Today (Friday, August 6) marks the anniversary of the first ascent of New York’s highest mountain, Mt. Marcy. The first documented ascent took place in 1837.
My first (and so far only) ascent of Mt. Marcy was July 22, 1978. My wife and I, college students at the time, were leading a group of high school students on a weeklong backpacking trip through the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. For a warm up, we had already, earlier in the trip, climbed Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw. When we left our campsite the morning of the climb, the weather was comfortably warm. I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Once on the summit of Marcy we were in a cool fog and I was wearing a nylon wind parka to keep warm. After climbing down the other side we were once enjoying warm and sunny weather.
I moved to New York State three years ago, and in the past three years I have been surprised that many native New Yorkers do not know where Mt. Marcy is located, and do not know that Mt. Marcy is the highest mountain in the Empire State.
For the record, Mt. Marcy rises 5344 feet above sea level and is located in the High Peaks Region of New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
SUMMIT TO SHORE: Theologically and philosophically informed eclectic ruminations on everything between summit to shore, especially cycling, hiking and backpacking, kayaking, religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology, politics, culture, travel, poetry, and creative writing by John Edward Harris, a progressive Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
Showing posts with label Mt. Marcy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mt. Marcy. Show all posts
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Trails I Want to Hike and Summits I Want to Climb (Some Again)
It has been awhile since I have enjoyed a good hike and so I have been thinking about where my next hike ought to be. I think I will start small by driving up to the Gunks and hiking a couple short routes in Mohonk Preserve, a moderate 3 mile round trip up to rocky Bonticou Crag and its excellent views, and a moderate 7.5 mile round trip up to High Peters Kill .
For my next day hike I would like to take the train north of the City and hike Breakneck Ridge, another trip promising rocky outcrops and fantastic views.
For my third trip I am hoping to drive up to the Dacks (Adirondacks) for a two day round trip starting at Keene Valley that will take me up over Mt. Marcy (I first hiked up Mt. Marcy in 1978) the first day and return over Mts. Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong and Upper Wolf Jaw (also hiked up Upper Wolf Jaw in 1978). I estimate the total distance to be around twenty miles.
For my next day hike I would like to take the train north of the City and hike Breakneck Ridge, another trip promising rocky outcrops and fantastic views.
For my third trip I am hoping to drive up to the Dacks (Adirondacks) for a two day round trip starting at Keene Valley that will take me up over Mt. Marcy (I first hiked up Mt. Marcy in 1978) the first day and return over Mts. Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong and Upper Wolf Jaw (also hiked up Upper Wolf Jaw in 1978). I estimate the total distance to be around twenty miles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)