Algonquin, Iroquois & Wright
Seasons pass. This far north they linger a bit longer than at home, which I seem to appreciate more each year.
Allen (April Fooled)
The trio before me made it to about 2,600 feet; no one else had signed in for Allen since the 23rd of March. This would be one of the hardest hikes I’ve done.
Dial Mountain
For this year’s winter Gathering, I learned my lesson from the 14-hour behemoth hike last year and picked something that both Kathy and I could do.
Giant & Rocky Peak Ridge (March)
As much as I dislike some aspects of the Ridge Trail, I have to admit that the ratio of wonderful views to effort is high.
Hurricane from Crow Clearing
I had forgotten just how breathtaking its views are; after all the climbing I’ve done, it was nice to scan the peaks from the opposite direction.
Whiteface & Esther Breaking Trail (February)
Eight hours after heading out, we returned to the car. All the new snow made this quite a challenge, but all day the landscape was stunning. And except for skiers on the ski trails, we didn’t see a soul all day.
The Brothers
No summit on this hike, but a good day out regardless. It was a good way to spend a few hours.
Marcy, Skylight and Gray Redux
My last attempt at these three was aborted by footwear, so I was glad to have another try.
Giant & Rocky Peak Ridge
Sometimes, you are presented with a day that fills you with awe.
Marcy in the Clouds (January)
Just before hitting the fully-exposed part of the summit, the wind picked up and the dim sunshine and blowing snow made the landscape ethereal.
Cascade & Porter (January)
It’s too pretty not to hike, and this duo is always a good choice when time is limited.
Mount Marshall, My Winter 46
I realized how lucky I was for last winter, but I definitely appreciate the last four the most. It’s been a great challenge, and I’ve got a lot more winter hiking in my future. For now, I’m going to take some time and enjoy being 46er #8475W.
Haystack, Basin & Saddleback (Winter)
This winter has been no joke. Conditions are variable, there is no guarantee that any trail is broken out. Even with Joe’s experience we almost had to turn around two hikes in a row. It makes this trio all the sweeter.
2016 By The Numbers
In short, I obliterated my 2015, which was at that time my most prodigious year. In 2016, I roughly doubled all the hiking I had done since I started in 2009!