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Algonquin Peak, July 2004

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 Back to Top