This flatlander decided it was time to get back up to another area I really like, the Adirondacks in NY. I have been there about 6 times previously, but this time I went to the High Peaks area around Lake Placid. I set off this Tuesday, with the main goal to climb Mount Marcy (5400 feet), NY’s highest peak. This is a long hike up this mountain, 14.5 miles total up and back and it takes an 8-10 hour rough day.
I did not make it. I was not as physically prepared as I should have been. My mind was willing, but my heart was not. Plus, I overdid it, trying too hard. I did get 5 miles up the trail, to about 4,000 feet, but I regrettably had to turn back 5 miles to fight this battle another day. Nevertheless, it was a great little mini trip, and I’d like to share some photos:
This is Mount Marcy Dam, two miles into the hike.
Standing at the Dam, on the right is Algonquin Peak (I’m pretty sure). Note the huge smooth rock area. It looked ¼ mile long. Very cool.
This bridge was built to get you over the high water in Spring.
Up, Up, Up. It was strenuous to say the least. I was jealous of the young people going up quicker than me.
By the time I got to this level after 2.5 hours, I was whipped into submission.
Up around 3,800 feet or so, Indian Falls gives a great view.
Looking upstream at the water heading towards the falls.
Here is a side shot off the falls at a different peak.
Chipmunks looking for a handout. I love chipmunks. Chip and Dale were my favorites.
Hey, someone broke the rules and fed him!
I was very disappointed to have to turn back at 4,000 feet, but I was trying to ensure I did not have to be carried back by someone else enjoying their day. I got a surprise when I got back to the dam. I was fortunate to meet the legendary Pete Fish, 71 years old, making his 650th trip up Marcy. Absolutely amazing man, and very personable and helpful. When I told him I nearly died up there at 4,000 feet from the exertion he said…”Well, it’s a good place to die”…without cracking a smile. We talked about a few other things. I enjoyed my time spent with him.
Here is the Olympic Ski Jumps from the road to the trailhead.
Fall Colors
Cascade Lake. I can look at these mountains all day, and I did. They fascinate me. They were made from rock that used to be 25 miles underground. I was stopping every ¼ mile to gaze up at them.
This was my cozy motel room. Very remote, in Upper Jay NY. I was the only person there all week. I am really starting to value silence. It truly is golden at times.
The Ausable River behind the motel. I went to the edge and sat in the sun on the rocks and just listened to the river.
A meadow area. Just like some places in the pines.
High Falls Gorge. Paid $10 to see it, but loved it.
Up close:
West Branch of Ausable upstream. The Ausable river flows north, into the St. Lawrence.
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.
Homeward Bound.
I did not make it. I was not as physically prepared as I should have been. My mind was willing, but my heart was not. Plus, I overdid it, trying too hard. I did get 5 miles up the trail, to about 4,000 feet, but I regrettably had to turn back 5 miles to fight this battle another day. Nevertheless, it was a great little mini trip, and I’d like to share some photos:
This is Mount Marcy Dam, two miles into the hike.
Standing at the Dam, on the right is Algonquin Peak (I’m pretty sure). Note the huge smooth rock area. It looked ¼ mile long. Very cool.
This bridge was built to get you over the high water in Spring.
Up, Up, Up. It was strenuous to say the least. I was jealous of the young people going up quicker than me.
By the time I got to this level after 2.5 hours, I was whipped into submission.
Up around 3,800 feet or so, Indian Falls gives a great view.
Looking upstream at the water heading towards the falls.
Here is a side shot off the falls at a different peak.
Chipmunks looking for a handout. I love chipmunks. Chip and Dale were my favorites.
Hey, someone broke the rules and fed him!
I was very disappointed to have to turn back at 4,000 feet, but I was trying to ensure I did not have to be carried back by someone else enjoying their day. I got a surprise when I got back to the dam. I was fortunate to meet the legendary Pete Fish, 71 years old, making his 650th trip up Marcy. Absolutely amazing man, and very personable and helpful. When I told him I nearly died up there at 4,000 feet from the exertion he said…”Well, it’s a good place to die”…without cracking a smile. We talked about a few other things. I enjoyed my time spent with him.
Here is the Olympic Ski Jumps from the road to the trailhead.
Fall Colors
Cascade Lake. I can look at these mountains all day, and I did. They fascinate me. They were made from rock that used to be 25 miles underground. I was stopping every ¼ mile to gaze up at them.
This was my cozy motel room. Very remote, in Upper Jay NY. I was the only person there all week. I am really starting to value silence. It truly is golden at times.
The Ausable River behind the motel. I went to the edge and sat in the sun on the rocks and just listened to the river.
A meadow area. Just like some places in the pines.
High Falls Gorge. Paid $10 to see it, but loved it.
Up close:
West Branch of Ausable upstream. The Ausable river flows north, into the St. Lawrence.
Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.
Homeward Bound.
