Pete Hogan
New member
Happy New Year!
I'm looking forward to some epic outdoor adventures in 2011, but couldn't leave 2010 without one last challenge to complete a rewarding and memorable hiking year.
With a promising forecast for Thursday (12/30), I headed up to Lake Placid to enjoy some winter wilderness and my first snowshoe hike of the season. Algonquin Peak (5114') was my choice, but to get there I would have to climb nearly 3000' vertical feet and 8.6 round trip miles. That's not a lot by Adirondack standards, but as seasonal start-up, I would have a worthy challenge.
Adirondack weather sites predicted summit conditions to be manageable with temperatures in the single digits, winds 20 - 30 mph and clear, sunny skies. It turned out to be a spectacular weather day exactly as predicted!
I was slow on the ascent (feeling the effects of lots of layers, a heavy winter pack and an extended layoff), but despite my lack of ascent speed, I remained well within my time parameters for the day, cruised on the descent and ended up finishing in an age-related, respectable round trip time.
The final mile and 1100 vertical feet of climbing (from the Wright Peak Trail junction [4000'] to the summit) was the steepest, most challenging and exciting part of the day. As I stepped out of the relative protection of the trees and above tree line, I was reminded of the unforgiving, impartial elements of nature and completely exposed to the powerful wind and elevation temperatures. Since this was a solo trip, I was acutely aware of my situation and completely immersed in the experience. It was totally exhilarating!
Stopping to rest on the steep, wide-open, upper reaches of the northern approach was no longer a viable option as I quickly felt the penetrating effects of the windchill so I turned my back to the wind as I paused momentarily to catch my breath and slowed my pace to keep from getting too tired. I came prepared with appropriate and trusted multiple layers and face protection so I continued to make upward progress.
The summit was well worth the effort especially on this wonderful, bright, clear day! The views were simply astounding and although I didn't spend a lot of time at the summit, I think I managed to capture the sights from this truly magnificent mountain. The only effect missing is the roar of the wind as you look at some of the photos of a most memorable day!
Enjoy! (Select slideshow then F11 for full screen format)
http://picasaweb.google.com/runswithscissors4111/Algonquin123010?feat=directlink
I'm looking forward to some epic outdoor adventures in 2011, but couldn't leave 2010 without one last challenge to complete a rewarding and memorable hiking year.
With a promising forecast for Thursday (12/30), I headed up to Lake Placid to enjoy some winter wilderness and my first snowshoe hike of the season. Algonquin Peak (5114') was my choice, but to get there I would have to climb nearly 3000' vertical feet and 8.6 round trip miles. That's not a lot by Adirondack standards, but as seasonal start-up, I would have a worthy challenge.
Adirondack weather sites predicted summit conditions to be manageable with temperatures in the single digits, winds 20 - 30 mph and clear, sunny skies. It turned out to be a spectacular weather day exactly as predicted!
I was slow on the ascent (feeling the effects of lots of layers, a heavy winter pack and an extended layoff), but despite my lack of ascent speed, I remained well within my time parameters for the day, cruised on the descent and ended up finishing in an age-related, respectable round trip time.
The final mile and 1100 vertical feet of climbing (from the Wright Peak Trail junction [4000'] to the summit) was the steepest, most challenging and exciting part of the day. As I stepped out of the relative protection of the trees and above tree line, I was reminded of the unforgiving, impartial elements of nature and completely exposed to the powerful wind and elevation temperatures. Since this was a solo trip, I was acutely aware of my situation and completely immersed in the experience. It was totally exhilarating!
Stopping to rest on the steep, wide-open, upper reaches of the northern approach was no longer a viable option as I quickly felt the penetrating effects of the windchill so I turned my back to the wind as I paused momentarily to catch my breath and slowed my pace to keep from getting too tired. I came prepared with appropriate and trusted multiple layers and face protection so I continued to make upward progress.
The summit was well worth the effort especially on this wonderful, bright, clear day! The views were simply astounding and although I didn't spend a lot of time at the summit, I think I managed to capture the sights from this truly magnificent mountain. The only effect missing is the roar of the wind as you look at some of the photos of a most memorable day!
Enjoy! (Select slideshow then F11 for full screen format)
http://picasaweb.google.com/runswithscissors4111/Algonquin123010?feat=directlink
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