We climbed Dial Mountain on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

(1:23)
Crampons should not be confused with traction cleats, like Yak Traks. This is not something we knew as we headed into our first climbing season! But now we know, and we both carry crampons in our packs from early fall through the winter. (Not that we do a lot–or any–high peak hiking in winter. Yet.) 

(3:32)
By “couple of mountains between us and Dial” we mean that the trail we were hiking went up and over several smaller mountains before going up and over Dial. These included Noonmark and Bear Den and x. (Delete this note if I actually mention them later in the podcast, which I might. Can’t remember!) 

(4:43)
Nippletop is just over five miles from the gate

(5:19)
We find the AllTrails app really useful. Loree downloads the map of our route before we leave home and runs our route on that map during the hike. It’s super helpful when you’re not sure which trail you’re supposed to be on … or which of the leaf-strewn paths in front of you are the actual trail! 

(11:15)
If you know of trail guides that do talk about this, let us know!

(22:15)
Mary Claire Haver’s book is The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change With Purpose, Power, and Facts. Others we recommend are Tamsen Fadal’s How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before and Kelly Casperson’s The Menopause Moment. 

(24:00)
A woman’s experience with HRT is going to be as unique as her experience with menopause itself. We highly recommend the books in the last note and also a visit to a doctor who specializes in the menopause transition; find out if HRT might be right for you. We know women whose lives have been changed for the better by it. And we know women for whom it was not a good fit. Do your research and seek expert guidance so that you can support YOUR experience in the very best way for YOUR body! 

(25:15)
Alternate title for this episode: WRESTLING!