Haystack 11/5/11

           Crystal, Mike, Josh, Caroline, Jeanette and I booked Camp Grace on the ADK property @ Johns Brook Lodge for 2 nights, starting on Friday. We hiked in after work. The hike went smoothly until we crossed the suspension bridge over Johns Brook. From the simple hand drawn map of JBL property, we weren't able to find the cabin. We walked back and forth, tromped around the woods in the vicinity of the lean to's, walked all the way to the western crossing by JBL, walked back to the bridge etc. We finally decided to follow a trail that looked on the map like it went to the private camps. In fact, it was Grace Camp!.

      We settled in, enjoying the wonder of this strange little nook in the woods. The cabin has 6 bunk beds (2 triple stacks built into the wall), a large table, propane heat, lights and a two burner propane cook top. We booked a lean to a few weeks earlier on our trip up Basin and Saddleback and found it to be a great experience. I highly recommend either the cabin's (Peggy O'brien is the other and sleeps 12), the lean-tos or a bed in the main Lodge. The main lodge gets cooked hot breakfast!!!

    More info, reservations and rates here





Our Bunk beds at Grace Camp

        Whiskey>chocolate>bed. The group wakes up with some tender encouragement from yours truly. Mike and Crystal decide they don't feel great and are going to scale back their day by climbing Saddleback. We go our separate ways. It's very crisp out, bright and cold. The world is quiet and their is no one in the woods with us. We make good time on the increasingly steep trail. As we get higher things get more and more frosty.


Named after Grace Hudowalski, quite a woman. 





the mud is frozen, winter is coming

     Now that we've approached Basin and Saddleback and Haystack via this route, it's one we will keep using. A steady and pretty way to access the lower range. We don't encounter any serious ice until the range trail. Jeanette put her microspikes on and kept them on. The rest bare-booted with some slipping but not too much.


at the heart of things




Basin from the Hatstack approach. I love frosted trees

      While planning this trip I consulted the message boards for their sage like wisdom (and humor). Procook from the high peaks forums said that the nub before Little Haystack and Haystack is his favorite place in the Daks. It did not disappoint. The entire final ascent was epic and beautiful and we were fortunate not to have any wind. We could clearly hear and see folks on Marcy.



Little Haystack and Haystack. Reach out and touch

 



Album cover shot

  We were able to spend almost an hour on the summit, admiring the views of Marcy, Basin, Panther Gorge and so much more. The hike out didn't leave any lasting impressions so I would assume that it was lovely and not too tough. We returned to a warm cabin, as Mike and Crystal had just returned.





rythm

        Good dinner>stories>whiskey>more chocolate>bed. We woke up to another beautiful day. We cooked a big breakfast and cleaned up our wilderness hideaway. It was nice to hike this trail in the sun for once and all ambled along, taking it all in. This was our last "hiking season" hike of 2011 and one of my all time favorites to remember. The company, the cabin and the views will last a life time.



hard to leave a perfect place

 

Cliff and Redfield March 17th



Colden and the Macs from Cliff



After a surprisingly successful trip up Esther and Whiteface the previous weekend, I somehow managed to convince Jeanette (even though I promised her we’d do nothing too hard for a while after our whiteface hike) to move forward with our Cliff and Redfield hike.

This is a trip where I felt like lots of planning and research made all the difference. I’d say that for the average high peaks trip thus far, I’d be about 85% prepared. I would always forget something or have a flaw in the plan somewhere. This time I thoroughly read the McMartin and ADK guides, obsessively followed trip reports and made meticulous calculations with many bail-outs and contingencies.






Misty hike in

 

We woke up at 4 AM and were hiking by 7:10 AM. The trail was solid and crusty snow. Pretty quickly we put on our snowshoes to deal with the irregularity of the snow and kept them on for the rest of the trip. We arrived at the blessedly empty Herbert Brook lean-to around 10 and had some pb&j’s as we dropped our overnight gear and I switched to a day pack. Jeanette used my 35L Mountain Hardware pack for this trip so we could go (sort of) ultra light in case we wanted to shoot for uphill brook lean-to. She found this pack to suit her needs pretty well but wanted more pockets!

We made great time in to the lean-to and great time up the Opalescent, soaking in one of my favorite trails in the peaks. We stopped at the lean-to/ herd-path intersection for a snack. Though the cairn wasn’t visible (I took note during our Marcy trip), the herd path was a highly visible “sidewalk”. We decided to get Cliff out of the way first, as Jeanette had some anxiety about the cliffs.



some inversion off to the south. heading up Cliff.

 

The first section of trail was very pretty, though moisture was coming off all the pines and getting us kind of wet. This ended pretty quickly as the trail opened up. This open area in the col is because of blow down from Hurricane Floyd? It was immediately pretty clear how Cliff got its name. The steep sections were tricky, especially with the increasingly rotten snow. Jeanette was pretty anxious and upset and I did my best to calm her down and encourage her. Just as she’d had enough, we reached the top of the ridge. I loved the views from the false summit and summit and was grateful to be there with the snow lifting us out of the trees a bit for better viewing.



cliff summit. Happy and alive





We didn’t stay up top too long, with a long day ahead. The decent was surprisingly fast, the tricky sections we found to be far easier descending. 45 minutes back to the intersection and then up the Redfield herd path. This trail was beautiful and much easier right from the start with firmer trail conditions. Like Esther the week before, it was readily apparent that I’d be returning to Redfield. Though lovely, the final ascent seemed to drag on and our endurance and will were tested (already 10 plus miles into our day!).



Left to right: Marcy, Redfield and Skylight. Redfield is the little wooded bump.




The summit was simply stunning. We had it to ourselves and it felt so still and so epic. I felt like I was in a holy place. We ate and rested, sitting down for the first time since Herbert Brook lean to. After our snack I sort of hunched over, with my face in my arms, completely drained. I looked over and Jeanette was in the same position. We both let our weariness and stress pour out of us and were greatly relieved and cleansed. After some pictures and final revelry in the increasingly golden light, we began our descent.



Gray, Marcy and Skylight from Redfield



Blessedly easy on our legs, we felt like we rolled down and out, taking some pictures and pumping water along the way. Leaving the summit at about 4:15, we reached our lean-to around 6:30. We cooked dinner, got into our cozy clothes and laid down for the sunset.



The Macs from Uphill Brook



It was beautiful, as were the stars soon after. Jeanette fell right asleep and I tossed for a bit, as I had forgotten how to sleep on wood in a mummy bag. After curling down a bit so I could see the stars, my body remembered and I got more comfortable. We both woke up around 3 Am pretty damn cold. If we had it to do over, we both would have brought a bit warmer clothes. We fell back asleep until sunrise. We chatted and cuddled until around 7.



Sunset over Flowed Lands




After cooking breakfast, we got our ish together and began the hike out. Pretty immediately we were tired (mentally and physically) and the 5.7 out was pretty tough on both of us (I think more mentally, we were both “over it”). Like all hikes, it did eventually end. The car was welcome site. We both made utterances of pure ecstasy as the boots were removed.


The next morning



Whiteface and Esther 3/11/12

          With a mild weekend and navigable snowpack predicted, the chance to climb some new high peaks arose. We arrived at the Atmospheric Science center at 8 and after slowly getting our stuff together and a bit of wandering around looking for the trail start, were on our way up Marble at 8:30. The initial ascent was a straight shot following the old lift line foundations I think(?) and a bit of a slog.

   There were nice views to be had at the intersection with the main trail. The camp site here is also compelling. The trail up lookout was quite pretty and we started to get some nice views through the trees. This part of the trail flew and we were soon at the intersection with Esther. There is a large cairn and a sign. Can't miss it.

   This was a lovely herd path, which was well packed out. The whole hike had well packed out trail, great for snowshoeing. enjoying the 4000 ft views in all directions we reached the summit in no time. The whole phase one of this hike flew by. Beautiful woods, gradual ascent and high spirits.  Back we went. We started running into people on our return and our thrall dissolved a little bit as we entered a different phase of our journey.



Esther Summit looking back towards Whiteface



     After about 15-20 minutes we reached the top of the lift for lookout mountain. Our good friends Erin Baxter and Christopher "Weekend" Moeller met us for a pow wow. They were spending a romantic weekend up at the face with their cat. It was great to spend some time, deliver Weekend his meteorite and sit down on a bench for a moment. Baxter had hard boiled eggs for us which fueled our final ascent.



Shredstars and sumitstars!



    In no time we began ascending the final push up Whiteface. Views opened up of the ski trails and we got to see people skiing and the lifts operating in miniature. Pretty neat. The trail opened up to the side of the highway, where there was a fairly steep section followed by a step up some ice. Jeanette came into this hike with some (and rightly so) fear of Whiteface Mountain. It's a very challenging ski mountain and the conditions are often even more challenging. With these feelings combined with some nerves about winter hiking in general (also, rightfully so), Jeanette got a little freaked out.



The final push along the arete.



Looking back

 

    She got up the steep part in snowshoes with no trouble and we sat down on the road for a switch out to crampons for the icy step up. This was also quickly reckoned with and we began our final ascent. Though still battling with (and overcoming) fear and anxiety, Jeanette pushed forward and was able to calm down, as the last stretch looked much more perilous than it was. The last section of trail along the arete is breath-taking as the ADK guidebook promises. Beautiful views out to the high peaks down south and vertigo-inducing views down into the slides. It was cool to do some recon on the slides for future trips on Whiteface. The second half of the pitch looks very manageable.



Possible slide access routes (?)  following natural lines



    We shared the summit with the usual gaggle of French Canadians and enjoyed our PB and J's. After some exploring and pictures we were ready to go. It was difficult to see on the map but it looked to me like you could walk a short distance down from the summit to the parking area. I started leading us down the west side of the summit where the observation machines are against Jeanette's best instincts. We realized after heading down a few hundred feet that this was the trail down to the lake. We went back up to the summit and trotted back down the arete to the road.



lake Placid and the other 44 from Whiteface summit



     The first stretch of road was intensely wind-blown. After getting in the protective shadow of the mountain, it dissipated and we needed to put our snowshoes back on. At this point we ate our summit chocolate and were recharged for the next bit of walking. We made good time and chatted more wildly as the mountain trance set in. Once time started to slow and our feet got to the point of being beyond sore, the snow thinned out and we were able to start bare-booting again. We sat at one of the many picnic tables and gave our legs a break.

Bare booting down the highway

    The final push wasn't terrible and as we approached the booth our spirits raised. Along the last half mile of trail, we saw numerous "dog" tracks and wondered if they might be coyote. On the last section of road walk, my feet became kind of deadened and sore. I could barely lift them! Back in the car at around 5:30. We hiked for around 8 hours with about a 1 hour of down time. Though sore, we both felt strong and appreciated the time we had been recently in the gym. 

   I took my time getting my boots off and having a snack before heading out and reflected on the hike. The weather was stunning, 30's in the morning and probably close to 50 at the highest, with a long afternoon and evening thanks to the spring ahead. I felt blessed. For my girlfriend, my buddies, this beautiful world and the opportunity to explore it.

Dial "M" for Nippletop 5/21/11

So we got a little drunk the night before...

It rained in the morning

which slowed to a drizzle as we reach the gate.

                              

Trilium are part of the first wave of spring flowers.

           

Bright fresh green on the ground and in the trees

        

The clouds begin to blow off...

               

Just in time for lunch

                             

                            

                                                                 

ADK Green

We moved through many different types of forest

                          

and saw many different forms of life

          

There was still snow on the ridge

                            

One more bump to go

                             

we emerge from the tree line

                          

trying not to fall down

                             

Nippletop Summit

                       

We descend a steep trail to Elk Pass.

                         

following wooden plank-ways over swampy ground

              
               

and so it glows

need some spring in my step. Miles to go...

                          

Gill Brook is an endless string of beautiful cascades

                                                            

After many hours and miles, we return to the lake road

         

With Giant there to greet us upon our return

          
             

Whiteface/ Wright Peak Birthday weekend 1/15/11-1/17/11

For my birthday weekend this year i was lucky enough to do two of my favorite things: snowboard and climb a high peak. The gnar crew has been renting this amazing ski cabin about 20 minutes north of Whiteface. We wake up bleary-eyed, pile into the cars.....

and end up at Whiteface for first tracks. Drool (as I am) as you gaze upon the untouched corduroy.

Sathi comes through with another mouth (and eye) watering batch of his signature cider. Be careful!!!! This stuff has been known to induce lift-line naps.

Whiteface is larger than life. Conditions vary wildy and terrain shows as much variety. Not to be triffled with, turns are earned. Jeanette, Kieran and I all learned lessons about respect on this mountain. It is a great humbler. We had some great days there this year, including some of the deepest pow of the season.

Whiteface is the fifth largest mountain in New York State. It is also the most isolated of the high peaks, well to the north of the others, it stands alone Jeanette and I plan on finishing the 46 on it's summit the end of summer/ early fall of 2012. Join us in celebrating! See you on the slides this winter ;)

After two epic days at Whiteface we drive to the Adirondack Loj to meet up with Derrick. He was moving to Colorado and came to the realization that he hadn't actually climbed Wright Peak (one of the most accessible high peaks, a mere 3 miles from it's trail head) and was not actually a 46er. it was a perfect winter day. Bright clear skies, temps hovering around 15 degrees.

Wright Peak is pretty special to me. It's the peak I've climbed the most (5 times to date), one of Jeanette and I's big first trips started here and most recently we took my cousin's Eileen and Christine up it as their first high peak.

This was a special trip. It was my birthday. I turned 29 in the Adirondacks doing what love.
Derrick is one of the big reasons why I live like I do now. I was beginning to dable with bigger hiking and camping trips. He took me on my first mega-hike (17 miles in the Lake George wilderness) and my first high peak (Phelps, at night, in the rain...quite an illustrious start). It meant so much to me to be able to be there when he finished the 46.

This has been a phenomenal year of hiking for Jeanette and I and it started right here. We climbed 16 high peaks this year, doubling the amount we had previously done. We climbed Mount Marcy, New York's largest, got to stand on many summits with some of our best friends and climbed our first trailless peaks (the Seward Range). Many 14 mile days, 20 plus mile weekends, astronaut dinners and PB+J lunches.

We feel so lucky to have the opportunity, drive and ability to undertake such a seemingly unreachable goal. For much of my life the idea of attempting something like this would have been laughable. Even more so, I feel SO grateful that this magical place is in this state, so close to home. I've truly found my place in this word.

Never had a home like this.....