"4.18.2021~Bridge Mtn #23 w/Frances! 12 miles, 4,200’ gain, 6:56hrs (including 1hr or so of breaks to enjoy the views) Frances asked if I’d join her for her 1st Bridge and I was honored to lead the way. She’s strong, fearless and fun to hike with. We were efficient and steady and took on the route with vigor. Great day! I haven’t been on top in a while. Felt good! " — paula.raimondi • Apr 18, 2021

"9.9.2020~Bridge Mtn #22. Solo. 15 mile loop, 6,000’ gain, 7:28hrs (9 miles of scrambling, 6 miles of road running). I took advantage of the cool temps to get this route goal off my “to do” list. I used the Pine Creek/Fern Canyon ascent route, for my 1st time, which is stunningly difficult to navigate. Wrong turns had me in thick sharp brush and some poisonous plants made my legs burn. The bouldering and sustained scrambling were relentless and the terrain unforgiving. I had no Guide and did it all on my own. Many sections were terrifying. I never really get use to slabs and exposure. These canyons are my kryptonite and I find them very intense, especially because I’m alone...It brings out my insecurities and vulnerability. I live for the challenge of fighting off these feelings. I find it completely satisfying to face them and then cast them away. This day was a win but it took all of my will not to give up and turn back, like so many times before. It required immense courage and physical strength to claw my way up the matrix to King Bridge! The sandstone was divine. https://strava.app.link/XIRecU5VE9" — paula.raimondi • Sep 9, 2020

"8.29.2020~Bridge Mtn #21, 1st time in the Summer and this late in the day. It was challenging as the sandstone is an inferno this time of year....most stay away. This allowed me to have the whole place to myself. It was a glorious day and I enjoyed every moment. I mountain biked 8 miles RT, 1,300’ gain, to and from Lovell Canyon, to the TH and trekked 6.5 miles, 2,800’ gain, RT on foot. Finishing downhill on the bike in the dark with a headlamp that wasn’t bright enough was challenging as Rocky Gap Road is as rough as it’s name. A big waxing moon led me back to my car. https://strava.app.link/Ceq6XtmOm9 https://youtu.be/4dO80R_J1hM https://youtu.be/LaIirjp57Do https://youtu.be/ttu6yTRY6Xc https://youtu.be/Jr1PQIMHzyA https://youtu.be/0EaiDok5zG4 " — paula.raimondi • Aug 29, 2020

"4.4.2020~Bridge Mtn #20. (4th in 2020, 2nd time in 3days.) All time PR of 4:52hrs Round Trip! 13 miles, 4,000’ gain from Lovell Canyon Rd. 6.5 miles to the summit in 2:42hrs PR. Spectacular day with my Husband. He got farther than ever before but his shoes didn’t grip well (like we hoped) near the slanted sandstone matrix, down~climbs so he waited for me near the land bridge while I summited. (The boots I ordered him are slow to arrive.) Sub 5hr RT! Boom! " — paula.raimondi • Apr 4, 2020

"5:16hrs total RT. 13 miles, 4,000’ gain. This was a sub 5hr (4:55hr) round trip effort. I killed 20 min or so slowing up and stopping for an email conversation when I had signal. Beautiful day up there! Lost focus for a bit being a phone face but I was jammin when I was moving. I will be back for my legit sub 5hr! I think I’m capable of a 4:30hrs RT in the shape I’m in now. Still dealing with the groin/hip flexer injury but luckily the advil worked today to keep the pain at bay for half the time. Least amount of food ever consumed for this trek. Only one Luna Bar and a package of applesauce the whole time. " — paula.raimondi • Apr 1, 2020

"2.1.2020~Bridge Mtn #18 & limestone North Peak (aka Crest Peak) w/Jimmy. 13.2 miles, 4,300’ gain in 5:53hrs (time includes a :45min break w/Jimmy before I went off to do Bridge.) We started at Lovell Canyon Rd this time. Lots of snow and ice on Rocky Gap Rd that made it challenging. The sandstone matrix to and from Bridge was so hot. I have a slight cold so I struggled and was fatigued but my quadzillas took it on like the terminator and got me there. Met some nice people along the way. I was cocky on the way down and fell while running on ice but my right ass cheek took the blow. Wrist is a little sore too. Fun day. Jimmy is building uphill endurance and will climb Bridge with me soon. He is so strong. Can’t wait for that to happen. " — paula.raimondi • Feb 1, 2020

"1.26.2020, Bridge Mtn #17, 12 miles, 4,200’ gain, 6:02hrs in snow and ice conditions w/Jimmy. 1st Bridge summit of the decade and of 2020. It was so amazing showing My husband my fav place to be immersed in the wild. The route has everything a Mountaineer/runner/adventurer/athlete could ever experienced with the most spectacular views. Bridge is so majestic. I love this mountain....and I love Jimmy more than any mountain. Thank you my love. You always heal the heartbreaks in my life and scoop me back up off the ground when harsh experiences level me. Best date ever. (*most snow and ice I’ve experienced doing Bridge. Especially after the Bridge Arch. It got scary but I concentrated intently on foot placement and avoiding deadly ice and snow on the slabs near the top.) https://youtu.be/d98ZFW_yVmo https://youtu.be/owPm7WeefA8 https://youtu.be/cRDoxbLmfw0 https://youtu.be/6myfpO9Y6Ps https://youtu.be/cudzlFoMdSg " — paula.raimondi • Jan 26, 2020

"Bridge Mtn #16, solo, 13.2 miles, 4,000’ gain. Happy 1st full day of Winter....the days get longer from here. The clouds made me feel lonesome but the sun fought through now and again. It cheered me. The thrill and adrenaline are fading even when I climbed on the outside of the exposed beehive sandstone. I’m sad I need more danger to feel satisfied but I’m happy I’m becoming more experienced. I guess it’s the evolution of my existence. Merry Christmas. 🎅 " — paula.raimondi • Dec 22, 2019

"10.6.19....Bridge Mtn #15. 11 miles, 4,200’ gain w/Susan & Friends. After running at parks all week, it was great to spend Sunday climbing a gigantic mountain. I was among some of the greatest Mountaineers in our area. I try to act cool but I’m always in awe of them and grateful to be included. I met some new people too. " — paula.raimondi • Oct 6, 2019

"9.24.19. Happy 1st (full) day of Autumn! Bridge Mtn #14. The most exquisite Aztec Sandstone you can climb in our area! 11miles, 4,200’ gain, 6:15hrs (slow). My body isn’t fully recovered from R3 so this was especially difficult....and hot. I also had to climb up and down class 3 rock with only one fully functioning hand! I was successful but it was challenging. My slowest effort on this mountain but I didn’t give up! Ran into Susan and her hike pals. #autumn #kingbridge #onehandedclimb #aztecsandstone #niceaztecsandstone @ Bridge Mountain" — paula.raimondi • Sep 24, 2019