November 29, 2008 - Big Slide Mountain

Thanksgiving weekend made for the perfect opportunity for Jack and Rich to try our first climb in the snow. It took us a lot of convincing, but we finally talked Aunt Kate, Uncle Craig, and Cousin Noah into coming with us on the trip. We picked Big Slide Mountain because we weren't sure about trail conditions (lots of snow lately), and if we had to turn back we could at least get some good views from The Brothers. The temperature was just below freezing at 8:00 AM in The Garden parking lot, but it was clear and promised to be a nice day.

It was pretty slow going compared to our Summer hikes, and soon we were starting to get worried about losing daylight before we could finish. Eventually we split up so Jack, Rich, and Kate could make a push for the top. We encountered mostly light snow and ice on the lower sections, but there we some pockets of deeper drift in the woods. We used micro spikes over our hiking boots, and they seemed to work pretty well. We all started to get tired as we got closer to the top, but we made it three (3) minutes before our self imposed Noon deadline to turn around and head back, but just enough time for Jack to collapse.

The total trip was about 8.0 miles and it took us 6.5 hours round-trip. We made excellent time coming back, and we met back up with Craig and Noah with about a mile to go to the car. Six (6) High Peaks down; 40 to go.

September 21, 2008 - Algonquin Peak

With the leaves starting to change color, Jack and Rich decided it was a nice day to get a good view from the top of Algonquin Peak. The forecast was for morning clouds and clear, sunny skies in the afternoon. We parked at the ADK Loj and hit the trail early with our neighbors AJ and Katie. Our itinerary called for going straight to the summit of Algonquin, and diverting to Wright Peak on the way back if we had the energy.

By the time we arrived at the fork in the trail to Wright Peak, a bit of cloud cover had moved in above us. Once we started the steep ascent to the peak, we noticed that we were now in the midst of a thick, wet cloud bank. Our view from the summit was limited to what we could see at about 30 feet, but we did get to enjoy our first taste of near-freezing temperatures and biting wind.

There was an ADK Summit Steward at the peak who was able to give us a good education on the endangered plants that exist in that climate. Also, our spirits were buoyed on the descent by taking turns falling on the wet rocks and laughing at each other. Fortunately, no one was hurt and we felt pretty good about making it to the top of New York's second highest peak. We skipped the diversion to Wright Peak; we'll try that on a clear day.

The total trip was about 8.5 miles, and it took us just over 7 hours. Five (5) down; 41 to go.

September 1, 2008 - Giant Mountain & Rocky Peak Ridge

On another clear and warm day, Jack and Rich set out for the top of Giant Mountain. Jack picked the destination; Rich selected the Ridge Trail. We got another very early start; on the trail by 8:00 AM. At the first lookout over Chapel Pond, we met a DEC ranger who was able to give us some pointers about some of the views we were seeing, as well as some camping advice for our later trips. The views along the hike were spectacular, although Jack kept getting startled by the "clicking" grasshoppers that flew up in front of us as we climbed. As we got closer to the summit, we met some campers coming down from the top who asked us if we were planning to go over to Rocky Peak after Giant. Although not part of our itinerary, Jack started to push for it when the campers told us that it would probably be too hard for us to accomplish in a single day. We reached the top of Giant in under two (2) hours, and relaxed on the top for about 30 minutes.

Jack said that he felt great, and with lots of daylight left we decided to head over to Rocky Peak Ridge. The descent into the valley between the peaks was steeper than we expected, but we made steady progress. We were on top of Rocky Peak within an hour and 45 minutes. The view was worth it, although it was very windy. Another group of hikers took our picture for us.

Heading back towards the summit of Giant made us appreciate how steep the trail was towards Rocky Peak, but we took our time and made it safely. Unfortunately, it was about this time that we realized that the cell phone battery was dead, and even once we got back into range, we weren't going to be able to call Mom and tell her that we were going to be four (4) hours late. By now our legs were both sore from such a long hike, so we took it real slow back down the trail to the car.

The total trip was a little over eight (8) miles, and it took us just over 8 hours. On the way home we stopped in Schroon Lake to celebrate with some pizza and mozzarella sticks (but no beer since the pizza place had no alcohol license), and to find a pay phone to call home. Four (4) down; 42 to go.

August 23, 2008 - Cascade & Porter Mountains

On a beautiful, clear August day, Rich and Jack attempted our first high peak climb accompanied by our neighbors, AJ and Kate. We got an early start from home so that we could avoid any parking problems at the trail head, and we picked Cascade because we had read that it was the easiest of the 46 high peaks and, being relatively inexperienced, we didn't want any problems.
We had a fantastic hike to the summit of Cascade, and thoroughly enjoyed the clear views when we got to the top. The trail was very crowded; likely due to the great weather following a long stretch of rain. At the summit, Jack and Kate found a plastic letterbox tucked under a rock ledge. Each left a note on the pad, and re-hid it for the next group to find.

After spending 30 minutes admiring the views, we all headed in the direction of Porter mountain. Along the trail to Porter, both Kate and Jack enjoyed the interesting moss varieties we found hanging from the trees. At the summit of Porter, we met a man who was very experienced in hiking in the park who was able to identify almost all the mountains that we could see from the summit. After having a snack, we started our descent back to the car.

The total trip was a little over six (6) miles, and it took us about 5.5 hours. On the way home we stopped in Lake George to celebrate our first high peak climb with a beer and some mozzarella sticks. Two (2) down; 44 to go.

June 28, 2008 - Buck Mountain

For the first hike on our new family adventure, Rich, Diane, Jack, Ally, and Maggie decided to climb Buck Mountain after dropping Sean off to camp with Zach. The day was very warm and muggy, with a threat of rain, but the Doppler said the storm was moving away. Ally complained vigorously the entire time, but Jack and Maggie marched along reasonably happily. Once we neared the peak, Maggie started to grow concerned about the clouds coming in from the West.

Once we reached the summit, Maggie and Ally were very happy with their success. After taking a few pictures, we started our descent. Once the thunder started, we learned very quickly that Maggie has a huge phobia of thunder and lightening. I don't think she'll ever climb a mountain again. Jack had a great experience; I think he is hooked.