September 19, 2009 - Algonquin & Iroquois Peaks

Almost the last day of Summer, and Jack and Rich decided to take a break from Jack's heavy soccer and homework schedule to soak in a sunny and warm day on the trails. The forecast was for clear, sunny skies, so we resolved to try to take advantage of the view from Algonquin that we got cheated out of almost exactly a year earlier. The weather at the ADK Loj was colder than expected, but it wasn't long before we were warming up and losing layers. The trails were packed with hikers, and we met some very nice people along the route. As we neared the summit of Algonquin, it quickly turned colder, and we were treated to a thick layer of frost and some ice on everything in sight; a rare treat (for us) in what was still technically Summer.

After taking in some views on Algonquin, we made the short hike over to Iroquois and enjoyed lunch on that peak where we could take advantage of the sun and reduced wind than we had experienced on Algonquin. We met a nice family on Iroquois who suggested that we might enjoy the return trip down past Lake Colden, through Avalanche Pass, and over Marcy Dam to the ADK Loj. We decided to give it a shot. Other than the trip down to Lake Colden taking a lot longer than we thought (and us assuming that we had gotten lost), it was a great decision. Avalanche Pass was spectacular in the late Summer sun, and we got to enjoy our first trip through the Marcy Dam area.

The total trip was just over 13 miles, and our travel time was an impressive 9.5 hours. Fourteen (14) High Peaks down; 32 to go.