an interview with J.U.M.P founder Bill Spacciapoli
You've done all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000 ft. peaks. What possessed you to do that?
It was a friend's idea. Hiking wasn't exactly a childhood passion. I did a little in the Boy Scouts, (For the complete article, click here.)and remember asking for a fancy backpack for Christmas. I used it once or twice, and it ended up in my parents' attic. The years went by, I got married, we started a family. Then a good friend of mine from high school, who was also married with kids, approached me with the idea of doing all the 4,000 footers in the Whites. As they say, it seemed like a good idea at the time. . . (For the complete article, click here.) |
J.U.M.P. into Winter!
Winter is a great time to be outdoors, and we're taking full advantage. Our January outing to Windblown Cross Country Ski Center, in New Ipswich, NH, was immense fun, and terrific exercise. Since the kids had never been on skis, it was a day of uphill struggles and downhill thrills (and spills). A J.U.M.P. volunteer who's an experienced nordic skier was along to offer tips and encouragement. A great time was had by all. Our thanks to Al Jenks, Windblown's owner, for his hospitality. Thanks also to the Appalachian Mountain Club's Youth Opportunities Program, for the loan of some extra winter clothing.
We have monthly outings scheduled until the opening of our backpacking season, in June. Our next winter outing will be on Saturday, April 6.
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2013 Mountain Calendar
We can't wait to get back to the mountains! Last summer's program was highlighted by four weekend trips into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After the approach hikes to the huts, the kids and leaders with leftover energy bagged a few peaks, including Carter Dome (4,832 ft.), the first 4,000-footer climbed by our young hikers. In September, a J.U.M.P. team raised the American flag on Wildcat Summit as part of the "Flags on the 48" event, held each year in memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11. Various local day hikes, along with a two-day wilderness first aid course taught by SOLO, a national leader in wilderness medicine education, rounded out a vigorous and memorable summer.
Here's some of what we have planned this year: (For the complete article, click here.) |
