SAWTEETH
August 30, 2009
Once again, the dreaded walk up Lakes Road at the Ausable Club. We can view Sawteeth from the lake and see its’ jagged and sharp notches. This could be a tough climb since I am feeling a bit nauseous, maybe a head cold coming on.
We choose to follow the Gothics trail up to the col between Pyramid and Sawteeth and ascend from there. We view the slides of Pyramid on the way up and summit after just a 2.2 mile hike from the trailhead. Overall, an uneventful climb. We will descend via the scenic route which is much longer. There are many lookouts and landings along the way which are totally spectacular. There are breathtaking views of Lower Ausable Lake. There are some very steep ladders to climb down which require some deep breaths and focus – just a little scary. It is probably the toughest descent we have down. We hike along Lower Ausable Lake which normally would be quite lovely, but we are pooped, and we still need to walk out on Lakes Road.
This is probably the most scenic hike so far on the descent…just one view after another.
GOTHICS
August 1, 1009
11.5 mile loop
About 9 hours
Hiking the Adirondack Great Range is just a spectacular treat. And, well worth the walk in through the historic Ausable Club. The Ausable Club is a private club and home to 600 acres of The Adirondack Mountain Reserve. This land provides public access to many of the high peak trails. Unfortunately, the parking lot for hikers is a “schlep” just to reach the club. And, then we need to walk on private road just to get to the trailhead.
The trailhead for Gothics is at the end of Lakes Road and about a 3 mile walk to reach the lake. Lower Ausable Lake is beautiful and is home to the boathouse for the club. It houses classic guide boats and nice old wooden canoes. It is our first photo op and we take a picture of the Indian Head cliff.
We start off on the trailhead and take a detour to rainbow falls. This is so hard to capture on film, describe in print, or talk about. The fact that it is a hidden paradise, only available to those who choose to go off the beaten path, makes is a special place. It is truly awesome, exhilarating, and rewarding. You just want the special people in your life to share it with you.
But, it is just he beginning of a rough and steep climb. After a mile, we reach the saddle between Sawteeth and Pyramid. The hike is really steep with almost vertical slabs and quite challenging for my short legs. We summit after the very steep climb and are amazed by the views. Lunch provides us a welcome rest and a nice chat with other hikers. We can see the summit of The Gothics which is just another 500 yards. We first need to descend the col and make the steep climb up the wall of The Gothics. This peak gives us a panoramic view of 30 other high peaks. Everything about this hike is just awesome – the challenging terrain, the views of The Gothics on the way up, and the return down via Armstrong is yet to come.
After some rest and photo opportunities, we are ready to descend. We traverse across the shoulder of Armstrong, negotiate 3 ladders which are a bit intimidating since you need to go down them backwards. The descent is steep and seems long. We come upon another very long steep ladder and once again are intimidated. We cross over a few streams and finally reach the West River Trail. We can hike out to Lake Road or continue along the river. We discuss the option and Mike wins – I whine. We hike along the river and although it is interesting, I would be more than happy to just walk on the road and feel like I am done.
We are tired, my knees ache, and it is a long day. But, once again, a good feeling and The Gothics gets my vote for the best of the high peaks so far. The car is a welcome site and we drive to Stewarts in Keene Valley to meet the family.
Algonquin & Iroquois
July 27, 2009
Off we go to hike the second highest peak in the Adirondacks. And, I am feeling good today. The trailhead for Algonquin is out of The Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake – outside of Lake Placid. It is just 4 miles to the summit, but we have an option to climb Wright Peak and Iroquois “along the way”. We choose to summit Algonquin first, and then head over to Iroquois if our bodies and minds are willing. Our plan is to hike over to Wright Peak on the way down.
We are off to a brisk “walk” with a generally easy grade for about a mile. This proves to be another tough climb, scrabbling up and over boulders on a steep path up. We get a break as we pass by a cascading waterfall, but the trail is steep again, but then levels out for a bit. As usual, Mike is moving along quickly. But, then he tends to slow down, and we think out loud – “why”? Well, we know why, but we are fatigued and need to take a break. We run into the Summit Stewards at the junction for Wright Peak, and will meet one of them on the Algonquin summit.
The trail climbs steeply, but we have some steep smooth rocks and it does start to level out. We are approaching the timberline, and the climb is lined with cairns and the yellow paint signs. This is an alpine summit with fragile growth, and the summit stewards have gone to some trouble to keep hikers from harming this arctic environment.
I am motivated by the summit in site and the view that was promised in guide books. I forge ahead and wait for Mike on the top. Well, here we are, and it is cold and windy. It is really cold and really windy. All my hopes for what is billed as one of the most spectacular summits are a big disappointment. I know it is expansive and encompasses most of the high peak, especially Colden. I can not enjoy the views, or relax. And, we need to find a spot with some shelter to eat, and take some photos. We talk to the summit steward, and she tells us it has been like this all summer. Oh well. Additionally, it is an Alpine summit and is currently under restoration to repair the damage done by hikers. The vegetation and alpine plants and flowers are being restored, and the Stewards are there to maintain it and protect the fragile environment.
We see the peak of Iroquois and it looks so close. We know it is a mile over, and we decide we have to do it since at this point I can not imagine hiking Algonquin again. Off we go, over Boulder Peak, hiking on herd path thru mud and scrubby growth. It is just exhilarating to think that you hiked the second highest peak, and are going forward to hike another one. Mission accomplished.
So, now we have to hike back over to Algonquin and down. We see the intersection for Wright Peak, and just can not do it. We are drained and know our limits. Hiking down over the steep boulders is taxing, but we are OK.
In conclusion, this was not my favorite climb. It was not quite as spectacular as some of our previous hikes. I know I missed out on the reward at the summit because of the weather. Hey, it is late July, and I just did not expect the chill on the top of the mountain.
Hey, we bagged 2 high peaks in one day…awesome!
Lower Wolfjaw
July 6, 2009
Today we hiked Lower Wolfjaw, our fifth high peak. As this was our first hike of the season, we agonized over which peak was appropriate. In addition to some anxiety over what shape we were in, we also had some time restraints. Well, this is the Adirondack High Peaks, and they are all very challenging. So, as we perused our various books and guides, we settled on Lower Wolfjaw. And judging by the way we ended the day, this was a good decision.
Lower Wolfjaw can be hiked from many different routes. We choose to hike from The Ausable Club in St. Huberts, a 7000 acre mountain reserve owned by 360 members. Many of the high peaks were once their property. Well, it was fun to see the historic club and all those folks who choose to golf rather than hike. The Ausable Club was built in 1890 and was home to those of some wealth. However, the parking for those of us who choose our adventures in hiking, we were relegated to a far off parking lot. Let’s just say the 2 mile walk to the trailhead was frustrating.
We choose to summit via the Wedge Brook Trail. And what a treat this was. Once we got into the woods and on the trail, we enjoyed the sounds of the roaring brook and the lush woodlands. As we started the climb, we were in awe of the cascading waterfalls, so spectacular, and worth many photo opportunities.
We proceed along the trail and it gets steep, real steep. And it is steep for 2 miles. Mike is charging ahead, and I am hanging back. He stops for some water and I catch up. Mike tells me that “You are not 20 anymore Grandma, and you can’t hike after a night of cocktails and fine dining”. He is right of course, but I am convinced my extra 10 pounds this season needs to be reduced. So, a wake up call it is. We can see the summit and it is intimidating.
After the exhausting very steep climb, we summit Lower Wolfjaw.
The weather is clear and we sit, lunch, and view Marcy, Algonquin, and numerous other High Peaks. It is always such an awesome feeling to be on the summit. It just feels good. We are looking forward to the descent and some relief for our lungs and quads. Our return route is via the W.A. White trail which is a bit longer but more gradual. It is challenging at the top to slide down some huge slabs of vertical rock while holding on to roots along the sides. After a few close calls, we are on our way. It does seem to take longer than we thought, and there is some confusion along the way as many trails intersect. We need to consult our new ADK topographical map to double check our route. Proceeding down the trail, Mike seems to be having some trouble with his knees. Now it is his turn to reflect on his personal situation. We reach the bottom, and the consensus is that he has too much weight on his knees, and he is exhausted. Yet, another wakeup call.
Along the way, there was a sign for Upper Wolfjaw – 2.9 miles. Mike expressed some interest in knocking off this peak while we were in the neighborhood. I vetoed it, and that was a good thing. We limped to the parking lot, called our spouses to report, and headed home. It was a great start to the season, and we are looking forward to the next challenge.
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