|
Today we gathered to celebrate with Nancy her completion of the 46W
quest. Our group consisted of 9 individuals brought together to share in
Nancy's eventual success. We stayed at Rivermede in Keene Valley for two
nights for great relaxation and conversation. Everyone arrived at the
Loj main parking this cold morning and departed down the trail at 7:30.
Although we were approaching the end of winter, it was a cool day
hovering around 15°. Our group split into two main sections as we headed
down toward Marcy Dam.
|
Arriving into Marcy Dam. |
 |
We regrouped and departed up the trail toward Mount Marcy. Jay led
the way and I tried to stay close behind. Near the Phelps cutoff, we
stopped and took in some food and liquids. The trail up to this point
was well conditioned and we were bare booting. Most of the group formed
up again at this point.
|
 |
Most brooks and streams were
now starting to open due the warm temperatures earlier in the
week.. |
When Nancy arrived she exclaimed that she was doing this solo! The
group was now in two distinct groups with Nancy in the middle. Bonnie,
Terri and Dawn took off first from the junction. Jay and myself caught
up this group about 5 minutes later. We kept going without stopping
until we reached the final 500 foot ascent where we had to stop and put
crampons on. The summit cone was covered with hard ice and without
crampons, it would have been almost impossible to ascend.
|
 |
Here is the trail junction sign with the Phelps Trail. The
sign is 8 feet tall! There was a lot of snow this day. |
 |
We arrived at the summit 30 minutes before the next group arrived.
Jay and I sat behind a rock to get out of the wind which I estimated
around 40 mph sustained with gusts over 50 mph. Your exposed skin felt
like thousands of needles sticking you. Bonnie arrived first and
exclaimed she was going down. A few minutes later most of the group
arrived and we took some group pictures before heading down. We were on
the summit almost 45 minutes now and the cold was starting to creep in.
|
 |
Jay on the summit. |
On the way down we stopped out of the wind and waited for our group
to reform. Three other climbers joined us this day on the summit and
everyone was so happy that Nancy was able to finish.
It was a great winter climb with a great group. We spent the evening
relaxing around the fire, having a few libations and sharing excellent
food.
|
