| Well, even
though I don't prefer summer hiking, I can only go so long between hikes. I
needed to get out and so Jon, Brendan and I decided on Algonquin for a Saturday
day trip. The weather was very nice, cool and breezy in the morning and warmer
later in the afternoon. The summit was socked in the whole time we were climbing
but started opening up when we got there. The best part was that I didn't get
one bug bite! I didn't even apply any repellant. |
| I had done
Algonquin in the winter but Brendan and Jon had never been. The trail was pretty
good, muddy in spots like all Adirondack trails. We encountered quite a few
other hikers but it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. I was also
amazed at how many people were still heading up as we were heading out. It was
interesting to compare the trail with my winter experience, especially the
waterfall on Macintyre Brook. |
Jon and Brendan at the Macintyre
Brook falls. Check the contrast from winter here |
| As I said,
the summit opened up nicely when we arrived. We stayed on top for almost an hour
and soaked it in while we enjoyed our lunch. The summit steward from the Nature
Conservancy was letting everyone know about the fragility of the alpine
vegetation and providing some information on surrounding views for those who
needed it. I am happy to say that I can finally look around and identify
"most" of the peaks when I summit now. It is very cool to see them
from different angles and during different seasons. I still don't know many of
the lesser peaks and what the names of all the ranges and valleys are but I'm
learning. |
The Mountain Goat and I on
the summit with Colden and Marcy in the background. |
| Well,
looking at Iroquois made the quick jaunt over to bag another peak very tempting.
Unfortunately we were "sort of" on a schedule. I needed to pick up my
daughter who was spending the day with friends on Lake George. I did have a back
up plan in place for emergencies but bagging another peak doesn't constitute one
I don't think. In hindsight, if we cut our summit lunch a bit short and
postponed our after hike cheeseburger we could've easily bagged Iroquois and
made it on time. Well, I guess I'll get to climb Algonquin again before too long
and that isn't all bad. |
This cliff on Wallface
dominates your view as you approach from the North. |
| The
descent was uneventful for the most part. The trail was a bit tricky as the days
traffic had made all of the rocks muddy and slick. I don't think we registered
any "official" falls which may be a first now that I think of it. In
case you don't know, your backside has to touch the ground for a fall to be
"official". Of course I can't do a hike without forgetting my walking
stick at least once which I did. Luckily I remembered before going too far and
no one had picked it up. |
A view of Whiteface from the
trail on the way down. I think this is when I left my stick behind. |
| Well, it
was great to get out into the mountains. My body is currently reminding me why I
shouldn't go so long between hikes if you know what I mean. But I call this a
good pain. |
| Actually,
I did this peak for the first time in the winter - click
here |
