adirondacks

the excitement is building.

October 10, 2013 by zeelemons

To say that I’m starting to get anxious about what’s to come over the next week, would be an understatement. I always look forward to returning to the mountains but with being this close to reaching my goal, the excitement is building.

Physically Paula and I will be hiking 45-50 miles this weekend. We are leaving Saturday afternoon and won’t be back until late Tuesday night. We are hiking the three mountains we had originally set out to do PLUS the two that we missed last weekend because of the rain. This will be the most consecutive days that I’ve hiked and although I know my legs will grow tired with each day passing and my feet will ache after each mile, I’ll continue to move forward. Sometimes when my head convinces my body that it’s exhausted, I start to slow a little. But then I realize that exhausted doesn’t mean finished and that I’ve got to give it all I’ve got until I see camp or the car. I don’t know if Paula appreciates these sudden bursts of energy but I know that we are both physically capable of reaching the five peaks that are calling our names. And loudly at that.

Emotionally I’m going to be “crossing the finish line.” Although there is no time limit for completing the Adirondack 46, this is a goal I’ll be finishing after working on for over a good year now. I’ve reached summits in the past with tears welling up in my eyes, I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like knowing that this bucket list item will be complete. My emotions have changed a lot over this past year toward the mountains- only for the better. There were days that I was on top of the world, doubting myself, and also feeling guilty for taking so much time to dedicate toward myself (and not spending the weekends with the beau or family). But that time spent in the woods only made me a better person for my return.

I know that the date is still up in the air because of the weather, but I am a little sad knowing that the beau most likely won’t be there in the parking lot to see my return. I’m sad that he or any of my family members won’t be able to see my face on the summit and help me celebrate. It’s not like a marathon where family members can cheer you on during that last .2 miles of the race. Emotionally I have to be proud of myself and not rely on others to tell me how proud they are of me. Buuuuut they better be ready for high-fives all around when I see them next.

Mentally I’m telling myself that this weekend and following trip is going to be amazing. That my body is strong and any doubt that may arise is due to fear. I’ve been afraid many times in the Adirondacks (not a big fan of heights) but remind myself that I should do one thing a day that scares me. Oh, and do it safely.

That’s me in a nutshell these past couple of days! I’ve got a long night of laundry and list making tonight, and a longer night of shopping for last minute food items and packing tomorrow night after work. My feelings are mixed, almost like I’m preparing for a marathon but also in the middle of the race with a few miles to go. Does that make sense? I hope so!

Are any of you preparing for a big race? Or maybe crossing off a Bucket List item like I am?

hiking the Seward Range.

October 7, 2013 by zeelemons

Last Saturday afternoon (now two Saturdays ago) Paula and I headed north to hike the Seward Range in the Adirondacks. As I was packing, I realized that I really needed a new bladder for my pack, so we made a little pit stop in Lake Placid. The Ragnar race was wrapping up and the streets were packed! Luckily, we found a parking spot right across the street from EMS and were in and out within twenty minutes. I really hit the jackpot with the special that they were running last week! If you spent $100, you got $25 off. So I picked out a new bladder for $35, a new pair of gaitors for $65 and an ADK Nalgene water bottle for Paula at $10. Once they subtracted the promotional $25, the $7 of EMS reward dollars I had saved, AND my 15% off, I paid $60 total = SCORE! I filled up the bladder in the bathroom sink and back on the road we went.

We got to the trailhead at 6:30pm, signed in and headed down the horse trail. Our packs were heavy but our pace was consistent; the sun now sets around 7ish and it was darker in the woods. We didn’t know where we were going to be setting up camp but had a general idea of where we wanted to be; centrally located. Just after 7, we took a right onto the intersecting marked trails and within a couple hundred feet, I spotted a tiny cairn on my left. There were no markers, but I decided to walk down the path because even with the disappearing light, I could tell that there was a little clearing. It was a campsite! Posts for horses, a fire circle, and a stream about 100 feet away! We set up in the dark, made a little fire, enjoyed dinner and after admiring the sky full of ~~glitter~~ stars, were both snuggled into our tents before 8:30pm.

After breakfast and re-organizing our packs, we were on the trail around 7:45am. We came to the intersection with the cairn marking our turnoff and started our climb for the day. The trails were very easy to follow, muddy, but easy. It was a constant up and soon after we ran into a gentleman who not only is a 46er, but also a correspondent to aspiring 46er hikers. He sped past us but we eventually caught back up to him at the cairn just below Donaldson. He told us about their clean up efforts over the past 15 years on unmarked trails and their attempts to blaze new paths. Paula and I both commented later how great it was to meet him, but felt horrible for not catching his name; hopefully he’ll be at the dinner this upcoming spring.

Up Donaldson Mountain we went, and within ten minutes were at the summit disc. Number 37 for me!

We continued on to Mount Emmons and after an hour from leaving the peak of Donaldson, we reached the summit. Number 38 for me!

Time from leaving camp: 4.5 hours. We sat down in the sun to enjoy our lunches of sandwiches and fresh fruit and headed back over Donaldson to the cairn intersection where we had stopped to chat earlier in the morning. The man had suggested that after reaching Seward Mountain, that we return down this same path because it was less steep and far less muddy. Once we started down and then back up toward Seward, we ran into a couple of people who had confirmed this information. It was a steep up with plenty of rocks to climb over, but the views were amazing. We reached the summit of Seward Mountain at 2:45, seven hours after leaving camp. Number 39 for me!

After high-fiving and taking our few photographs, back down the mountain AND back up the adjacent mountain we went. Our pace was steady and being familiar with the trail was useful; within a mile of our camp I began picking up firewood to haul back. At 6:30 we were back at our site with firewood and plenty of daylight to clean up. We both washed up in the stream, stocked up on water to purify, and I built a nice little fire. The coals were hot and kept me warm throughout dinner until about 8:30 when I decided to snuggle in.

Once again we were on the trail around 7:30 Monday morning and decided to not take the horse trail toward Ward Brook. The marked trailed was only about four miles long and fairly easy; only a few sections of wet mud that took us a minute to avoid. We stopped at the Ward Brook Lean-to around 9:30 for a quick bathroom break; the outhouse was the cleanest we’ve seen! After a few moments back on the trail, the cairn marking our turn was on right.

Now the trail up Seymour Mountain is unmarked and just over a mile long; the longest mile of my life. I don’t want to exaggerate, but this was probably the most difficult hike for me to date. Being afraid of heights, the slides were daunting and I clung for my life onto surrounding roots, trees and fallen debris from the hurricane. The slides were wet, muddy and not my cup of tea (steep!). It took us just over two hours to reach the summit, where we were greeted by a group of three guys from North Carolina and Virginia. They were finishing up their 46 peaks this week (it had only taken them 4 trips into the mountains) and the youngest had completed the AT a few years back. Super jealous of his vacation time! Number 40 for me!

We both sat up on the ledge, soaking in the views while enjoying a snack before our draining hike back down the mountain. We took our time and made it back to the Ward Brook two hours later to take a bathroom break and eat our late lunch. The sky was blue and the leaves were all shades of autumn. It really was the perfect day for hiking in the Adirondacks! We didn’t stay too long because we still had four miles to walk back to camp. Once back, we quickly packed up and rearranged our bags for the last mile walk out. Just as we were approaching the trailhead, we met up with a guided group that attempted the three mountains that we had hiked the previous day; they didn’t make it to Seward.

I’m pretty sure Paula and I were both proud of ourselves for the weekend we had just shared, and were both grateful of the weather. Here’s hoping that we have the same luck over the next three weeks; 6 more peaks to go!

veggies, a long run and a hike!

September 10, 2013 by zeelemons

I’m realizing that I never posted my veggies photograph from Field Goods last week- oops! The last two weeks the beau’s parents were on vacation and I got to pick up their weekly share of vegetables at the Farmer’s Market, so we’ve had veggies galore!

While the beau was away, I was very good about cooking every meal fresh and it really paid off over the weekend. Let me fill you in. If you remember from this post, I announced that I was going to run a half marathon with my little sister. Well, to be completely honest, I’ve been slacking over the past month. I’ve been so focused on my hiking each weekend, that I really haven’t been committing myself to the long runs. A big no-no for any distance race.

Two weeks ago I was scheduled to run 11 miles. (The furthest I ran prior to this was 9 miles three weeks ago) I got up early around 4am Saturday to fuel and was out the door promptly at five. And that’s when the wall of humidity hit me. I am not a summer runner and get discouraged by the humidity but told myself to suck it up. By mile two, I stopped to walk and started crying; right there on the side of the road. I knew this race wouldn’t be possible if I couldn’t run the eleven so I convinced myself to start running; only to stop one mile later. I walked the three miles home in the rain. I called my sister to tell her that I was out and that I would jump in and run a few miles with her to keep her company and finish strong.

I also told my sister that I’d try another long run this past Saturday just to confirm that I didn’t have it in me. I woke up late, ate only a peach and fewer Energy Bits than normal, and hit the streets. And then this happened:

I have no clue where it came from! The weather was absolutely gorgeous; cool with zero humidity. I nailed refueling after mile six and I remained positive, especially during the last two miles when my legs began to tighten. That overall pace is faster than some of my three milers throughout the week. I was shocked and called my sister as soon as I got home- I’m running the race with her! (As long as it’s not humid- ha!) I think eating well the week leading up to this run really made a difference, so I’m making an effort to eat super good this week (the race is on Sunday).

As if the run wasn’t enough, Sunday I went hiking! A coworker and I drove up at 4am to get an early start up Street & Nye. As we got off the exit for Keene, it was pouring and I was worried it would be a wet, miserable day. But as we left the Loj, the clouds opened up and blue skies surrounded us all day. It was cool. It was a little breezy. The trail has a lot of blow-down but easy to follow. And despite not having views, this was a great hike. I found it to be a nice little “break” from what Paula and I have been hiking recently.

I officially have TEN more peaks to go! So close to becoming a 46er; anyone out there thinking about joining me for Sawteeth and 12 miles of reflecting on the past year?

hiking Rocky Peak Ridge.

August 27, 2013 by zeelemons

Sunday Paula and I hit the road at 4am to hike to Rocky Peak Ridge (RPR). Did you know that this peak is the Eastern most peak out of the 46? Hikers also start at the lowest point- 600 or so feet above sea level; meaning one has about 4000 feet in elevation gain. RPR is the 20th highest at 4420 feet and was my 31st peak to date!

We saw: a porcupine, a deer (and did you know they squat to pee?! I guess I’ve never seen a deer pee before) and a toad the size of a boulder. Okay, not a boulder but a big rock- one that I was going to put my foot on for the next step… and when it hopped away, it nearly made me fall! I was terrified and yelled profanities.
We hiked over: Blueberry Cobbles and Bald Peak to get to RPR, and then turned around to get back to the car. We didn’t hike on to Giant because we banked this peak last year. It was worth it because there were views almost the entire trip!
I did my good deed for the day: I found a utility knife that I suspected belonged to a group of kids we saw hiking out. I was planning on calling them (from the register book) but we caught up to them within the last two miles of the trip. The kids seemed super thankful.
I consumed: 20 EnergyBits, 2 peaches, one MOJO bar, one hummus and sriracha sandwich on Ezekiel toast, a cranberry delight bar, fresh blueberries off of the trail! and 2 liters of water throughout the hike. I ate 12 homemade zucchini fritters/pakoras and swiss chard chips once I got home. Oh, and two mason jars of water.
We discussed our final trip into the mountains (for the 46er title): it’s exciting to plan ahead for celebration! My goal is to complete my final 15 before November 1st, not because there’s a deadline but because this goal is weighing me down- the anticipation that is. I’m officially saving Sawteeth as my 46th peak- not only would it be a single peak day, but it’s the shortest trip left at 12 miles. Distance isn’t the problem for me: I’d like to celebrate with friends and family on the peak! I understand that many of those closest to me aren’t going to be able to physically come along, but I’d like to bring as many up as possible. I’m going to start reaching out to those of you who I’ve either hiked with before in the past, who I know hikes and has shared stories but not the trail, and those of you who I KNOW are physically capable of reaching the top and sharing the amazing views. If you want to possibly join us, meet us up at the top or want to celebrate once we make it back to the car, let me know. I’ll be posting more as it gets closer. The date will be determined by the weather.

Although there were continuous ups and downs, it was probably one of my favorites because of the views. Also because of the blueberry bushes that lined the trail; I could easily scoop them up and snack! The weather was perfect and reminded me of the cooler weather to come- my most favorite time of the year. It was a great 13 mile trip and I’m looking forward to the next two months!

my first solo hike.

August 4, 2013 by zeelemons

I’ve been wanting to hit the trails solo for about a month or two but to be completely honest, I had a fear of something happening to me while out there. But with the gorgeous weather last week and an urgency to take one last vacation day (I can’t take time off in August) I just had to make it happen. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro, but I felt confident enough that the 25 previous hikes/peaks gave me enough experience to give it a go.

The next step of planning which peak(s) to climb had me going back and forth between two options: hike a 15-20 mile day and bank one or possibly two peaks, or hike a thirteen mile day and bank four? Of course the second option seemed more appealing however I must add, that those four peaks were going to be on unmarked trails = added chance of becoming lost in the woods. The beau thought I was out of my mind for even considering it.

So, I spent a lot of time researching the unmarked trails and came to the conclusion that I could do it! Hey, I thought if the new National Geographic ADK map shows these unmarked trails, they must be there and easy enough to follow. My back up plan would be to follow the marked trails all the way out to Dix Mountain and I’d at least get one peak and those 15-20 miles.

The night before I wrote out an itinerary for the beau, packed my bag, and prepared all of my meals for the hike. I brought more than I typically do, but wanted to play it safe by bringing extra food and a warmer shirt, hat and extra pair of socks regardless of the weather report. I laid everything out so that it would be a simple morning and I wouldn’t wake the beau shuffling around; I was on the road by 3:30am Tuesday.

You can access the Dix Mountain Range from Elk Lake Road by taking exit 29 off the Northway (87). It’s an easy trip and I loved seeing signs of the rising sun as I made my way to the trailhead parking. I was shocked to seeing the 8 or 9 cars in the lot, and after checking in, I realized that they had all been there from the previous day; most of the people/groups were making a two or three-day trip out of what I was about to complete in one day. I was walking into the woods at 5:42am.

I knew from reading that I was looking for a cairn after 2 miles that would signal me to take a right up toward Macomb Mountain. This was a hike that Paula and I had attempted this past spring but with the snow, completely missed our turnoff. On this brisk summer morning, it was easy to spot.

I was shocked by how easy it was to follow the herd paths and was making great time. Within an hour I could see where I was headed and the rocky slide that I’d have to scramble up. Let me note: when hiking alone, every little sound is loud. And when a deer JUMPS across your path just ten feet in front of you, it scares the crap out of you! Your senses are definitely heightened when you have no one to talk to or listen to. This was right about the time when I took a wrong turn; but I didn’t know it until I had hiked for fifteen minutes or so in the wrong direction. I was following hikers previous to me, but still, my intuition told me it wasn’t right; by then I should have already been climbing the slide. So, I turned around and retraced my footsteps and easily found where I had gone wrong. Up the slide I went!

The slide takes you up and back into the trees (and gives you great views of Elk Lake!) and you have another half hour or so until you reach the summit. This side of the mountain was still dark because the sun was rising on the other side and I must say, it kept me cool while doing all that climbing. I summited at 8:18am and the views were already breathtaking.

I stayed only a few moments to take a couple of photographs and turn on my phone to try to ease the beau’s mind that I was doing it… this was when a flood of messages came through from the night before… one of my good friends was engaged! A view and good news?! I couldn’t take it; I then continued on to South Dix. Again, the trail was easy to follow and because it’s about 400 feet lower than Macomb, the down had me gaining distance quickly. I reached this tree covered summit at 9am and stopped briefly to have a snack of fresh mango slices and a handful of cashews.

My spirits were high at this point because I was already half-way done with my planned day very early on. I had put in my itinerary that I *may* attempt to complete the entire range if I felt great and it had crossed my mind, but I didn’t want to commit to anything until I reached the fourth peak. I set off to reach East Dix, which was only a mile from the summit of South. I summited at 9:47am.

The views!!! I could now get a clear look at the entire East side of this mountain range and I was smiling ear to ear. At this point in the hike I really wished that I had someone to share these views with; the skies were blue, the temperatures were low and the bugs were nonexistent. I hiked back to South Dix and was on my way to Hough Peak.

Now this leg of the trip was difficult for me mentally. This was a much higher climb than the previous two and was technically my fifth up for the day. I was also approaching my sixth hour on the trail and I was starting to get hungry for lunch. At one point I kept telling myself, okay, another half mile and if the peak isn’t there, I’ll stop and eat. It was steep and I had to stop and catch my breath a couple of times but I had pushed myself up and reached Hough Peak, my fourth summit of the day at 11:18am. You better believe that I plopped myself down and enjoyed the views (and a sandwich).

Probably five minutes after arriving, a group of three came up and joined me; they were the first people I had seen or heard all day. It was a gal my age and her parents who had come up the Lillian Brook trail to hike Hough, her 36th peak, and were then planning on hiking over Dix out to Route 73. They seemed super impressed by my time and distance so far, and encouraged me big time to hike over to Dix to finish the range. They even offered to let me join them if I was looking for company. I kindly declined but insured them that they’d probably see me again on the connecting trail to Dix because I was growing tired and slowing.

That 10-15 minute break was just what my body needed to recharge; the climb to Dix was steep but I powered thru! All until I came to this MASSIVE boulder and realized that the only way up to the summit was over. I stood there. Almost began to cry and then decided that I should give it a try before crying. So there I stood, in the middle of this boulder, about five feet up off the ground, with my foot stuck in a crack and not being able to move. This was a good enough spot to cry but instead, I stood there for a good three minutes, trying to calm myself down and think of a new plan. I secretly hoped that those people behind me would show up and offer a hand, but I was too far ahead to hear any chatter. I was on my own.

I don’t know how I did it, but I dislodged my foot and shimmied my way up the boulder. It still blows my mind that my hands gripped that rock that hard, which explains why the day later I didn’t have a single fingerprint left. The marked trail came up from my left and within a few hundred feet, I was on the summit of Dix Mountain! It was 12:52pm and I joined at least ten other people who were taking a much needed break. There was a group of boys from a camp that were out for a three day trip and I shared some of my most recent stories with them. There was a family of three that were about to head down the marked trail and suggested that I take the shorter route for the most direct route out of the mountains.

Little did I know, that this trail was steep! The two miles coming down off of Dix was slow and very calculated because I didn’t want my jello legs to give out and cause me to get hurt. Once I reached the connecting trail that would take me back to my car, I had about four miles of the toughest part of the day: convincing yourself not to stop. By this time, my legs were achy and tired and the patches of fluffy grass that appeared every so often looked like the perfect spot for a nap. But I kept going, slowly but surely, and reached my car at 4:30pm just ahead of the family of three that I had met a few hours earlier.

I was more proud than exhausted and couldn’t wait to get home to tell the beau what I had done and seen. The views on top of Dix Mountain were by far the best I have seen to date in the Adirondacks; a 360 view of New York and Vermont. And if you’re keeping count, I’m officially at 30 High Peaks (out of 46)!