhausting and exhilarating because of all the things that you experience. You cheer on other runners and their crews and watch how they interact. You learn new tricks to help your runner. You visit with people. You see friends and you make friends. The ultra world is like no other! 

He did it!

We spent the weekend supporting our friend, Greg. It took everything that he had, but he got it done! 

It's time!

Houston wanted to go get groceries, too!

This li'l plant has traveled more than 10,000 and just keeps on growing and flowering!

After the storm...

Leaving work this evening, I donned the finest of fashion apparel to keep my foot dry. As I was walking across the parking lot and watching the lightning dance across the sky, I did some bargaining with the man upstairs to please not strike me this time? I'd really rather not die with a trash bag on my foot!

Best recovery crew!

🤣

Ed's trying to take over the housework while I'm healing. I was sitting out in the sunshine for a few minutes with Buffy when I heard him come out with the laundry basket, complete with clothespin bag over his shoulder. I snapped a quick picture, then turned to look at Buffy. Her expression was priceless! 

Go Nate go!

Nate represented Team Nooksack at the Norway Sprint Triathlon today! He was part of a 3 man relay team called Chicken Dinner, and completed the running portion of the course in 19:19. Nice work! Chicken Dinner ended up being the fastest relay team this year! Thank you Ike for the picture. 

It only took a year and a half to get a doctor to actually listen to me. As it turns out, I was right. There was damage and a reason why it hurt so much. Go figure. It's repaired now, so it can heal! Here's to pain-free walking. I can't wait!

The babies are outgrowing their nest...

What's the next line?

This was a pleasant surprise waiting on my desk at work!

Taste of Summer

It occurred to us this weekend that we hadn't had any lobster yet this summer! Then, we remembered why, and it was understandable. Well, for anyone else who was worried, the situation has been remedied. 😉 @thetuckaway has rolls 2 for 1 on Mondays. Ed's was warm with butter. Mine was cold with a hint of mayo. Mmmmm...soooo good!

Well, hello there!

We really appreciate the help!

It seemed like a good idea at the time!

I didn't take this one...

It's such an awesome shot, though, that I wanted to post it here. Photo credit to Ian Borowski, the official photographer for the Denali 135 Ultra. 

I am so proud to crew for Ed. He never ceases to amaze. Now that the dust has settled, it's official. He ran the 2nd fastest time ever on the course - 26 hours and 43 minutes. Incredible! 

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

 

You won't hear a peep from me!

Fingers crossed...

We finally replaced our 'fridge. It wasn't old, but it never worked well. Hopefully this will be an improvement!