Every now and then, you've got to sit back and realize just how DUMB some of the things you've done are. Perhaps this makes us humble, perhaps it makes us proud. If nothing else, it provides interesting memories and stories to tell.

Presented here are a selection of ideas which seemed good at the time...

Perhaps the epitome of Valiant Stupidity was our attempt to sled the vicious slopes of the Tuckerman's Ravine Headwall. Here Mike Ciacciarelli (blue helmet) and I (red helmet) are seen bailing out of our vehicle (composed of an air mattress, some cushions, judicious rope, and a small parachute) after said parachute failed to deploy. Fortunately, we were not swallowed by a cravasse or struck by the ensuing avalanche. We only suffered swollen machismoes and bruised limbs. (May, 91)
Photo Credit: Dana Ciacciarelli
During Spamageddon II, everyone's favorite potted meat was hurled tremendous distances by the power of advanced engineering (seen here being operated by the advanced engineer himself). This was a torsion-powered catapult made from a hastily-assembled 2x4 frame with a wooden crutch throwing arm (which later shattered). Note to others who wish to try this: when firing the catapult, don't stand directly in back of the Spam. Immediately after this picture was taken, I was soaked in centrifugally-accellerated glyceride juices as the noisome meat took brief but satisfying flight. (Spring 95)
Photo Credit: Mellissa Binde
Kayaking on the coast of Maine, we attempted a crossing from one inlet to another only to discover that they didn't connect, though, strangely they seemed to do so on the map. The ensuing prairie boating was a minor annoyance. (August 95).
Here we are (the New Hampshire Hiking Corps) hiking around in late May in the Pemigewassett Wilderness. We hadn't really prepared for the quantity of snow we would be getting. That was a dicey situation, oh yes!
During the winter of 89-90, I had the chance to ride to the summit of Mt. Washington with the winter crew. They take a pair of snowcats (picture a bulldozer crossed with a tank) to the summit plowing the road as they go. I elected (for reasons made unclear by the intervening years) to ride on the roof. After a few hours of not moving in sub-freezing weather, well... I was pretty cold.