ADK Hiker
New member
Started out from JBL with the weather being questionable. Trails were wet and muddy from previous days of rain. Nothing that could not be dealt with though. Took the Phelps trail to our first quest of the day, Haystack. By the time we reached the ridge it was apparent that it was going to be a gorgeous day. The view of Haystack from Little Haystack was nothing but spectacular. We paused here briefly to take a photo, but were soon forced to put on our gortex for warmth because of the wind. We summited Haystack and had the most breathtaking views imagineable. Being surrounded by nothing but mountains in all directions from this summit, gives you the true feeling of wilderness. It was so beautiful just looking around, that before we knew it, we had spent forty minutes on the summit.
Basin was next on our quest. The hike over from Haystack was a little rigorous, but nothing too bad. Trails were still pretty muddy and wet in places. All of which was expected in the high peaks. Reached the summit of Basin and had awesome views of the mountains again. While on summit we met two hikers who were headed to Haystack. For one of them, Basin was 45 and Haystack would be 46 when he got there. Offered our congratulations, and rested a few minutes before heading on to our next summit.
Saddleback would be the third summit of the day. Took some photos of the Alpine vegetation flowers between Basin and Saddleback. Then made our way up the final steep climb to the summit of Saddleback. This was the most challenging rock climb so far in my quest for the 46. Once up the rocks we soon summited. A gentlemen was sitting on the summit enjoying the great views. We chatted with him briefly and then began to take in the views. Again, we took our photos, had some lunch, all the while relishing in the beauty before us. Unfortunately, we could not linger as we still had one more summit to go. So off we headed to our final summit.
Gothics would be our last and final summit of the day. From Saddleback to the col was pretty easy. While the hike from the col to Gothics was a little more rigorous. While the fair weather clouds had been increasing all day, the sun was still out and the views still spectacular back over the Upper Range from the summit. Soon began the decent to the lake road and out to the Ausable Club where our ride was waiting. They took us back to our car at the Garden, where we had started.
It had been one of the best weather days, we had done four of the best peaks in the Adirondacks, and it was the most awesome hike of all times.
Basin was next on our quest. The hike over from Haystack was a little rigorous, but nothing too bad. Trails were still pretty muddy and wet in places. All of which was expected in the high peaks. Reached the summit of Basin and had awesome views of the mountains again. While on summit we met two hikers who were headed to Haystack. For one of them, Basin was 45 and Haystack would be 46 when he got there. Offered our congratulations, and rested a few minutes before heading on to our next summit.
Saddleback would be the third summit of the day. Took some photos of the Alpine vegetation flowers between Basin and Saddleback. Then made our way up the final steep climb to the summit of Saddleback. This was the most challenging rock climb so far in my quest for the 46. Once up the rocks we soon summited. A gentlemen was sitting on the summit enjoying the great views. We chatted with him briefly and then began to take in the views. Again, we took our photos, had some lunch, all the while relishing in the beauty before us. Unfortunately, we could not linger as we still had one more summit to go. So off we headed to our final summit.
Gothics would be our last and final summit of the day. From Saddleback to the col was pretty easy. While the hike from the col to Gothics was a little more rigorous. While the fair weather clouds had been increasing all day, the sun was still out and the views still spectacular back over the Upper Range from the summit. Soon began the decent to the lake road and out to the Ausable Club where our ride was waiting. They took us back to our car at the Garden, where we had started.
It had been one of the best weather days, we had done four of the best peaks in the Adirondacks, and it was the most awesome hike of all times.
