My hiking partner, also known as my daughter Bradley and I overpacked our bags “just in case.” We had everything from first aid supplies to snacks, nearly a gallon of water each, foul weather gear, sunblock, bug spray and more. We arrived at the base of Mount Washington, laced up our shoes—my brand new Altra trail runners get a big thumbs up—and set off reasonably early in the morning.

It was Seek the Peak Day, the biggest fundraiser for the Mount Washington Observatory—a place I hold near and dear since my grandfather worked there in the 1930s. It was fifty-eight degrees with slightly overcast skies—the perfect weather to take in the majesty of the White Mountains. We made the summit in four and a half hours. We were pleased.

We lunched at the summit cafeteria and sat with a young 20-something who was doing the Presidential Traverse. As he was scarfing down a chili dog and pizza, he mentioned not having packed enough snacks. I kicked into mom mode and, knowing we’d packed enough for a couple of days, I gave him half of mine. He told his friends about the “nice woman who shared her snacks” and later joked that he had secretly planned for sympathetic hikers to come to his aid bearing food.

I’m so happy and so thankful my gal joined me on this adventure - she was cheerful and encouraging. Brooks has been my consistent Mount Washington hiking partner but this year he decided to forgo the adventure to hold down the fort with Marshall. I missed him but was grateful for time with my gal. Thanks to those who sponsored my hike. I heard your voices in my head saying “you’ve got this!!”

There are a few milestone birthdays worth mentioning this mid-July. The ever spry Bob Zeltzer turned 92 on July 15. Allan Keith celebrates 87 on July 26. Ed Barrett will enjoy 82 on July 24. Betsy Cornwall will luncheon with a few friends to celebrate her 80th on July 29. Joannie Jenkinson enjoyed cake on July 22 in honor of her 79th. Emily Broderick and Liz Lewenberg both celebrate 78 on July 31. Shakti Reynolds celebrated the big 7-5 on July 14. David Norton and Bob Nixon both hit the milestone of 70 on July 18. Diane Morgan and Matt Poole reach the retirement age of 65 on July 25 and August 2, respectively.

Happy 60th to Claire Ganz on July 19 and Roger Cook on July 17. July 24 is the day Chioke Morais hits the half-century mark. Dan Athearn finds himself exactly twenty-years younger than Diane Morgan. Happy 4-0 to Dyan Demers on July 31. Happy 21 to Fynn Monahan, who’s making Colorado home these days and happy 18 to my niece Oona Carroll. I could go on and on but graciously share mid-July is full of town birthdays so let’s all just be thankful and celebrate one another.

The Chilmark Fire Department and Chilmark Volunteer Firefighter’s Association join forces on Saturday July 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for their annual boot drive. If you find yourself traveling through Beetlebung Corner during that time be sure to have a little cash ready to donate towards their fundraising efforts. Be sure to also mark the evening of August 7 on your calendar. That’s the date of the Firefighter’s annual Backyard Bash.

Thanks to Alicia Fenner Knight for spreading the word about coffee and refreshments under the tent in front of the art shack at the CCC on Monday, July 29 at 9 a.m. An information session about the Chilmark Preschool philosophy and the plans for a new building on the school campus will be held at this time for all interested in learning a little more. Thanks to educator Anja May and her staff, our community preschool provides a remarkably nurturing environment for our littlest townspeople.

Laurisa Rich and her Beach BeFrienders team remind us Chilmark beaches are on the docket for Saturday, July 27 from 8 to 10 a.m. Bags and gloves are provided for those who check in with coordinators. Trash is tallied too so no piece of debris, detritus, flotsam or any other descriptive word is too small.