The non-numerical evolution of a 46er.

[Neil]

As an aspiring 46er (27er to be exact) I've noticed an inner process that goes beyond the fun of statistics and the racking up of summit conquests.

For me, the process is an attitude evolution and a continuing gain of respect for the value of the Park. Prior to my first hike, my impression of the Dacks was that of a few little overcrowded summits. Since then, my quest has taken me to truly wonderful places that I would likely never have gone to or even known about had it not been for the 46er goal. Sitting on Phelps yesterday I realized that I'm learning the area in great depth and have developed a sense of custodianship that I didn't possess when I first started hiking the peaks. There are a lot more mountains, trails, slides, streams and valleys than I ever imagined. And, there are lots of great people to be met in the backcountry. (I've never met anyone I didn't like up on the Dix Range or in Santanoni country). My eyes and my mind open up just a little more with every trip. I look forward to years and years of discovery and self-discovery.

For me, that inner evolution is what becoming a 46er is all about. What are your reflections fellow ADKers?

[AlpineSummit]

NeilL, what a great post.
Congratulations, you have figured out what's it's all about. You sound like you will be a terrific Forty-Sixer as you realize that there is much more than just climbing mountains.
Enjoy your tour of the Adirondack High Peaks.

[Mavs00]

Great post Neil.

Read -THIS- and tell me that the "Journey to the 46" is just a walk to 46 different spots on the planet. Very cool to read somebody else articulate something that I've felt for awhile.

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like we're on a similar (yet, different) journey, just like the 5000+ others that have already "made it"

[ADackR]

Originally Posted by NeilL

As an aspiring 46er (27er to be exact) I've noticed an inner process that goes beyond the fun of statistics and the racking up of summit conquests.

For me, the process is an attitude evolution and a continuing gain of respect for the value of the Park. Prior to my first hike, my impression of the Dacks was that of a few little overcrowded summits. Since then, my quest has taken me to truly wonderful places that I would likely never have gone to or even known about had it not been for the 46er goal. Sitting on Phelps yesterday I realized that I'm learning the area in great depth and have developed a sense of custodianship that I didn't possess when I first started hiking the peaks. There are a lot more mountains, trails, slides, streams and valleys than I ever imagined. And, there are lots of great people to be met in the backcountry. (I've never met anyone I didn't like up on the Dix Range or in Santanoni country). My eyes and my mind open up just a little more with every trip. I look forward to years and years of discovery and self-discovery.

For me, that inner evolution is what becoming a 46er is all about. What are your reflections fellow ADKers?

i am in the same position, i have 30 regular peaks and 12 winter peaks... all of this over a 5-6 year period.... when i first started the 46, it was all i was about, getting that "number" now though, i have become a steward of the park as a whole....not just the peaks...since climbing that first peak (marcy) i have climbed another 50-60 lesser mtns. through out the park....paddled 20-30 different lakes...traveled up/down 10-20 different rivers....fished 10-20 different lakes/ponds/rivers....mtn. biked 100 different miles of trials and x-c skied 1000 different miles of trails....it's been a great run and will only get better as time passes...

like i said, for a while i was all about the "number" now i'm all about the experience.....i've been on many trails and most people that i've met (excluding oldtimers) have not come close to exploring even the fringes of this park....i'm glad to say that i have a good knowlegde of most aspects of this park and i incourage others to do the same..

happy hiking

[Skyclimber]

It's when you feel and find the true meaning of being a 46er, when you really are one. But it truly depends upon the individual whether to be one or not.