August 8: The Summit, the Car

Well, we made it to the top of the mountain this morning.  This is what my kids looked like at the bottom:

This is what my kids looked like at the top:

It was a good climb.  We took the difficult trail, which might have been a mistake.  But, after twenty minutes of rocks and roots and steep stairs, we were staring down at Lake Superior.  It was a gorgeous day.

The mechanic called as we were descending.  It wasn't good news.  Over two thousand dollars in repairs.  Of course, I told him to just complete the oil change.  I've had enough of dealerships.  I'm taking my car to a local mechanic tomorrow.  The difference:  $60 per hour versus $180 per hour.

Saint Marty's momma didn't raise no fools.

May 25: Climbing Sugarloaf, Pictorial Post

This afternoon, my wife, son, and I climbed Sugarloaf Mountain.  It was the first time ever for my son, and it was the first time in quite a few years for my wife and myself.  It was a lovely day, moderate and sunny.  What follows is the pictorial narrative of our ascent and descent...

At base camp

Stopping for refreshment

An excited little sherpa

Some exotic local fauna

Yes, we took the difficult trail

The little sherpa near the summit

Stopping one last time before conquering the summit

Celebrating on the summit of Sugarloaf

An ancient Boy Scout monument against the Yeti

A view from the summit

And another view

The little sherpa doesn't want to descend

On the way down

The little sherpa leads the way

Almost near the bottom

Doing the traditional victory dance at base camp

The wise little sherpa wants to climb back to the summit again

Saint Marty now knows what Sir Edmund Hillary felt like.