Mt. Marcy 10/09/07

[CaLculAted Risk]

Your trip report was so well done that I felt I had to add my $0.02. Well written and honest - a wonderful read. And I'll echo others - yep, we've all been there.

Your plan to do Algonquin with Wright/Iroquois options is a good one, but don't let the seemingly low distance mask the significant vertical on such a hike. I found that MacIntyre Range trio to be tougher than Marcy.

Thanks for your feedback on my TR.

I had guessed that the shortened distance and high height of Algonquin would provide me a much steeper hike than Mt. Marcy. I'm sure we all say this before a planned hike, but I plan to be in much better shape for that hike. I have already maintained and surpassed my Mt. Marcy state of physical fitness and if all goes to plan (fingers crossed), I should arrive to my next hike in peak (no pun intended...well maybe it was intended ) condition.

To be honest, I am more of a shorter distance/full effort kind of person. I would rather have a shorter distance to hike up a steep mountain than a long hike to a gentler mountain. The long hikes chip away at my energy and resolve leaving me with alot less power when the real effort starts...

[mtmiller]

Excellent Report

Your trip report was so well done that I felt I had to add my $0.02. Well written and honest - a wonderful read. And I'll echo others - yep, we've all been there.

Your plan to do Algonquin with Wright/Iroquois options is a good one, but don't let the seemingly low distance mask the significant vertical on such a hike. I found that MacIntyre Range trio to be tougher than Marcy.

Another awesome hike for you might be Big Slide. But save that for a blue sky day... the views from the ledges of The Brothers on the way up are frequent, amazing, and worth extended rest breaks. And the front row seat view of the face of Big Slide is breathtaking. Still one of my favorites!

Mike

[fingerlakeshiker]

My first trip to Marcy years ago was in may, we forgot the bug juice and got creamed.

[hikerdad]

I really enjoyed your trip report and your enthusiasm. I had a "learning" experience on Saddleback and Basin so I think a lot of us have had hikes like you did. You really learn from those type experiences. You can also learn a lot from these sites (here, adkhighpeaks, VFTT) so just ask away. Just to let you know...spring hikiing is tough also because you get very mixed conditions then also. Lots of mud, ice and snow late into the year...then the black flies come out....I tried Redfield once on April 15 and found 4-5 feet of snow still on the mountain.

I'm 4 1/2 hours from the high peaks and it took us about 7 years to finish the 46 but it was well worth it.

Good luck and enjoy....

[CaLculAted Risk]

I wanted to thank everyone for all the positive feedback on my first climb and corresponding trip report.

The Adirondacks were much more amazing than I had imagined them to be. I have decided to attempt to become a 46er, although with my current obligations, distance away from the area, and precious little vacation time that must be spread around with the family, I am probably on the 10 year plan for getting all the peaks done. Not to mention, super long hikes like Haystack and Skylight are very intimidating and I will need alot of preparation and planning to get those ones completed.

I am currently considering Algonquin with options (Wright and Iroquois) for my next spring/summer climb. Based on my last experience, I will have plenty of gear and trip questions for this community as I begin the plans this winter.

Thanks again for all of the support, and for being here as a resource for all of the rookies (such as myself) who suddenly develop the desire to explore the Adirondack mountains...

[ALGonquin Bob]

Beauty, eh?

That is one fine trip report! Your enthusiasm for your first "high peak" hike was very refreshing, and the descriptions of your learning experiences was an enjoyable read. I've been up Marcy a few times, but it's different each time I go. You've got to try some winter hiking now, and if you decide to go up Gothics, I heartily recommend that you choose the AMR (the Ausable Club) as your trail head, and hike in via the Lake Road, and the Weld Trail that begins at Upper AuSable Lake.... but that's a completely different thread. Congratulations on surviving your first big hike.

[marzrw]

Congratulations...Awesome report...

Although sorry to tell you the old saying, "You should have been here yesterday." Or at least Friday the 5th, the weather was absolutely incredible for me and my wife.

Hope your next hike is just as exciting, but less painful. The waitress was correct though, Gothics rocks and steepness are a bit harder than Marcy, but then again, none of them are a cakewalk, that's why we do them.

[Hobbitling]

good writing, very epic.

the first time I climbed Marcy went about the same. pace too slow. cool rainy weather, with no rain gear and cotton clothes. slippery rocks. not enough drinking water.

I was so cold and dehydrated when I got back I could barely untie my own shoes.

live and learn.

[Rookie]

That was a GREAT report.

Congratulations on your success.

Marcy was our first too, on a windy rainy April day ,socked in by clouds with ice on the top.....it tests you many ways.

You learn something every time you get out there...at least I do.

[AntlerPerak]

Let me add, it was a good trip report very enjoyable read. Like Kevin said you learn something and that is priceless.

[Kevin]

I hope this isn't frowned upon (linking to my trip report). I finally finished my trip report on my first hike:

http://www.summitpost.org/view_objec...ject_id=350342

It is very long. You'll need an intermission and refreshments.

lol at the waitress .

I guess adkforum should thank you for the link back and endorsement .

Any mountain is a challenge in foul enough weather. Marcy isn't what I would call an easy hike, although a lot of people do it. 3,000 feet and 15 miles round trip. Not exactly a walk in the park. Gothics isn't actually a longer hike, though the most popular route (from Ausable Lake over Pyramid Peak) is breathtaking.

As long as you learned a few things it will make each foul weather hike in the future a bit easier. Having the needed headlamp would have made the rain and daylight issues less severe, for example.

Glad you had a good time and made it out in good health. There's other western New York hikers on the forum, be sure to give Rookie and Little Rickie a shout sometime for a car pool.

[CaLculAted Risk]

I hope this isn't frowned upon (linking to my trip report). I finally finished my trip report on my first hike:

http://www.summitpost.org/view_objec...ject_id=350342

It is very long. You'll need an intermission and refreshments.