Too far

I had a good sized chunk of time off. I scrambled to squeeze what I could into it. I squeezed alright. I often dont hit my limits but when I do it is a nice reminder. 

Years ago I found a hike that was rated as "very strenuous" and hailed as being one of the toughest hikes on the east coast. Naturally this attracted me. Years went by and I let it fall behind. Turns out the location and timing fit into my little vacation. Weather seemed alright for November and I had a game plan set. 

Appropriately named the Devils Path, I set off early and it was raining lightly. It wasnt supposed to rain at all. The path starts with 1800' ascent in about a mile. A nice warm up. I would be crossing multiple peaks in the trip. 

Considering the peaks were all around 4000', I learned to love this sign as it meant I was nearing the summit. 

Atop Plateau Mountain. 

The other side of Plateau. I wasnt too far into the trip and already I was a little concerned. It was a lot colder than I expected. The hike was more grueling. I was soaked by sweat which chilled me quickly. Onto the next. 

Sugarloaf Mountain did not have any vistas. However it did have snow. Perhaps another sign. 

While coming down from Sugarloaf I could see the next objective across the valley, Twin Mountain. Clearly from the twin peaks. Theres supposed to be a cave somewheres, my ultimate goal. I had fantasized about setting up shop in a cave for the night. I grew colder. 

I couldnt find the cave. Well. I may have. But it was more of a notch in a wall, not what I had imagined at all. I took note of the time and my location. I had hiked 8 miles in. I was cold. Had plenty of food and water. Tired from three separate ascents, along with equally difficult descents. I had to make a choice. I was already past the halfway point of daylight. I passed a leanto a few miles back, best option if Im staying. I had 8 miles to go to get back to my truck. The way back would take longer too due to exhaustion. Either way I had to back track, disappointed. 

I took a break at the leanto. It was clear my knees had enough. Both of them shaking, easily giving way to sudden jars and missed steps. The cold and loneliness set in. I felt that maybe this is nearing the end of a phase in my life. There was a sign for 6.4 miles back to the trailhead. It was already getting dark. 

I decided that I would push through rather than risk hypothermia. Two mountains stood in my way and I climbed them probably at the slowest pace I ever have. 

I crested the last peak at sunset. There was still a few miles to go. I descended the mountain as the forest darkened. I strapped my flashlight to my shoulder strap so it was easily accessible. I shuffled through the leaves in a zombie like fashion. The push felt like forever but there is no feeling like the one of shuffling out of the woods and seeing my truck. I cranked the heat, stripped the cold sweaty clothes off and sighed out of defeat. Or was it success?

A lesson

As the warmer days fade I find myself trying to squeeze a few more hikes into the shorter days. Winter hiking isnt as common since I will stay busy with other winter hobbies. A fairly short drive away on a Sunday of all days was a hike that I shouldve known better. Its a Sunday. Its middle of the day. Its a nightmare of traffic, pedestrian and vehicular. 

Looking down there was a constant flow of interstate traffic in the Delaware valley. Parking was a headache. Immediately a sign of things to come. A constant flow of casual hikers lined the trail too. 

 

The hike was short but the colors were pretty. I shouldnt have been so sloppy in trying to squeeze in some final hikes. The pedestrian and vehicular traffic kept peace away. In the end I was able to take away a few nice pictures and pay the toll at the NY/NJ bridge. 

Overall not bad. 

Height is relative

A quick trip to the Lake Placid region is always pleasant, despite the weather. Its early October and back home snow is still a bit away. Unless of course you increase your elevation. 

A beautiful autumn setting of the Ausable river. The clean crisp air is abundant and the only place to go is up. 

Its hit or miss with Whiteface. But generally if you stick around long enough the weather will blow over even if only for a moment. 

Before it blows by it needs to blow through of course, snow! The imagination runs wild seeing the ski runs quickly turn white.  Another season is near. 

And just as quickly the sky opened up for a bit. Enough to satisfy, thus the moment making "everything" worthwhile. 

Oddly Im not alone :)

Falling into fall

The overnight chill gives way to happiness. Another toy for another season. 

Its nice to be able to do longer trips again. Although Ive forgotten how uncomfortable these machines are. Regardless, this one holds some significance. Over ten years ago I had two bikes to choose from off the showroom floor. Theres the one above, and the one I bought. I had buyers remorse. I opted for the slightly cheaper one. The slightly "safer" one. I was stuck with it for years trying to turn it into something it wasnt. Funny how I eventually got the one I shouldve ten years later. Now that  I have it...eh. The woes of being a chaser. 

At least its purdy. 

Is it greener

Its hard to believe that there has been years where I didnt make it up to the Adirondacks. How can a summer pass? Unacceptable. Thats all I know. 

Tamarra's 4th peak :)

Theres some pride to be had to have climbed the 46 highest peaks of the 'dacks. Ive climbed a few and although enjoyable, mountains are mountains and a prestigious title isnt my motivation. I just like to climb. After dabbling a bit out west, the east coast mountains are seemingly a bit tame. However if you compare numbers they really arent at all. I suppose its the exposure of western mountains that gets me. Being at a much higher elevation means more time exposed. I like that. None the less the 'dacks are still great!

Theres plenty more to do. Theres always plenty to do. 

Fear

Bought a toy awhile ago. Got hurt at work. Finally felt like I might be healed enough to try. Downhill mountain biking has been something I itched for awhile. Bicycles have a large part in my past. I actually put the new toy up for sale thinking that maybe I should give up the idea of taking on another hobby. Push come to shove I realized that heading into 30 Ive become a bit too skittish. Unacceptable. 

Up the lift I go! Nervous as can be, I plummeted down the mountain for the first time on a bike made for it. Amazing. A whole new addiction. The physical demands, the focused attention and the adrenaline were back. 

Even the easiest trails were profoundly challenging. I managed to pull 16 runs in four hours. Fatigue set in and quickly it became dangerous to keep going as I was getting sloppy and having too many close calls. So...one more run!

Really? Really. Two flats at the same time. On the last run. Dropped off the largest drop at the end of the course and my front went flat quick due to a pinch flat. I rolled to the finish as the tire released the last of its air. So I rolled the bike over to the grass, flipped the bike over and suddenly heard a small pop. Then a hiss. Then watched the rear tire go flat too. Funny. 

Patched both tubes and then went to a nearby trail system for a cool down ride.  

The sun sets on a beaver pond. 

Fields of flowers. This day was an awesome day. 

Despite many attempts to not make a normal face, surprisingly one was captured. Im going to have more days like this. Many more. 

Im not done with you

Awhile back I decided I wanted to hit the high points for this region. High points as in the highest elevations. Mount Washington in New Hampshire has always called my name and the more recently discovered Mount Katahdin has perked my interest. In my typical fashion, I threw together a day pack and set off for the week. 

An early start to the adventure. 

Mountain creeks never get old. The clear seemingly untainted crisp cold water beckons a taste. A long trail climbed through the forest with a few markers stating "so and so died here". The trail itself wasnt perilous, but I suppose medical emergencies and weather conditions can change anything. 

 

First view of the valley as I broke free from the forest canopy. 

The peak of Mount Washington lies inside that cloud, supposedly where the worst weather in America resides. 

There was still a long ways to go. 

An adjacent peak. 

Tiny alpine lakes spotted the increasingly barren landscape. 

Sounds serious. 

Looking back to where I came from, before I enter the clouds. 

Its in there somewheres. 

There was no sweeping views. Just a windy foggy chilly tourist attraction. The fact that on the other side of the mountain is a paved road kinda kills the fun factor.  Yes I couldve driven up the mountain instead. People were asking me where the shuttle was and I decided it was time to leave. A great hike but not the best. 

On the way down (different trail) I was treated to the best views yet. 

A lot better. I got off the mountain a lot quicker than I originally planned. I also did not bring enough water so I was glad to be off the mountain when I was. The humidity was 100% and rain was on the way. 

A nifty bridge on my way to Maine. My goal was to spend a relaxing day in Acadia National park. Kinda give me a rest inbetween the two peaks. The weather turned gray and wet. 

Low flying clouds flowing like water over the coast line mountains. 

The Maine coast really is something else. I stayed off the trail and bouldered my way down the coastline in a cool light drizzle. 

Not a very friendly coast I guess. 

Oh a beach!

I like beaches for short periods of time. 

A tide pool running back out to sea. 

Not the warmest of beaches. 

A little birdie told me the sun was coming. 

Things dried up quick and the people came out. Acadia was recently voted as Americas favorite national park. Dont wonder why. 

There were islands made out of shells. Otter bay must be quite the feeding frenzy. 

At times this bay would be filled with sea otters. Not today sadly. 

The top of Mount Cadillac offered the best views of the Maine coast. 

Incredible. And this was my "rest" day. 

Baxter state park provided the back drop for my next and final day. I was tight on time and really wanted to meet my goals. Baxter state park is basically a set of peaks grouped tightly together deep in the Maine wilderness. I found the trail to be more difficult than Mount Washington. There was no road to the top. No visitor center or buildings. Definitely more my style. 

Mandatory geological survey marker. 

Now sitting at the highest point...

If only I could fly.