The finish line is in sight. On Saturday, May 23rd, I will climb Mount Monadnock. If there is a weather or health issue, it will be the following weekend, Saturday, May 30th.

I have chosen the White Dot Trail for the way up, and the White Cross Trail for the way down. These represent the most direct routes, and are rated 3 out of 5 in terms of difficulty. I estimate it will take about 3 hours to go up and 2 to come down (I roll pretty fast).

Anyone who wishes to accompany my sons and me can join us, however, I am planning to stay up there the night before so that I can get an early start. If you want to join us but can’t go up the night before, I suggest you get on the road early in the morning. I hope to start climbing at about 8:30.  Even if you can’t get there by then, you can probably catch us on the trail, as I won’t be setting any time records that day.

In the remaining 45 days before the climb I will concentrate on two things: Training as much as possible, as every pound I lose will make it easier on my back and knees, and raising funds for Eden at Elmhurst.

When I started this journey I suggested people could donate one of two ways: pledge an amount assuming I can reach the top of the mountain, or pledge an amount based on how many pounds I lost. Right now, those who pledged based on my weight are getting more of a bargain, as I continue to hover around the thirty pounds lost mark. I would love to get to forty by the climb, but I will not reach the seventy that I once set as a goal.

I feel very optimistic about reaching the top. My legs are stronger than they have been in years, and I am training to increase my endurance. That said, it will be a challenge, and it will not end for me that day. The changes I have made in my lifestyle are permanent, and I am still counting on my friends and family to keep me on the path to good health long after I complete this climb.