The day got off to an auspicious start when we took a wrong turn off Route 73, and then AJ got a speeding ticket trying to find our way back to the right path. We parked at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), and didn't get on to the trails until 9:30 AM. Almost immediately we realized that the mile of trail we saved by parking at the ASRC was paid back by an incredibly steep initial ascent up the old rope tow ski lift. The first mile felt like it was straight up, and it wasn't long before all of us were breathing hard. Once we reach the summit of Marble Mountain we were able to catch a breather, but by that time Sean was already out of water.
The next couple of miles was alternately steep climb sections interspersed with flatter strolls. Everyone seemed to recover a bit from that first steep pitch, and it was all made easier by how incredibly dry the whole trail is this year. At the cairn that marked the herd path to Esther we had a quick snack, but then started straight over the ridge. It was only about a mile to the Esther peak, and the trail was pretty easy to navigate. Once we arrived at the peak, we took a short break and, using the binoculars, marveled at the large number of cars we could see on Whiteface. It was the 45th High Peak for Rich and Jack, but the very exciting first for Jim.
We met a few different groups during the hike, but overall the trails on Whiteface were not very crowded; at least, not as crowded as some of the other trail head parking lots would indicate the situation to be throughout the rest of the High Peaks. Back at the trail juncture, everyone seemed to be a little rejuvenated to start the last leg of our ascent. The final climb was pretty spectacular in that you could clearly see the objective most of the way, but it was a very challenging, steep pitch. It was fun to chat with the people parked along the roadway who paid the toll to drive up for the view; at least a couple of them seemed thoroughly confused as to why we would actually walk up that hill.
Once we reached the final open scramble that cleared the way to the summit, we could see Mom and Tucker waiting for us on the peak. Rich and Jack walked the last 100 feet together, and then we had a big celebration on top. Mom had champagne, bread and cheese, turkey sandwiches, soda, and other snacks. Because they wouldn't let dogs in the elevator, she had to leave the cooler with beer in the car. We had a beautiful clear day, and wonderful views of Lake Placid and the whole Adirondack Park. There were probably about 100 people on, and around, the summit. We met another group that was also sipping champagne to celebrate their 46th peak; they beat us by about 15 minutes.
After taking a bunch of photos, admiring the view, and soaking it all in, it was time to begin our descent. The return trip was fast and uneventful; aside from Jack and AJ both taking tumbles down the trail, and Jim getting diverted down a snow mobile path that cost him an extra quarter mile. Once back at the ASRC, we met back up with Mom and our cooler of beer. On the way home we stopped in Schroon Lake for a celebratory dinner at our favorite pizza place, and then had a red velvet cake back at home before passing out on the couch.
The total hike was 9.9 miles in a leisurely 7:30. All forty-six High Peaks down; none to go!!!! However, Sean still has 41, and Ally 42.
No comments:
Post a Comment