This month's (46er) Adirondack Peeks magazine

[Kevin]

In case you're not a subscriber, a letter to the editor I wrote many moons ago was published (even labeled me an "aspiring 46er" which hasn't been true since last October). I was quite surprised but very pleased that someone on the Peeks staff thought we were worthy of the ink. I found the original letter but it differs slightly (I did give them full editorial freedom to use the letter in any manner they felt fit). It's on the bottom of page 4 if you want to play along at home.

I've transcribed the published version here:

Hello,

I'd like to tell the Forty-Sixers about an internet forum dedicated to the Adirondacks, the ADK Forum (www.adkforum.com). The ADK Forum was founded to be a discussion resource. We've grown to hundreds of members varying from seasonal 46ers to once-a-year vacationers. We want to cultivate a space to freely exchange knowledge and experience about the Adirondacks. We also allow for off-topic discussion to bolster a community atmosphere, and we host a page for reporting public trail conditions.

Our staff consists of experienced outdoorsmen dedicated to keeping the ADK Forum a hospitable environment. Our resource page contains links to activity, gear, and survival web sites. (I'd like to thank the Forty-Sixers for providing an ADK Forum link on the Forty-Sixer web site.) You can organize group trips on our events and activities calendar.

Please visit us at www.adkforum.com.

Kevin Heckeler
ADK Forum Founder
Aspiring 46er

Only reason I remembered this was published is the recent influx of 46ers registering on the forum. Welcome to all!

[adkdremn]

Hey Kevin-
Great letter! I just wanted to take a minute to thank you and all the others for the abundance of knowledge on this site. Unfortunately, I qualify as one of those once-a-year vacationers, well sometimes more, but still not enough! I lurked on this site a long time before becoming a member, simply because I love the Adirondacks! I love reading about them, I love living vicariously through those of you who live there or are there every weekend, and most of all I love being there! At age 29 I have dreams of retiring to the ADKS and becoming a 46er someday, but for now this website fills the void until family responsibilities and finances allow me to enjoy these great woods on a more frequent basis. Because of all the great advice I've received I'm planning on my first backpacking trip this June, and I can't wait! I'm usually a car camper and day-hiker with my 2 kids and wife, but I found some time to get away and really enjoy myself and the mountains...I can't wait. Sorry for rambling, but thanks again, I can't wait to get home from work every day to get my Adirondack update.

[Kevin]

Hope I didn't make it sound like the once-a-year vacationers weren't welcome! We're about sharing knowledge of the Adirondacks, regardless of how often we get up there it's the common appreciation of the park that brings us together.

Good luck with the June trip!

[adkdremn]

Hope I didn't make it sound like the once-a-year vacationers weren't welcome!

No, not at all Kevin!

[percious]

Kevin,

That letter was very well written. I think you should do writing for/to magazines more often.

-percious

[Kevin]

Kevin,

That letter was very well written. I think you should do writing for/to magazines more often.

-percious

Well, my original doesn't read as well. The editor earns some credit for a few grammar choices.

[mphiker]

Visiting the forum certainly helped me obtain 46er status a few years ago. Nice letter. I am proud to mention that I had an article published in the last issue of "Peeks" that pertained to the ADK Fire Tower Challenge. I too find myself reading trip reports and such when I can't get my own ADK fix. I wish I lived closer to the high peaks!