Week 33 – Weigh-in

Week 33

Start Weight: 298 lbs
Current Weight: 296.6 lbs
Weeks Change: -.8 lbs
Last Weight: 297.4 lbs
Total Change: – 1 lbs

Back in the Swing with Weight Watchers

I re-joined weight watchers on June 10th.  I did weight watchers on line program a few years ago and lost about 70lbs, but started thinking that I could track on my own and didn’t need to “waste” my money on paying for the program.  Yeah, doing it on my own didn’t work out so well I gained all the weight I lost back plus some. So here I am to give it another go…

This time around I am going to the meetings, I find them cheesy but Miss HuskyHiker enjoies them and we are on this adventure together so I am going for her…  I have lost 6.4lbs so far and Miss HuskyHiker is not far behind.

Weight Watchers is a way of calorie counting that gives food a “point” value based on calories, fat, and fiber.  You get les points as you loose weight and you can earn extra points if you exercise.  They keep saying at the meetings that it is not a diet, just a training program to get you eating right.  I guess that is true and a good way to look at it…   So Weigh-in Wednesdays will be back with a vengeance…

Week 32

Start Weight: 298 lbs
Current Weight: 297.4
Last Weight: 299.6
Total Change: -0.6

Rock House Outer Loop on G.O. Day – 2.1 Miles

Carter Pond

The Rock House Reservation is located in West Brookfield, MA right along rt9.  The 135 acre park was established by the Trustees in 1993.  I grew up in West Brookfield and used to go here when I was a kid with my mom.  We would  hike up to the house that overlooks the lake and have lunch and watermelon. The house is now a “museum” that has some info about the rock house’s history…

We did the “outer loop” using the Inner loop trail (red), Outer loop trail (orange), Fullam trail (blue),  and the Fire Road.  I hiked with Miss HuskyHiker, my Brother and his

The Rock Shelter

girlfriend.  My Brother and his girl have been out on two more hikes since, so I think I might have got them hooked on the outdoors…

At the Rock House they allow horseback riding and hiking/skiing/snowshoeing only no Mountain Biking and I have never seen any horses or traces of any horses.   No Fishing or boating is allowed in the pond either.   This park is rich with history and a great place to stop if you ever find yourself in the area…

Saturday, June 13 – National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day)

This Saturday June, 13th is National Get Outdoors Day. Federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry all over the country get together to offer activities to help get people doing stuff outdoors.  You can find a full listing of locations and events at the National Get Outdoors Day Website (http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org). Some of the activities you will find include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, rafting, ect.  So check the location listing load your kids up in the car and head outside…

June 6-7th – Statewide free fishing weekend

One of the outdoor activities I enjoy is fishing.  In most states you need a license to fish.  On June 6th and 7th the state of Massachusetts allows anyone to fish license or not, I am sure this is to get people “hooked” so they will purchase a license. All license fees go to the MassWildlife Program.  I think most states offer this program and it usually falls on this weekend, here is a list of free fishing days (double check the info on your state wildlife web page) or just search google for your state and free fishing day…

You still need to follow fishing laws so make sure you read up a little before you head out.  Most states limit fish you can keep and size.

So its time to dig out that old fishing pole and head outside for a couple days…   If you have ever though about giving it a try now is the time…    Get out and just enjoy being outside!!!

Almost Missed Out – Fiddlehead Season

Fiddleheads with shallots & garlic on a bed of rice

I almost missed out on fiddleheads this year. Luckly I found them at a store today and cooked them up for dinner tonight.  Usually in the beginning of May you see them start to show up in the locally owned grocery stores, this year I seemed to keep missing them and when I finally asked I was told they were already passed season.  Fiddleheads are the unfurled fronds of a young fern, They grow in the wild and are uncultivated.  Only certain types of fiddelheads are edible and you should only hunt and pick them if you know what you are looking for.  Fiddleheads taste a bit like asparagus and should be boiled or steamed.  I like to rinse them in cold water and gently rub them to remove any of the brown papery stuff on the spiral then steam or boil, some say to change the water half way through cooking.

The photo above is fiddleheads with shallots and garlic and white rice.  I sauteed the garlic and shallots in olive oil, when well browned I added a bit of beer (I used Sierra Nevada ESB). Then I added the fiddleheads covered the pan and let it simmer for a bit, 10 minutes or so seemed to be good.

It is just great to be able to eat something fresh and local so early in spring…  Being in Western, MA I have the availability of some of the best asparagus you can find anywhere.  Can’t wait for summer and the availability of more local awesome veggies!

Norwottuck Trail – Rainy Ride – 20 Miles

When out this morning for a wet bike ride.  It was misting or a slight drizzle, but it was nice.  Rode the Norwottuck Trail past the Hampshire Mall. About a mile or two past the mall I thought I had picked up a rock in the front tire a bit later I noticed it was starting to go flat… not a rock but a piece of glass, bummer!  Where is that patch kit and frame pump?   Something I never got around to adding to my bike.  So our only choice… to walk…

The Mall has a Dicks Sporting Goods store so I figured I could pick up what I needed to make the repair there.  Bought a patch kit and asked if I could bring my bike in and use the pump…  She said yes, alright!  Now I gotta get this thing patched.  Used my keys as tire levers it worked well… The patch stuck and it held air.  So off we go! Lesson learned,time to get a repair kit on the bike.   The ride totaled up at about 20 miles so it was a good morning ride…

Things I need for the repair kit:

1. Patch kit Read more »

North Sugarloaf – Sunderland, MA – 5.4 Miles

I headed out early Sunday to beat the heat, 90+ temps in April crazy right?  I parked at the base of the Sugarloaf summit road and followed the blue blazed trail.  I don’t really know the trails here but figured I could make a nice loop, not so… Read more »

Weigh in Week 24

Start weight – 298lbs
Current weight – 290.5lbs
Last weight – 291lbs
Weight change – .5lbs
Total lost – 7.5lbs

Weigh in Week 23

I was sick for week 22 weigh in so I didn’t bother weighing in… I believe that when you are sick you need to focus on getting better, not counting what you are eating. Heck I bet I enough cough drops some days to fill my recommended calorie intake.  The gym was out of the question last week too…  This week I am getting back on the gym routine and this weekend is going to be 80 and sunny so I can’t want to get out…

Start weight – 298lbs
Current weight – 291lbs
Last weight – 291.5lbs
Weight change – .5lbs
Total lost – 7lbs