Big-Time's info & stats

Prospect Mountain

Mount Roberts

Holt Hill

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About Big-Time

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I am a motorcyclist who rides 12 months a year in New England and a USMC 'Nam v… more

I am a motorcyclist who rides 12 months a year in New England and a USMC 'Nam vet who humped lots of gear all over the world. Now, however, I'm a nov… more

I am a motorcyclist who rides 12 months a year in New England and a USMC 'Nam vet who humped lots of gear all over the world. Now, however, I'm a novice hiker eager to revive old skills and acquire new ones. I am very familiar with topographical maps because I used them extensively as a member of a Marine Naval Gunfire Team directing shore bombardment by naval ships. I turned 75 Feb 10th 2022 and I am recovering from open heart surgery (Aortic valve replacement) in June of 2020. I celebrated the first anniversary of my open heart surgery by being part of a group of 25 bikes that rode in to Lake George NY June 10-13 2021 That was a 940 mile weekend... try keeping up with me and my NSBz and ICMC brothers! I am determined to get into tip top hiking shape and climb some mountains. I'm also a multiple amputee (two toes on one foot, and one on the other from frostbite). I directed naval shore bombardment as a member of a Shore Fire Control Party (SFCP) in support of amphibious operations in Vietnam in '68-'69. I participated in Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises from 1969 to 1971. During amphibious operations Marine Naval Gunfire Fire teams go ashore with the first wave and provided support to infantry before artillery comes ashore in later waves. We carried AN/PRC-25 (and sometimes a slightly improved, all solid state, AN/PRC-77) FM radios to talk to ships and direct their fire. PRC-25s and 77s were about 20-25lbs. Occasionally we carried a longer range AN/PRC-47 HF AM radio, a two man load out with a 42lb radio and a separate accessory rucksack with BB-451 wet cell battery, antenna, speaker, handset, etc. Unlike the PRC-25/77 radios, it had to be set up and could not be operated on the move. Contour maps were very important to us because of the ballistic characteristics of naval guns. They are high velocity, low trajectory weapons not designed for indirect fire against shore targets but adapted to that purpose and thus very sensitive to the height element of a target description. My own gear included an M-16 rifle, ammo, C-Rations, socks, etc, I carried maps of our operational area, binoculars, extra batteries, and sometimes grenades. In Monsoon rains and 120F heat, I humped all over Vietnam, Da Nang, Chu Lai, A Shau Valley, Batangan (Ba Lang An) peninsula, Hill 55 and surrounding area, LZ Stud (Vandegrift Combat Base). I also humped gear across various Caribbean Islands, Spain, Greece, Sardinia, Crete. I wasn't in the Frozen Chosen in the freezin' season, but I was in Chu Lai in July! I am authorized/awarded the following medals and ribbons: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/1*; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device; Combat Action Ribbon; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Good Conduct Medal less

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Rowley, MA

member since Jul 2021

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