Moose Mountain: Search for Solitude

In the Adirondacks, fall is a special time. The bugs have disappeared, it’s comfortable outside, and the trees in the valleys turn a brilliant mix of yellows, oranges, and reds. It’s a great time to hike and sightsee, and crowds make their way to Lake Placid and the surrounding areas to witness the most beautiful time in the Park. Nearby hikes and High Peak summits become congested, which, for a reclusive slide climber is less than enjoyable.

The ideal plan for the weekend was to climb a low elevation mountain that also had a slide. This way, we could avoid crowds as well as have exceptional views during peak foliage.

Continue reading

Adventure on the Autobahn

If you spend time in the Adirondacks, then you know the weather can be unforgiving at times. On occasion, Mother Nature can be so cruel that she’ll alter the landscape. When strong storms blow into the high peaks and drop multiple inches of rain in a short period of time, strips of land can be washed away off the mountains, leaving a “scar” of exposed anorthosite. These rockslides are a fun friction climb in the summer and an even better ski in the winter if conditions cooperate.

Bradley Pond Trailhead sign

One of the more recent slides formed in the Adirondacks is known as the “Autobahn Slide” created after an intense rainfall in October of 2019.

Continue reading

Life is Short but Days are Long

“We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time” my father would joke, in the days before he passed, just a few years ago.  He was known for having a good time. After his passing I decided to up my game. I committed myself to getting out on at least one big trip a year, on the longest days of the year, to test myself.

avalanche pass hiker

A celebration of life and light with some type 2 fun mixed in. In 2019, I convinced two close friends, Freebird and Grapestomper, to traverse the 20+ mile Adirondack High Peaks Great Range Trail on the summer solstice.  Known as one of the hardest day hikes in America, it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Continue reading