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We noticed it was 11:45 as we sat on the bench near the stone house at the top of the toll road. We were resting, re-fueling and closing up all garments for the final push to the summit.
Where had the last 4 + hours gone ? The walking along the toll road was easy and the wind was occasionally assertive. It let us know who had dominion but allowed us our way. We (me and my sons Tyler and Zack) took every chance to admire the beauty of the endless views, the snow and ice coating on the plant life and the stars above. This gorgeous night took me to another place with its clear skies and plentiful moonlight. It was a place that words don’t capture.
We had all been up by 3:30 AM and had worked our way across the state from south of Buffalo. By the time we got to the Mountaineer in Keene Valley (for snowshoes and pole), Stewarts (Keene) for supplies, and the base of the toll road (dressing and packing)
it was 7:15 PM. The plan was to do Whiteface this evening and then to Cascade and Porter on Wednesday. Why waste an evening sitting around when we could take a walk up the toll road and “bag a peak”. I at least knew we couldn't get lost !
We purposely went slow and broke often trying to avoid overheating and being soggy when we hit the high winds at the peak. Very early in the hike we could see the light at the summit and it seemed we’d be there soon enough, so, we casually proceeded, removing coats from time to time to dry off, snacking, drinking and smoking. It was great . We had to wallow and bask in this. There was no where else I’d rather be.
The snow and ice coatings on everything and the moon shadows cast a slightly eerie feel to things.
This was our first experience with adjustable hiking poles and they are now on my ever growing list of gear to get. It may be useful to someone to know if you set them too low you might end up with nagging pains in your back and hips. This happened to Zack and after adjusting his poles he was fine.
I noted that because our drinks were so cold I probably wasn’t drinking as much as I should. Our Gator Aid was slushy and each gulp was like a jab in the guts with an icicle.I’ll have to keep an eye on that if ever doing a more vigorous hike.
By 12:30 we were off the summit and heading downhill. By 3 AM we were back at the car and crashed into bed by 4 in Lake Placid. A very long day which had us sleeping in and heading home the next day after hitting the NOON-MARK for chow. Like someone said here "the mountains aren't going any where" . Can’t wait to get back.
Where had the last 4 + hours gone ? The walking along the toll road was easy and the wind was occasionally assertive. It let us know who had dominion but allowed us our way. We (me and my sons Tyler and Zack) took every chance to admire the beauty of the endless views, the snow and ice coating on the plant life and the stars above. This gorgeous night took me to another place with its clear skies and plentiful moonlight. It was a place that words don’t capture.
We had all been up by 3:30 AM and had worked our way across the state from south of Buffalo. By the time we got to the Mountaineer in Keene Valley (for snowshoes and pole), Stewarts (Keene) for supplies, and the base of the toll road (dressing and packing)
it was 7:15 PM. The plan was to do Whiteface this evening and then to Cascade and Porter on Wednesday. Why waste an evening sitting around when we could take a walk up the toll road and “bag a peak”. I at least knew we couldn't get lost !
We purposely went slow and broke often trying to avoid overheating and being soggy when we hit the high winds at the peak. Very early in the hike we could see the light at the summit and it seemed we’d be there soon enough, so, we casually proceeded, removing coats from time to time to dry off, snacking, drinking and smoking. It was great . We had to wallow and bask in this. There was no where else I’d rather be.
The snow and ice coatings on everything and the moon shadows cast a slightly eerie feel to things.
This was our first experience with adjustable hiking poles and they are now on my ever growing list of gear to get. It may be useful to someone to know if you set them too low you might end up with nagging pains in your back and hips. This happened to Zack and after adjusting his poles he was fine.
I noted that because our drinks were so cold I probably wasn’t drinking as much as I should. Our Gator Aid was slushy and each gulp was like a jab in the guts with an icicle.I’ll have to keep an eye on that if ever doing a more vigorous hike.
By 12:30 we were off the summit and heading downhill. By 3 AM we were back at the car and crashed into bed by 4 in Lake Placid. A very long day which had us sleeping in and heading home the next day after hitting the NOON-MARK for chow. Like someone said here "the mountains aren't going any where" . Can’t wait to get back.
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