After a bit of research, I’ve narrowed down the first two peaks of my 46er journey. Because the first few mountains will be winter ascents, I’ve chosen a relatively moderate challenge for the first of my Winter High Peaks hikes. First on the list is a combination hike to the summits of Algonquin Peak and Wright Peak, originating at the Adirondak Loj. This is a 9 mile, out & back, day hike with 4,064’ of elevation gain. Although Alltrails.com rates this combination hike as “difficult”, I’m assuming that’s a summer rating. I’m really curious to see if the going is any easier in the winter time. A well packed trail through the snow might be more easily traveled than the same trail in the summertime. I could be right. I could be dead wrong. We’ll see!
D-Day will be Saturday February 1st. The current plan is to drive up to Lake Placid on Friday night; a mere six hour drive from the Philly. Saturday morning we’ll be in the woods by 5:00am. (That’s right. Adria’s comin’ with!) Now, Assuming that worst case, we’ll average a pace of 1 mph, this would put us on top of both summits and back to the Jeep by 2:00pm, leaving a couple hours of buffer time for breaks and draggin’ @ss, before sunset. …I forsee us coming out after dark. We’re equipped with snowshoes and microspikes. We’ll be carrying small packs, but not full trekking packs. You never know what could happen on the mountain so we're bringing the essential emergency items: space blanket, headlamps, down winter bag, small tent, stove, fire starting kit, extra food, extra layers, etc.
The plan is made, the GoPros are charged, and mountains are calling. Stay tuned!