Madd Max Heads To Nashville

Or Smashville, which apparently did not get it's name from all the bachlorette parties it hosts, but rather from it's hockey team.

The reason for the trip.

Even more better than the yummy taco board they had for dinner in SoBro.

The Scrapper Climbs Again

After returning to Portland with Simon. Apparently, he's a fan.

The Scrapper Turns 17

It was a beautiful day.
 

For our baby to turn 17 in his favorite place.

Card from his cuz, et al.

The teens all headed out to the bridge by bike and paddleboard, and then partially enjoyed getting caught in a rainstorm.

McDonalds lunch per the birthday boy's request.

Lunchtime ice cream instead of cake, and present opening.

That's a happy teen.

Who was even happier to spend the rest of the day inside while others ventured into the world.  He gave the birthday a 10 after having his favorite meal, bacon, brussel sprout pasta for dinner.

Madd Max Has A Full House

While Sam worked on chopping up a tree.

The girls collaged and snacked.

 

Until they saw a bear. 

The evening started with apps and a round of Priorities.

 

Then family dinner prep.

 

Followed by family dinner.

Slappy Gets A Friend

Kayla arrived in Boston after 4 hours of delays.

Madd Max Has An Arrival

 

Big Mila from Panama arrived and some The Last of Us watching commenced.

Madd Max Hikes To The Fire Tower

Just a Sam and Jess hike.

Followed by a few rounds of Telestrations.

Madd Max Goes Climbing

 

Simon is an avid climber.

Taisie took Madd Max to Portland with him where they engaged in his passion.

Madd was less avid, lasting only about 20 min of the 2 hours.

Madd Max Has Blueberries

Down by the dock.

Madd Max Goes To The Barnstormers

All dressed up for the theatre.

The set of Eureka Day was fantastic.  They build these in about a week.

Madd Max Wakes Up On The Mountain

After being awoken by a song and a holler that breakfast would be served at 7am, Jess grabbed a coffee and headed outside.

 

Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon and an orange muffin provided a solid base.

Jess, Sam and Simon headed out for a hike up to Mt. Pierce.

The peak had some killer views.

Along with ominous clouds, which the hut croo had warned would turn into "absolutely terrible" weather later in the day.

A stop at Gibbs Falls on the way down.

Followed by an equally as lovely stop for pizza.

Madd Max Settles In At The Hut

Pre-dinner, a talk about how the hut is run/sustains itself.

Ready for dinner.

 

Which was an incredible meal of homemade bread, french onion soup, salad and stuffed shells with everything-but-the-kitchen sink cookies for dessert. 

 

This also happened during dinner.

After a talk by a thru-hiker who was doing the entire Appalachian Trail, a little Scrabble before quiet hours.

Madd Max Hikes To The Mizpah AMC Hut

 

Backpacks ready for the overnight hike.

 

The start.

 

After a 2.4 mile hike up a trail that a previous hiker had referred to as "one continuous staircase," the hut was waiting.

The fam's overnight spot.

Triple bunks - Sam and Jess shared a double (Sam got the top).

Views from Bunk Room 7.

Hut vibes.

Madd Max Canoes Lake Chocorua

Glassy reflections.

See that speck all the way on the left?

That's a bald eagle, drinking some water.