Summiting the Adirondacks: Conquering the 46 High Peaks

Cascade and Porter

Standing at the base of Cascade and Porter mountains on a crisp February day in 2019, one question often resurfaced: "Why do we wait so long to come back up here?" Six years had passed since our last summit of Giant Mountain, and 18 years since conquering Mt. Marcy. However, a sense of change was upon us as our schedules underwent a drastic transformation, promising more frequent trips to these mountains.

Life had consistently kept us busy, marked by The Gravity Vault's growth to nine locations since 2005. After this 14-year journey as owners, we chose to embark on a new chapter in our lives, selling the entire business in October 2018 and returning to our roots.

Over time, my lifestyle experienced a remarkable shift as well. I transitioned from indulging in leftover pizza and birthday cake to making a deliberate choice to eliminate gluten and sugar from my diet. The power of a few adjustments in one's diet to boost well-being is truly astounding. The saying "you are what you eat" became evident. P90X became a daily part of my routine, and I developed a strong passion for running, participating in multiple 5Ks and half marathons. My yoga practice thrived, and I gained a deep understanding of what it means to train for a specific goal.

The one thing that didn't click just yet was my boots. After watching the movie "Wild" about the Pacific Crest Trail and also reading the book, I stumbled upon a pair of boots reminiscent of the ones featured. Brown boots with red laces. They turned out to be my choice for this hike, giving me a sense of adventure just by wearing them. They were slightly better, broken in, but not the best. I knew I'd eventually invest in a quality boot but not this go around.

Our journey starts upon exiting at Exit 30, following Route 9 until we reach the intersection with Route 73. This scenic drive through the high peaks region is one of my favorites. As we pass Chapel Pond, we eagerly search for climbers on the rock or ice, and catching a glimpse of the Olympic ski jump remains a highlight.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast at the Noonmark diner, we met a solo hiker, and teamed up to conquer both peaks. I couldn't help but notice the change in my abilities when the elevation gain kicked in, which was truly encouraging.

We began by summiting Porter, a modest peak with not much of a view, but it was the trees at the top that make winter hiking so unique. One of the reasons why I enjoy hiking this time of year is that the branches are blanketed in a thick layer of snow, creating a bright white picturesque scene. Another reason I love winter hiking is how the sound of crunching snow connects me to Mother Earth and enhances the hike's enjoyment. As we hiked back to the trail intersection, we shared some snacks, and I savored a handful of grapes; they were cold and delicious, a delicacy I hadn't enjoyed in a while due to our dietary choices. It was a treat!

As we approached the summit of Cascade, the weather took a turn. The once-shining sun concealed by clouds and frigid winds. I tried to take a picture, removing my gloves momentarily, and my fingers went numb from the cold. It had beautiful views that I wish we could have spent more time on the summit, but we couldn't linger any longer and had to make a quick retreat. This was the easiest of all the 4000 ft Adirondack peaks to ascend.

Two more peaks added to our tally, bringing us to 4 out of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. I'd earned two more hiking patches to add to my collection, a growing symbol of my enduring love for these mountains. The Mountaineer store in Keene Valley held the promise of all 46 patches, each representing a unique journey to the top, and I was determined to collect them all, with a creative project in mind. Our return to the Adirondacks was already on the horizon, and the mountains awaited our next encounter.