This evening, Jeanine prepared a feast to help Nico and I carbo load for the climb. Dessert featured this Kilimanjaro inspired cake complete with frosted glacier courtesy of Maya. Friends have been streaming through all evening wishing us well on our odyssey. Kyle survived day two of soccer tryouts (although he is walking around the house like a tired old man). He was the only freshman to make the first cut based on passing a gruelling fitness test.
The interviews were a lot of work, but Nico appeared to have fun with it and is pleased with the results. Meanwhile, Kyle had a double practice today for the high-school soccer team tryouts. One of the challenges is to run 2 miles in under twelve minutes. Kyle was one of the few freshman who passed the test.
Today we experienced a media onslaught. Nicolai and I did three television and one radio interview about our upcoming Kilimanjaro coming of age adventure. Nico was a cool cucumber, the same of which can not be said for the father. The links to the various sites are embedded above. 
As I stumbled downstairs for breakfast this morning, I found this creature rocking on our sun porch. I asked the creature what it was doing. The creature said it was rocking. This fact not having escaped my keen powers of observation, I persisted and inquired of the creature why it was covered from head to toe in a blanket. The creature said it was cold. This was the end of our conversation, I ate breakfast, and have not seen the creature since.
Every evening our little gymnast entertains us with roughly 100 or so cartwheels and roundoffs. It should be noted that most of these routines traverse the sight line to the living room TV.
This evening I was in charge of salad preparation. Fresh picked tomatoes courtesy of our neighbor, basil from our garden, combined with mozzarella, virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. I think of my dad everytime I eat this dish.
Along the walk I was lucky to catch this butterfly. They are so hard to photograph because they take off the moment you approach. Although it is a little over exposed, I like the back lighting through the wings.
Jeanine, Nala and I returned to the Minuteman National Park today. I did the entire 7.5 mile Battle Road trail with a 15 pound day pack. Jeanine and Nala did 6 miles. Pictured here is one of the historic home along the path.
Jeanine and I went for a walk on the Minuteman Trail this evening. In four years of living in Concord I have never taken the time to appreciate this wonderful local treasure.
The setting sun through the tall grass. My art shot for the day.
Jeanine encouraged me to take this photo, but I have no idea what kind of plant it is.
Nala was keenly interested in the approaching Golden.
This evening Jeanine, Maya, Nala, and I went for a nice walk on Mattison field which was freshly mowed and the hay bailed.
To break up the return drive we paused in North Conway for a little shopping, lunch, and card playing.
Kyle was the real leader on this climb and it was a challenge to keep up with him. He is no doubt part monkey.
On the way home from Maine, we crossed back into New Hampshire and drove to the top of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the state and the place where the highest winds on Earth have ever been recorded. The drive, on a road designed for horse drawn wagons, was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Kyle’s constant reminders about the nail in our front left tire nearly earned him a one way ticket down the mountain. We did pause for a nice little climb near the top. It was my first real test of my knee and I am pleased to report that it held up very well.
I spotted this fly and thought I would tune up my macro skill in preparation for the Kilimanjaro trip.
This is the reason I was awake each morning at sunrise. Fortunately, there where no sharp implements around when I came across him.
There are few things Jeanine enjoys more than being in nature and staying in a B&B. Put the two together and you get this face.
In addition to playing with all the farm animals and milking the goats, Maya becomes the mother hen for the children of our inn keeper.
Also staying at our bed and breakfast is the mother of twin campers one of whom is in Nico’s rock band.
Finally, he performs with a jazz band and treats us all to a fantatic solo. It was such a treat to watch Nicoali playing in so many different styles.
Another quick switch and he is on the vibes. Keep in mind he also plays the flute and piano.
He then switches to drums. Both performances sounded great and I could not help feeling that the rather expensive camp was worth every penny.
His next performance was with the symphonic band playing the xlophone.
In his first performance, Nicolai played bass with his rock band.
Next we got to see his cabin which was located right next to the lake at the bottom of a hill. He told us that he got a lot of good climbing training in while going from his cabin to the various venues on campus.
Nico’s first desire was to show us the practice cabins.
Here we see him with his new friends and band mates.
Finally, after going three weeks without seeing him, we connect with Nicolai at the parent’s reception. He is positively bubbling over with joy over his experience at the Encore Coda music camp. Although he was reluctant about going, it took all of 30 seconds before he was inquiring if he could return next year.