http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/ This is a discussion forum powered by vBulletin. To find out about vBulletin, go to http://www.vbulletin.com/ . en Sun, 19 May 2013 16:45:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/ http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21524&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 15:05:32 GMT Last week I was *here*, on the tiny ledge center-frame, scouting the present hike: Image:... Last week I was here, on the tiny ledge center-frame, scouting the present hike:



I saw these cliffs:



Yesterday I went there to explore them, counting on open views from their tops. It was a perfect day, the swales and valleys, all the concave land forms, awash in the pastel flames of new foliage, all the steeps and crowns, every convex feature, cloaked in the eternal balsam dark. Yet for about four hours of this hike my attention was not on the glorious insurrection of spring, but on the dead and down litter of a hundred springs past and the tortured stone among which it was moldering and tumbling and through which I was trying to climb. Terrain like this, which shows pretty much where I ascended:



Over the four hours spent on these slopes I covered perhaps a mile, which would have been frustrating if I had somewhere to be and far more painful had I pushed for speed in getting there through the thickets and downed wood. Not that I escaped without bruises and abrasions, but a little patience goes a long way in that kind of claustrophobic mess. And then, after a very difficult hour, at about 2,500 feet, a completely new and unexpected setting opened up: stands of cedar, many swooping out and up from the edges of the rock faces, and dense yet soft and rubbery shrub thickets. This shot was taken just a bit back from the cliffs:



The wide-open views from the cliffs were well worth the effort:



After arbitrarily declaring one vista the high point of the hike, a return plan took shape: Cross the ravine with its low central spine, climb out the other side and then try a descending traverse down the steep NW face. The route down into the ravine began in a high-walled glen between two towers, a wonderful place but with walls so close it was impossible to capture the overall impression in pictures. Once across and out, the descent down the face proved as difficult as the ascent had been. Several times I slid down a promising chute only to find myself perched over a drop where backtracking up and around was the only option.

At last I reached the open marshes in some idyllic and peaceful beaver habitat. As the furry beasts snored in their lodge, I sunned on a rock below their main dam and had a long and restful meal.



A rugged brook descent to Marsh Pond and an easy walk on the woods road back to the start filled the last two hours of this eight hour hike. I had to stop once more in a marsh to capture the play of the late-afternoon light.

I would never recommend this terrain as a route to get anywhere and I doubt many would consider it worth visiting in its own right, but its isolation and forbidding contours preserve a wild and unspoiled magic that made a satisfying day for me.

Oh, sorry, I left out the useful information: Not a single bug! Yet.

Pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/curugroth/StewartCliffs ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Gregory Karl http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21524 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21523&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 13:41:11 GMT Nstoker93 gave you report on M,G & S from Loj, nice meeting you and seeing you Joe yesterday. Have to say coming of Skylight was a blast, the snow was fun skiing down:)

Lake Arnold to Colden not bad but there was snow not sure of elevation and stayed with us all the way to Colden.

Trail from Lake Arnold to intersection on and off with snow but overall the trail was in great shape except in swap area, alot of water but negotiable and planks there to help you, only one area that if feels like log won't hold you but another underneath that braces it.

Trail to Lake Tear slushy snow all the way

Tabletop usually muddy self, some blowdown but no snow, Phelps overall in great shape.

Spring flowers popping out and watched a pine marten coming off Phelps before he disappeared in the woods, great day to be out.

Talked to the ranger coming off Marcy he was checking things out:tup:

Can honeslty say ready for the snow to be gone in high peaks! ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Highonlife http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21523 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21522&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 13:35:44 GMT Hiked Donaldson and Seward yesterday. Plan was for just Seward but it's impossible to resist the five minute walk to Donaldson and it's views.

A few bugs in the parking lot but none during the hike.

Trails were mostly dry, especially down low. Trilliums and other flowers emerging. Encountered a few patches of snow closer to the summits but not enough to warrant any special equipment. Just enough to make snowballs. Was told there was enough on the North side of Seward to make things a little more challenging but didn't go that way myself. Mud was negligible.

Views yesterday were great. Ran into a couple of forum members and missed another as she was running up and down Seymour. Great day to be out. ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Rik http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21522 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21521&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 13:01:23 GMT We hiked North Dome, Sherrill and Halcott yesterday and found a few lost items. A pair of sunglasses in a soft case was at the kiosk at the... We hiked North Dome, Sherrill and Halcott yesterday and found a few lost items.

A pair of sunglasses in a soft case was at the kiosk at the western end of Devil's Path so we left it there.

A pair of gloves was found on Sherrill and we have them.

A hat was found on the way back to ND and we have it.

We found a steep and rocky slope on Halcott and were glad to leave it behind! ;)

Let me know if you or someone you know may be missing some of these. ]]> General Catskill Hiking Photobug65 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21521 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21520&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 12:27:05 GMT Per the DEC's regulations for back-country camping, does anyone have any tips for determining (eyeballing?) how far 150 feet is? ]]> General Hiking Information Pru http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21520 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21519&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 03:28:59 GMT Trails in a-okay shape, easy to follow and no special equipment needed. Vly has a couple of old downed trees, easy to follow though. Bearpen is wide... Trails in a-okay shape, easy to follow and no special equipment needed. Vly has a couple of old downed trees, easy to follow though. Bearpen is wide open - don't miss the right turn at the "Danger" sign for snowmobilers! So much fun, more memorable for seeing a bear (!) and crossing two folks doing the 35's in gowns. These peaks suck, but they're a good excuse the visit this part of the world, very pretty meadows and streams on the drive up.

DL ]]> Catskill Trip Reports lucander http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21519 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21518&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 02:59:05 GMT Short and sweet:

I did Marcy, Skylight, and Gray today. Started at 7:15am, the snow started around 3,500 ft. The snowpack wasn't too bad going up from the loj, all compacted and no traction required since it was still frozen from the cold night. Going up skylight i threw my spikes on but most of the snow going up Gray was melted...

Coming back from Lake Tear through Lake Arnold was pretty intense, anywhere from 1-3ft of snow until about 3,500 ft... Most of the snow had turned to loose granular and potholing/sliding became prevalent on my way back. Hopefully the rest of the snow will melt soon!! Still a great day to get out and enjoy the peaks!

~16.6 miles, 7 hours 45 minutes, 5,800 ft of vertical elevation gain, and a total of 160oz of water consumed during the hike! I was pretty thirsty...

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=4787f8051b ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports NStoker93 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21518 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21517&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 00:51:04 GMT Planning on being in the Daks for Memorial Day Weekend. Basically the Saranac Lake 6er 'Ultra'. For the rest of the weekend, plan on banging out some of the fire towers in the View from on High guide book.

Looking at the guide book, a few towers are marked as 'may not last'. Could anyone confirm which of the following still exist? Doesnt matter if its possible to climb them or not, as long as the structure is intact.
- Mount Adams
- Hurricane Mountain
- Lyon Mountain
- Spruce Mountain
- St Regis Mountain (will be up here anyway as part of Saranac Lake 6er)

If any other firetowers have fallen into demise, which are listed as having a 'bright future' in the guidebook, some additional information would be appreciated. Thank you. ]]> Adirondack Mountain Hiking polskikrol http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21517 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21515&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:48:08 GMT No time right now to write a full report as I am heading home today after a great week of Adirondack hiking. I will add to this later today or... No time right now to write a full report as I am heading home today after a great week of Adirondack hiking. I will add to this later today or tomorrow, but I wanted to provide the trail conditions for anyone planning on a hike up Seymour.

Trail conditions to Seymour Mountain

The 5.2 mile trail (red) to the Ward Brook lean-to is in excellent condition. Per Joe Cedar, who was also out hiking both Seymour and the Sewards, told me that this is the driest that he has ever seen this trail. I encountered the largest patch of trail mud at 2.5 miles other than that the trail was fairly dry. At 0.1 miles past the Ward Brook lean-to is a cairn on the right just after small bridge marking the start of the trail to Seymour. The trail goes along a brook and is a gentle upward slope until it begins to get steeper at around 2700 feet. From this point there is a slide on the left that continues up for quite a way. At 3400 ft. elevation begins where mud covered ice and rotten snow are encountered. Care must be taken as you may think something is a rock that turns out to be muddy ice. The ice and snow continue up to and slightly beyond 3900 ft. I did not need to use spikes being careful where I was stepping. Compared to what Sparty and I encountered on our hike up Dix last Sunday this was much less. More details and pics of the trail later. ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Jim Kennard http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21515 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21514&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 12:41:18 GMT The trip report is mostly going to be focused on the trail conditions as there are a ton of trip reports for Marcy out there! I was planning to post... The trip report is mostly going to be focused on the trail conditions as there are a ton of trip reports for Marcy out there! I was planning to post this yesterday, but unfortunately work got in the way… Hope it is not too late, and would be useful for someone.

The day was absolutely gorgeous and we were really surprised that there was hardly anyone hiking. During the entire day, we only saw 11 people – 1 guy setting up camp at the Marcy Dam in the evening, and 4 groups between Indian Falls and Marcy summit (Indian Falls group was crossing over from Colden and at least 1 of the guys was scheduled for his 46 finish on Big Slide on Sat, so good luck!).

The trail up the Marcy dam was completely dry (and full of trilliums!). On the way up, we took the high water bridge (just in case), but the crossing would’ve been just fine. Overall, up to Indian Falls, the trail was in great shape. I would argue that I have seen far muddier and wetter trails in the summer, even during dry seasons. I respect DEC’s concern about trail damage but the mud was very minimal and there was only one section when the boot was almost sucked in. At all other “wet” places, the logs, corduroy and rocks were sufficient to stay on the trail and stay out of mud.

The water level in the Indian Falls was fairly high (with reference to summer trip reports, photos that I have seen and one of my hiking companion’s memory, who was making her 6th regular season ascent to Marcy), but our boots held up just fine. On the way back, the water was even higher, but again, no big deal. We took a break at Indian Falls, and the water was flowing mightily! And the wind was very strong.

We encountered snow and a few icy patches right after Indian Falls, and we donned the microspikes. I think it would’ve been fine without them (save for one ice spot just above the Falls), but they sure made it easier and increased our confidence level. The trail was mostly spine in some place, soft snow in others, bare in sunny spots, and in some you could see water flowing under the ice. We encountered 3 folks on the trail without the microspikes and they were fine.

Snow was gone after the Hopkins trail intersection, so we took off the spikes for the final approach. As soon as we were moving though the open rocks, we put on extra layers and hats – it was windy and chilly. We had the summit all to ourselves!!! Incredible…. I guess that’s what mid-May, mid-week hike would do.

Coming back on soft snow rather than rock hoping was fantastic! Snow was noticeably softer in some places. We crossed the Phelps brook rather than taking the high water bridge as the water levels were crossable.

Nature sighting moment: we saw a pine martin by the Indian Falls on the way back, and that was a first for me. Very exciting!! I think we spooked the poor fellow, but I am sure he will recover :D

Annie, Nick and I had a great day! We all work together and it was amazing to be away from the office and share this fantastic day… Marcy marked #26 for me, and a first hike of this year. ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports YanaLG http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21514 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21513&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 11:43:42 GMT Trail is in great shape - we did meet some hikers doing maintenance - thanks Christine & Tony. Lots of wild flowers and lots of poison ivy at the start.

Just a down right great day to be in the mountains!!

Beauty around every corner:



Life is Good!



]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Adirondack Ladies http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21513 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21512&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 02:55:10 GMT Hi all. After exchanging a few PM's with some long-term folks and doing some reflection, I feel the need to make a general apology to the forum as a whole.

If any of you have been following the latest forum dust-up will know what I'm talking bout. If you have no clue.... carry on. But for those who were following, I let my frustrations get the best of me and made some general statements that made it appear that I (and the Foundation in general, since the two can never really be separated) am less then appreciative of the membership here. Both, in the new forum thread and later the Peeks thread, I made some statements that made it appear that I (or we) were annoyed by honest, heart felt criticism over a recent foundation activities. It made it appears as if I (the Board) had a "my way, or that highway" attitude. When in actuality my (not the boards) frustration was aimed at a very small percentage of the opinions being offered. As was pointed out to me, my comments were so general that it gave the impression that I (and the board) are intolerant and unappreciative of all the members here.

That is absolutely not the case and I'd like to publicly apologize for giving off that impression and offending long time, genuine folks that have really been an integral part of this community since the begining. I was wrong, and I hope you accept my sincere apologies.

The truth is, I can never be truly objective here in this house. I was the one that first opened the doors, so I'm probably the worst person to respond to any criticism (justified or not) against the forum and those who run it. It's been that way since the start. Generally I've tried to stay above the fray these last few years, understanding that I can never really separate my own personal opinion, and being a representative of the Foundation. The last few days is a perfect example of the my human failings and in the process, probably put the Foundation in a bad light.

Going forward, I need to really reflect some more on my presence here. If I cannot be an independent and objective presence for the membership, then I really don't deserve to be the president of this very promising and important Institution we have tried to create here (all of us), no matter what my historical position here. When I step back and reflect, I generally make the right decisions. The most important thing for me is the Foundation, and if the best course is for me to step aside and let others steer the ship, I can promise you, I will have the courage to do that.

Most importantly, to those thoughtful and caring members that I may have offended with my overly general and derogatory statements, again... please accept my apologies. It was not my intention to offend. From the very beginning, there has nobody that understands that the strength of this place lies within its very diverse membership then I. Even if I don't alway show it.

I will spend so valuable time in the desert this weekend, and I hope that you all get a chance to get out in the woods too.

Peace and thanks for listening. ]]> Mavs00 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21512 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21511&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 22:31:02 GMT I climbed Iron mountain (AKA Elizabethtown No. 2) in the Adirondack high peaks with my beagle Howie. It is a supposed trail-less mountain in the... I climbed Iron mountain (AKA Elizabethtown No. 2) in the Adirondack high peaks with my beagle Howie. It is a supposed trail-less mountain in the Giant mountain Wilderness area. Parked in small pull-off on Route 9 north of New Russia. Started out following an old woods road. It was going in the general direction I wanted to go and seemed to be somewhat maintained but unmarked. Kept on it for nearly a mile, and then headed off trail. From here on, it was a fairly easy bush-whack. There were areas of open rock alternating with deciduous woods. There was a rocky knob along the way that was a bit tricky to climb. Found a small chute covered in pine needles that I was able to get up and through. Went down the northern side which was a bit easier. Continued along the ridge taking in the views until I reached the summit. Headed back a slightly different route (more in the woods and away from the rocky areas) and soon picked up the road again. After that, it was smooth sailing back to the car.

Had some extra time, so I hiked up Gilligan mountain from the trailhead just down the road. On the descent, Howie had a close encounter with a porcupine. He got within a foot of being quilled. Luckily, I was able to pull him away in time.

There were a few bugs out, but not too bothersome. Didn't use spray. Cool breeze helped a bit.

pictures ]]> Adirondack Trip Reports Rivet http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21511 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21510&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 19:56:02 GMT If you got your Peeks in the mail then you may have seen the article about Nicole Matthews. She finished the 46 in September and lives with cystic... If you got your Peeks in the mail then you may have seen the article about Nicole Matthews. She finished the 46 in September and lives with cystic fibrosis. Her story of hiking the 46 is incredible.

I have been talking to Nicole for a couple of months regarding the 2nd Annual Xtreme Hike for CF and she is an amazing woman. I cannot wait to meet her in person next weekend at the 46r dinner. :tup:

Last September I volunteered at the CNY Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's first Xtreme Hike along with Neil, ADKJack, and Kyler. It was a pretty inspiring experience for me, so much so that I signed up to be a fundraising hiker and be on the planning committee with Jack. We're still looking for folks to get involved.

Read the article if you have not had the chance. If you have any questions about the Xtreme Hike-- either to be a fundraising hiker or to support a hiker, please PM me! ]]> Adirondack Mountain Hiking WannabeALjr http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21510 http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21509&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 19:38:23 GMT I know, I know, if you want solitude then Mt. Marcy on a weekend is a bad choice. However, there are some days when summits are certain to be far... I know, I know, if you want solitude then Mt. Marcy on a weekend is a bad choice. However, there are some days when summits are certain to be far more congested than others and national holidays are clearly one of those days. You can plan to avoid those busy days or choose them if you like company.

Then there are those days where you suddenly find yourself on a summit with more hikers than black flies and can't attribute it to being a holiday in the USA or Canada. What's up with that?

Many outdoors-focused organizations schedule group-hikes on weekends. Many are aware of the local regulations governing group-size and others, not so much. If you want to avoid a mountain on a day that is certain to be carpeted in hikers, then it's worth knowing when the organized groups arrive.

If you don't want lots of company on Marcy, then I suggest you avoid it on June 1st, 2013. Over three dozen hikers will be heading to Marcy. Apparently they will be divided in three groups (to conform to the 15 person max size) and spaced a half-hour apart. It doesn't take much imagination to foresee what happens to separated groups when they reach the summit. ]]> Adirondack Mountain Hiking Trail Boss http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21509