Whiteface Mountain #46 - September 29, 2018
So the day finally came when I would check that box. Whiteface Mountain has been planned as my final summit to complete the 46ers for quite a while. It is the only high peak in the Adirondacks that you can drive to, so a good many people choose to finish here so that non-hiking friends and family can join in the celebration if they so desire.
We chose Saturday, September 29th, exactly 17 years and 11 days after my first high peak. God smiled on us once again with good weather. Early in the hike we could see that the higher elevations were socked in, but as you will see, it cleared up nicely for us when we reached the top.
I had some company from a few of my kids, some hiked, some drove to the
top.We decided on the shorter, but steeper initial ascent from the north via the trail-head at ASRC (Atmospheric Science Research Center).
Early in the hike, I'm already feeling this steep initial ascent, time
for a breather near this old sled shed.After that initial ascent to the top of Marble Mt., there is a nice flat spot with a view, time to take a water break.
I guess it's time to go, Brendan is on the move. After a short flat section, the climbing starts again to meet the junction with the Wilmington trail and the Esther Mt. trail.
After a fair amount of rock scrambling and a few mud pits, we reached the junction to Esther Mt. After this, the trail is very moderate and even slightly downhill for a good while.
Here's Cat and Rachelle enjoying the walk in the park and just being
goofy (as usual). Matching boots and all!It wouldn't be long until we crossed paths with the first ski trail and were starting to feel like we were closing in on the summit. Great spot for a photo op.
The Mountain Goat with his "little" sister Cat and his fiancé, Rachelle.
(
aka Schmee)"Brendan, look epic" is what I said, this is what I got.
I don't know why there was a bow staff in the middle of the woods on the mountain, but who am I to question it.
So, the sun was shining and I knew we were going to have great views up top. Just before the final push toward the summit, we got another view looking down at some of the ski trails and the valley below. Many of the other high peaks could be seen off in the distance as well.
The trail runs right next to the Veterans Memorial Highway for a short time. The Mountain Goat and I could not resist scaling the wall, even if only for a short time to get a photo op. It seemed like we could have gone all the way up, but that wall is very high and a few of the rocks were loose so I didn't venture too far up.
After this little side quest, we continued on. Shortly after leaving the junction with the road, we started to get the first panoramic views of the day and we could also see our final destination.
The final ascent to the summit from this direction is along a rocky "knife-edged" section of the mountain and you could feel the cold wind coming across from down below. I commented to Brian that it would probably be brutal up here in the winter, I am sure.
Before we knew it, we were there! It was a bittersweet feeling that's hard to explain. A feeling of accomplishment for sure, but a slight sadness that the quest was over.
On the summit with Brian, Cat, Rachelle and Brendan.
Brian has hiked a fair amount with me, especially in the early days of our quest, I was with him earlier this year on Dix Mt. when he finished his 46. I was happy to have him there this day! He presented me with a 46er patch and a Whiteface Mt. patch to commemorate the occasion. He also brought the margaritas! Thanks again Brian for sharing this with me.
Looking at Lake Placid from the summit, with the early fall foliage
showing off nicely!
I want to thank all of those who were there to help me celebrate, and all of my hiking partners over the last 17 years. I also need to thank all of the anonymous fellow peak baggers I've met along the way to chat with as well as those that have helped me with information, suggestions, and invaluable advice.
I especially want to thank one known as the Mountain Goat who was always willing to go, always pushed me, and who always appreciated the journey, not just the destination. I am looking forward to the day that I am with him when he finishes.
Of course no Adirondack Adventure is complete, especially this one, without stopping at Flanagans in Schroon Lake for a rewarding Bacon Cheddar Burger and Irish brew.
Not sure what that face is all about Cat? Fun times!
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