Gandalf

Sustaining Member

Michael

Age range 70+ Thornton, NH

Location: Thornton, NH
Member since: August 2001
Last active: Oct 10, 2026
Relationship: In A Relationship
Looking for: Outdoor Buddies
Outdoor fitness: Very Strenuous
Ride share: Willing to give guys a ride

Outdoor interests

Adventure Vacations Backpacking Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Kayaking-Calm Water Skiing Snowshoeing Soaking - River/Brook Trail Maintenance Trekking

Photos

Sustaining members can view full-size photos.

About Me

5'8", 160, fit, blue eyes/blond hair, french, nature-based spirituality, alternative rock music, and into eating healthy.

Favorite Places

My favorite local place is my backyard, the White Mountains. I hike 4,000 footers and lesser peaks in the area year round. Working on my third round of 4,000 footers. Started a local hiking Facebook Group called Pemi Valley Hikers in 2020. Enjoy cross-country skiing in winter. Been going to Acadia National Park every year for a vacation and love it! We are returning to St. John's Virgin Islands again next year for a winter break. I'm now into exploring National Parks and will hopefully return back to Europe for more hiking vacations.

Outdoor Experience

I've been hiking and backpacking for over 40 years. I've backpacked the entire Appalachian Trail, backpacked Vermont's Long Trail twice, summited the 100 highest peaks in New England and completed the Northeast 115 [4,000 footers]! Reached the summit of Island Peak in Nepal, 20,305 feet in 2002. I've reached the summits of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and the Mexican volcanoes including Popo and Pico de Orizaba. Tried, but did not reach the summits of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and Aconcagua. It was still an awesome experience.

Trip reports (102)

East Osceola Trail MaintenanceJun 11, 2023
We can say with confidence that the entire Mt. Osceola Trail is in great shape!!!
Bald Peak HikeMay 27, 2023
Jon and I wanted to do a half day hike today and decided on a 4.6-mile hike to the bare, flat summit of Bald Peak [2470 feet]!
Mt. Washington Winter HikeJan 22, 2022
Jon and I summited Mt. Washington yesterday on what will probably be the best day for hiking up Mt. Washington on a weekend this winter!
Mt. Liberty Hike Trip ReportDec 4, 2021
The summit was amazing! Excellent crystal clear views, no wind, bright sun and bluebird skies.
MT. KATAHDIN [5,267’] TRIP REPORTSep 13, 2021
Mount Katahdin is really awesome!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK BEEHIVE SUMMIT TRIPSep 12, 2021
Before leaving ANP Jon and I decided to finish climbing up the Beehive Trail which is similar to the Precipice Trail but shorter!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK LOOP ROAD SURF EXPLSep 10, 2021
Hurricane Larry was still lingering off the coast of Maine so Jon and I decided to return to the ANP loop road for one hell of a show!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK PRECIPICE TRAIL Sep 10, 2021
We did the most challenging hike in the park!
SQUAM LAKE CAMPING TRIP REPORTSep 9, 2021
These canoe camping trips are absolutely our favorite way to kick off our vacation!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK LOOP ROAD Sep 9, 2021
There must have been a storm off the coast as the surf was pounding the rugged ANP cliffs with a thunderous roar and soaring waves that shot up high!
MOUNT WEBSTER VIA WEBSTER CLIFFS TRAIL TSep 4, 2021
Jon and I hiked up Mt. Webster using the exciting Webster Cliff Trail with fun rock scrambles, few people, and met six AT thru hikers!
CHERRY POND AND LITTLE CHERRY PONDJul 31, 2021
From the bushes at the outskirts of the pond, a magnificent view over the tranquil water is obtained!

Show all 102 »

Tumbledown Mountain HikeJul 10, 2021
First time here and now I understand why this place in Maine is always packed--Big Big Bang for your buck this peak!
Mt. Martha and Owl's Head HikeMay 29, 2021
From Mt. Martha, there are great views of the entire Presidential Range, Crawford Notch and Franconia Ridge!
Mount Monadnock Hike via Pumpelly TrailApr 3, 2021
Just a great day to go out to the lofty summit of Mt. Monadnock offering unobstructed vistas in every direction!
Tuckerman Ravine SleddingFeb 13, 2021
Perfect winter adventure! Epic sledding to be had!
Mts. Morgan and Percival HikeFeb 11, 2021
I wouldn’t be surprised if Morgan shows more fresh water that can be seen anywhere in New Hampshire!
Mt. Potash HikeFeb 10, 2021
Incredible Wednesday on Mt. Potash!
MTS MOOSILAUKE AND SOUTH PEAK HIKEJan 1, 2021
Gorgeous hike on a beautiful sunny day to these two peaks!
MIDDLE AND NORTH [2310’] SUGARLOAF HIKEOct 31, 2020
We hadn't been on these peaks in a while and forgot how nice they are!
West Tecumseh; Mt. TecumsehOct 10, 2020
Great fall like temperatures on such a beautiful, sunny day!
BALD KNOB/TURTLEBACK MOUNTAIN HIKEOct 3, 2020
Foliage seems to be at peak. The views were spectacular and it was a nice clear day with puffy clouds!
Mt. Moosilauke via Beaver Brook TrailSep 12, 2020
The Beaver Brook Trail is the most picturesque route to Mt Moosilauke as it follows along cascades for nearly a mile!
Sandwich Dome via Algonquin TrailSep 5, 2020
Jon and I have been climbing up Sandwich Dome this time of year using the Algonquin trail three years in a row. We highly recommend this approach!!!
Mt. Washington HikeAug 9, 2020
Adventure awaits to those that seek it out – put this hike on an epic time recharging body, mind and spirit!
North Uncanoonuc HikeJun 27, 2020
A fantastic hike up an urban mountain on a hot, hazy, humid day with the threat of thunderstorms later in the day!
Stinson Mountain HikeJun 20, 2020
Summer has arrived in the White Mountains at last!
Fisher MountainJun 13, 2020
If you like Welch/Dickey but not its crowds, you'll love Fisher!
Plymouth MountainMar 28, 2020
We wanted to hike local with COVID-19 spreading fast so we chose Plymouth Mountain [2,187 ft.], which you can see from I-93.
North TwinMar 21, 2020
Excellent day in the White Mountains with Jon!
Mt. Cardigan; FirescrewFeb 17, 2020
Glorious day!
Mt. CarrigainOct 14, 2019
Magnificent blue bird day with gorgeous views of the fall foliage and nearby peaks!
Mt. Clay HikeSep 28, 2019
Brilliant hike. If the weather cooperates, Mount Clay is an excellent destination and well worth it for a fine autumn day above treeline!
HUT-TO-HUT HIKING AUSTRIA'S AND GERMANY’Aug 31, 2019
Our documentary of our 52 mile Zugspitze Arena and Wetterstein Mountain Hut Trek in Austria and Germany!
Split Cliff BushwhackJun 8, 2019
Reading the old AMC Hiking Guides, there was a herd path about 1/4 mile past the summit of Mt. Osceola that leads to Split Cliff.
Mounts Madison and Adams Winter HikeJan 5, 2019
Phenomenal day in the Presis! How often do you get temps in the 30’s, almost no wind, and be able to hike in just spikes car-to-car?
Mt. Garfield New Year's Eve HikeDec 31, 2018
I love starting the New Year with a hike. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and best wishes for 2019!!!
Cannon MountainDec 1, 2018
What an EPIC Day! Undercast and most snow I’ve ever seen in early December!!!
Mt. Washington and MonroeAug 19, 2018
The summit atmosphere is unique but it's something that adds to the magic of the Whites!
Pemigewasset River Kayak TripJul 29, 2018
The river itself is shallow and flows over a gravel bed with wide gravel and sandy beaches for many stop offs for swimming and picnicking.
Rock Rimmon HikeApr 28, 2018
It is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Piscataquag River ParkApr 21, 2018
For a city park, this is real gem!
The Kinsmans via Fishin' Jimmy Trail, NHJan 20, 2018
What a great day! GO PATS!!!
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For just a modest hiking effort, there are spectacular views of Mt. Washington from both Sugarloafs!
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Mt. Tecumseh [Waterville Valley, NH]Dec 9, 2017
With the first major snowfall this season, it seemed like a good opportunity to hike it!
Smarts Brook Trail, Waterville Valley NHSep 23, 2017
This turned out to be a delightful woods hike, with good footing and some nice hardwood forest.
North and South Twin [Twin Mountain, NH]Jun 4, 2017
I was so lucky because the sun was shining and the views were amazing.
Potash Mountain [Lincoln, NH]Mar 12, 2017
This peak is a keeper, a hike to be repeated in warmer weather when I can bring a picnic lunch and a few friends.
Potash MountainJan 1, 2017
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Welch and DickeyNov 5, 2016
I must have done this hike at least 40 times and it’s one I never tire of doing.
Mt. Roberts and Mt.Faraway HikeApr 16, 2016
Mt. Roberts is a nice hike with varied views from different spots to different directions. Mt. Faraway is worthless unless you're peak-bagging.
North Kinsman/Bald Peak on a Perfect DayMar 19, 2016
Today has not been anything but a perfect day!
Coldplay on Mt. TecumsehFeb 12, 2016
Mt. Tecumseh is also known as the Waterville Valley Ski Area. It's the lowest 4,000 footer at 4003 feet.
Greeley Ponds Hike, NHFeb 7, 2016
Winter solo hike to the remote and frozen Greeley Ponds via Livermore Road!
Mt. Israel HikeJul 6, 2015
To sum it up, this hike was a treat! I finally made another visit to Mt. Israel after many years.
Mts. Starr King & WaumbekMay 30, 2015
Despite the heat and humidity, this was overall a great day. Mt. Waumbek isn't the most exciting hike, but the mixed scenery and terrain made it fun!
Red Hill HikeMay 2, 2015
What a view from the fire tower! Lakes all around and peaks arrayed to the north along the Sandwich Range – a fine reward for so easy hike.
Mt. Shaw and Black Snout HikeApr 25, 2015
Hike up a semi abandoned trail with spring cascades!
North and South TwinFeb 28, 2015
North ['4761 ft.] and South [4902 ft.] Twin are the loftiest ridge between the Presidentials and the Franconia’s. Both offer superb views!
Timber Camp Trail SnowshoeFeb 15, 2015
Hike to an old logging camp with views of Waterville Valley’s eastern peaks in frigid temperatures!
Powdah Day on Welsh Mtn. LedgesJan 27, 2015
Short trek making fresh tracks to Welsh Mtn. Ledges!
Mt. Tecumseh HikeJan 10, 2015
Winter hiking tips for a very cold winter's day!
Mts. Liberty [4459'] and Flume [4328']Jan 3, 2015
It was a fun hike! In the winter I like it because it's much easier on the feet, and the summit of Mount Liberty is a huge scary frozen rock mass!
Greeley Ponds via Waterville Valley HikeJan 2, 2015
The trail from Waterville Valley has been closed since Hurricane Irene in 2011 due to extensive damage and it recently opened in the fall of 2014.
Smarts Brook LoopDec 29, 2014
Relaxing and easy 3.6 mile winter hike to enjoy a 30-foot gorge, cascades, red pines, beaver pond and more!
Mt. Jackson [4052'] via Webster JacksonDec 20, 2014
I'm glad to have good weather once again hiking up this peak. It offers minimal distance and elevation gain for maximum views!
Brins Mesa Hike, Sedona AZOct 19, 2014
Unobstructed views of the spectacular rock formations!
Airport Mesa Sunset, Sedona AZOct 18, 2014
We read that the Airport Mesa was the place to go for a sunset panaroma!
Bell Rock Pathway; Sedona AZOct 18, 2014
A great introductory trail to Red Rock Country!
Mts. Lincoln-Lafayette Hike Oct 5, 2014
Lafayette and I have stories -there is a bond between us. So I decided to climb it as my 60th birthday hike.
Jon's 46er Finish on Mt. Whiteface!Sep 7, 2014
Jon's finish on the northernmost Adirondacks 46er in New York...Mt. Whiteface at 4,867'...the views are some of the best in the East!
Haystack, Basin and Saddleback ClimbSep 4, 2014
Two nights at Johns Brook Lodge in New York's Adirondacks to hike part of the Great Range: Haystack, Basin and Saddleback.
Mt. Colden and McIntyre Range BackpackSep 2, 2014
An overnight backpack to Lake Colden through Avalanche Pass and climbing the following peaks: Mt. Colden, Iroquois, Algonquin and Wright.
Pemigewasset River KayakingAug 30, 2014
Relaxing day paddling the Pemigewasset River despite the crowd!
Mt. JeffersonJul 26, 2014
It was a challenging 5-hour round trip to the third highest White Mountain peak!
Mt. PassaconawayJul 19, 2014
A day well spent on Passaconaway!
Mt. Osceola's Split CliffJun 29, 2014
I felt great and proud of my bushwhack bruises and blood.
Mt. Whiteface HikeJun 1, 2014
Challenging ledge scrambles and magnificent view perches!
Waterville Valley CascadesMay 31, 2014
I don’t think there is any trail in the White Mountains that displays so many waterfalls in such a short distance!
Tower Hill Pond HikeMay 10, 2014
The beauty and quiet of the surroundings is unmatched.
Red HillMay 3, 2014
What a view from the fire tower! Lakes all around and peaks arrayed to the north along the Sandwich Range – a fine reward for so easy hike.
Mt. Hedgehog HikeMar 28, 2014
Hedgehog is one of the great moderate hikes!
Mt. TecumsehMar 25, 2014
Things were quiet at Waterville Valley.
Lower Georgiana FallsMar 23, 2014
Beautiful powdery conditions!
Welsh Mountain LedgesMar 21, 2014
Partial hike up Welch-Dickey.
Carter Dome HikeMar 18, 2014
Carter Dome, tallest of the range!
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