Brothers Hiking at Kingswood

One of the roles Dave and I fill at Kingswood Camp is Master Fisher/Hiker or, in latin, outdoorsmanius extraordinairus.  On one of the first days of the session, I was sent with a group of campers up Mt. Adams, the second highest peak in the Northeast after Mt. Washington.  Like Washington, Adams boasts the meteorological maxim of "The Worst Weather in America" and in true form, our ascent was quite similar to the Washington epic that Dave, Adam and I survived earlier in the summer. 

Trudging along in white-out conditions at around 4,500 ft.

When sporadic rain showers and dropping temperatures didn't deter us, we quickly lost almost all visibility in the complete fog.  Then, as we approached the summit, the freezing rain picked up and quickly completed its phase change to all-out hail.  We breezed by the summit without even stopping in search of an Appalachian Mountain Hut we knew to be nearby for shelter.  But on the descent the weather relented and we finally got a few spectacular, albeit ephemeral views. 

The valleys of the White Mountains appear behind a canopy of clouds.

Group shot!  The background disappeared in the time it took me to put the camera on a timer and run over...

The following week, Dave and I were thrilled to be assigned Kingswood's most challenging hike, the 3-day.  For this trip, we headed up to the furthest reaches of the White Mountains, the North Woods.  Despite the fact that my brother and I have each been backpacking for over half a decade, this was to be our first ever overnight trip together. 

Brothers Unite! To do dishes.

Dave takes in the views from Roger's Ledge in the early morning.

We had a great group.  I'm amazed that they put up with the double dose of McGaughey Brothers.

Can't complain.

3-Day conquered, on to the next one.

Our final outdoor adventure as a tandem took place the following day after the North Woods hike.  Dave and I teamed up with legendary angler Nate White for a fishing excursion to the world-famous destination Indian Pond.  After helping the campers and launching all the canoes, we counselors got to take a few casts of our own. 

2nd Session's Fisherman Greats: Dave, Ray and Nate

Smooching my prize of the day

Dave switches is up to fly-fishing

Viva the outdoors, Viva Kingswood!