It had been a good while since I climbed this gem in the Central Adirondacks; as stated above, I've climbed it many times early in my hiking career.   I picked Snowy as a warm up hike for my final 3 peaks to complete the 46er quest this month. We were hoping for some views from the top, but the weather ceiling never did lift, we were in a misty cloud all day long. It was just enough to keep you a little cool, but also make the trail a little more treacherous. I was joined by two of mine, and a couple others that have never hiked an Adirondack Peak. Early in the hike, everyone is still dry and smiling   Alec appears to be contemplating the log bridge, I would recommend against it. The flora and fauna was abundant and colorful, and Cat could not resist taking some macro shots, she got some good ones as you'll see. At one of the many brook crossings, Ian cannot resist taking a selfie with his little sister. Those are some good looking kids if I do say so myself. So one of the attractions to the area near Snowy Mountain has been the potential to see a moose, Indian Lake is one of the areas where they were really starting to repopulate a few years back. I'm not certain, but I think the population is starting to decline. At any rate I'm always on the lookout for tracks and this area just looked like moose country to me. I searched for tracks but could not positively identify any here. Yup, still waterproof If you've ever been, you know the trail starts off gradual, it's very nice as it meanders along a couple of creeks. It eventual starts to get vertical however.   Taking a break for water and snacks and just a little goofing around on a very flat section of the trail. It wouldn't be too long past here that the trail would begin to get much steeper. Once the climbing started in earnest, it did not let up until we reached the summit. The misty weather only made the steepness and bare rock more challenging. Here's Cat scrambling up a couple of slick, steep sections Ian and I doing the same as it just continues to get steeper and more rugged. Hey, where's Cesar?   We made it to the top after much work only to be inside a cloud, it was eerie and pretty cool at the same time, but I wish there were some views. The top banner photo for this page was taken looking east at would normally be a nice view of Indian Lake. Headed over to the true summit and fire tower shortly after to relax and have some lunch.   Wet and probably a little tired, but still smiling! So we hung out and had PB&J Sandwiches (un-crustables of course), Beef Jerky, a small toast of an adult beverage and some Fig Newtons, which seemed to attract the attention of one very friendly (and maybe hungry) chipmunk. I decided to see just how trusting he was and with a little patience had him eating out of my hand, literally.   The hike down was interesting with the slick conditions on tired legs, I think I recorded one official fall but everyone made it safely. It was good to visit this mountain again, I really enjoyed the journey and the company. More of Cat's awesome flora and fauna pics. Here's a few pics from the archives

A young mountain goat with his sister and a friend This little guy followed us up the final ascent. I can't believe how many of those little goldfish crackers he fit in his mouth! Brendan, myself, B, and Jon taking a break on the way up quite a few years ago. I think B is ready to go!

A few more from back in 2001 when we did it in the winter, man we were in-experienced back then.

This tree was watching over the mountain that day like a winter spirit.    Just about to start our final ascent, the drift I am standing in is over 6 feet deep.