#46 Iroquois!-October 27th, 2012

Glenn, Deb, Marian, Dave, Sharon, Rich, Don, Ryan, Cathy, Krista

Atop Algonquin-full circle!

So after 210 hours and 25 days of hiking in the Adirondacks my time finally came! I summitted my 46th Adirondack peak!

In 2012 I strategically set out to hike my finally peaks, grouping them together geographically and matching certain hikes with certain seasons that increased the best chance of success. That said, every hike I set out to do this year I was successful at. The only hiccup was a planned hike for May turned into June as Glenn and I decided to sell our house, postponing a plan.

On the way up to Algonquin

My last 46er peak was scheduled for October 27th. I invited a large group of 20 to accompany me up the mountain, but only 9 were able to make it down. The majority of us stayed at the Roostercomb Inn for the weekend in Keene Valley. Arrving in the evening around 7:30 on Friday October 26th, we enjoyed the mild 21 degree temperatures around the outdoor firepit on the property. After a beer or three, we were off to bed   . Glenn and I rented the suite, which I had never stayed in before at the Inn-very luxurious! Tried to fall asleep but couldn't (anxiety and excitement prevailed!) and was awoke at 4am by a female pair of hikers staying at the Inn off on their quest for the day. So with around 4 hours of sleep we awoke and were off by 6:30am to the Heart Lake Trailhead.

Algonquin's summit marker group shot

Starting at daylight at 7:15am in mild 10 degree overcast weather, we signed in at the register and set off on a brisk pace up to the base of Algonquin. Have assembled a mixed group, I was impressed with everyone's punctuality and fitness thus far however the fast pace out of the gate unfortunately caused one group member to render breathing difficulties (asthma). Having no medication (ventolin) and the weather being extremely humid and hot, Cathy and Ryan decided to turn around and head up toward Avalanche pass to meet us coming down off Iroquois. This would still give them a decent day of hiking at a more gradual pace and more gradual elevation. Cathy was obviously disappointed but it was the right decision.

The group just below Iroquois' summit

Passing by the Wright trailhead junction, we climbed up the steep slabs of rock sweating profusely and made it to Algonquin's summit at 9:45am. It only took 2.5 hours! Wow! We were able to get some misty summit views in and spent about 15 minutes at the summit enjoying a cool breeze and taking in the views of Marcy. We left the summit and descended Alqonquin's rocky backside into some slick muddy spots over Boundary over to Iroquois' base. The group  had decided that I had to lead this part and I did, all the way up to the summit cairn. It was 10:45am, and there I was standing on the top of the Iroquois summit cairn, with many hugs and congratulatory hoots and hoorahs! Debbie presented me with a handmade card with an official ADK 46er badge in it, along with a balloon, noisemaker and ribbon! Many group and single photos later, I was beaming with a perma-smile! And the best part was that the forecast rain for the day hadn't begun and there was actually a summit view! The mountain gods were smiling on me today! Yippppeeeee!!

Iroquois Summit Shot-I AM A 46R!

We descended down a 100ft or so off the summit and out of the wind to eat some lunch and then kept descending down to the junction trail to Lake Colden. We passed a number of groups on the Iroquois trail and then trail down to Lake Colden and everyone seemed to be in a very positive happy mood and I received many congratulatory expressions. I kept blowing my noisemaker and everyone would hoot hooorah each time we crossed paths with another group. What a blast! Becoming a 46er is not only fun, but well respected amongst other 'Dack hikers!

Group Shot on Iroquois

At the junction to Lake Colden we met up with Cathy and Ryan! What hoot, they had hiked all the way up to meet us. We took a break and headed back over to the always scenic Avalanche pass. I have added the Trap Dyke to my list of adventures still to be had in the Adirondacks so I was scoping out the lines as we went by. We marched out over the pass down to Marcy Dam and gave the new bridge a whirl. Walked briskly passing other groups out to the parking lot and finished at 4:00pm.

Group Shot back at the parking lot

We returned to the Inn to find that the owner Steve had bought champagne and snacks for us to celebrate. The 11 of us headed to the Ausable Inn for dinner and returned to the Inn and partied until 11pm when we promptly slept. Up and out of the Inn around 8am, Deb, Glenn and I headed straight to the Mountaineer to get set up with AT ski gear.  The three of us are doing the Wapta traverse in March and are planning ski tours in the Adirondacks this winter. Moving onward to new and exciting adventures in the future. But for now, I'm enjoying the achievement of a long-term goal of becoming an Adirondack 46er! :) Yahoo!

Hike totals: 20.5km, 4596ft of ascending, 8 hours and 45 mins with a group of 10. WOW!