The Call:

“Hello? Adirondacks? Next Weekend? Okay, We Go!”

As simple as that. A phone call, a question, an answer. 

Another adventure now in motion. 

The plan:

An evening departure from Shwa’Vegas, heading eastbound to the Johnstown boarder crossing.  Continuing on towards the mountains, we planned to shut down for the night somewhere within a thirty minute drive of the Adirondack Loj.

An early morning start would see us departing from the Adk Loj trail head Saturday to tackle the MacIntyre Ridge.  The objective: to move through Wright, Algonquin, Boundary and Iroquois Peaks in an out and back fashion.  With plans to stay on trail for one night, we were ready, willing and able to endure whatever the back country had in store for us. 

The Execution:

A late night rendezvous, we reviewed the weekend plan and packed out the van with all the necessary gear for another great adventure.  

The rubber hit the road and we were off.  

A late Friday night arrival to the local sleep spot, we tucked the van into the last available “parking spot” left in the lot.  After some superb teamwork, between handling and spotting, making tight turns and close calls, we managed to finagle the van into the back corner of the busy lot.  Ensuring to be as quiet and respectful as possible for the surrounding Homies already tucked in for the night, we quickly popped the top of the van, organized some gear and shut down for some rest.  

With a brisk breath of morning air and the sun on the rise we awoke with a ‘get sum’ attitude, ready to take on the mountain trails. A quick drive down the road and we were at the Adirondack Loj. After checking in and a short conversation with the Loj Attendee, we realized we would need to make some changes to our original plan. 

The lean-to we planned to spend the night in… Non existent, tent camping only.  Something we did not prepare for.  

The bail route through Avalanche pass we planned as a secondary precaution... Trail closed due to early season flooding. 

The willingness to adapt and reconsider…. Without question. 

Although we no longer planned to stay on trail for the night we decided to hike heavy with our overnight gear for training. Keeping in mind we no longer had a bail route for our journey, we hiked knowing that there was one way in and one way out.  It would be pertinent for us to manage our time effectively, staying attentive to changing weather conditions. 

As we made our initial ascent of the Ridgeline we passed and were passed by Homies heading up for the day, as well as a few Homies already heading down from an early morning ascent for sunrise on the peak.  

Moving with intention, we were quite surprised to have picked up a tail along our way. A young Rabbit hot on our heels, appearing and disappearing with each winding turn, keeping her distance, yet allowing her presence to be known.  While breaking for a snack and some hydration our young Rabbit finally hopped up the courage to get close enough for an interaction.  A quick chat and with that an on trail addition to this adventure’s expedition team.  Changing conditions. 

With a third member now on the team, we once again reevaluated our plan.  We would now bypass Wright peak and move directly along the Ridgeline starting with Algonquin peak.  As we entered the alpine area, beginning our final ascent push up the face of Algonquin, the wind whipped and the icy snow pelted any exposed skin.  Movement became slower and more methodical as wind gusts nearing 70 kilometres threatened to take our feet out from under us with every step.  

In these types of winter conditions a ‘get sum’ attitude will only take you so far.  The rest lies in training, calculated & methodical movements, hydration & fuelling and the appropriate use and understanding of the gear you carry.   

Algonquin peak conquered, we continued down the backside, taking shelter from the elements amongst what little vegetation stood in the small valley between peaks. Our young Rabbit still in tow now shared plans to break from the group, hoping to continue her journey through Avalanche pass.  The route that had unfortunately been closed earlier in the season due to flooding. 

Although not Rabbit’s original plan, we were able to convince her to continue moving with us as a group.  

As we stepped off the maintained trail and began our ascent of Boundary Peak it was evident that no other adventurers had been through this trail recently.  With fresh powder and blown snow drifts at times reaching our waists, we fought our way through.  Breaking trail, our snow shoes the only saviour keeping us atop the fresh powdered snow.  Poor Rabbit working double time to trudge through without. 

That ‘get sum’ attitude?  Without a doubt, Rabbit had it.  

After 45 minutes of effort we made our last slow steps towards the top marker of Boundary Peak.  As we celebrated we turned to see young Rabbit still fighting through the cold, strong winds making her final push to the summit.  

As frost nipped Rabbit joined us on the summit, completely drained of energy and morale, it was evident that she could not continue forward.  At a crossroads, we knew once again we had to reconsider our goals.  Our plan to conquer the Macintyre Ridge in its entirety adjusted once again.  

With Iroquois looming just out of reach, we were willing and able to make the push, but Rabbit was now a part of our team.  In good conscience we could not continue our journey and allow a team member to head back alone in such a state. 

As we moved back towards Algonquin Peak we took a break for some water and a snack. A round of candies for the crew bringing back energy and moral amongst the team.  A little sugar going a long way when physically depleted, Rabbit had found her second wind. 

While re-entering the tree line after our second summit of Algonquin Peak young Rabbit thanked us for our time together and began hopping her way down, down, down.  Disappearing just as quickly as she appeared earlier that morning along the winding tree lined trail.  

With the team back to its original two members we quickly ran through the checklist. Time, plenty. Mental and physical state, clear and pristine.  Weather, rip roaring winds.

Conclusion?  Time for another summit.  Wright Peak. 

The ascent short and sweet, we quickly made our way to the start of the alpine zone.  From there we made our way up the steep icy rock face towards the summit.  With a heavy lean, we moved methodically step by step, fighting 80 kilometre wind gusts to the peak, where we once again hooted and hollered, celebrating yet another awesome adventure striving for new heights. 

As I stood atop that last peak and reflected, I was once again reminded of the resilience required while adventuring in the backcountry.  How small decisions can mean big consequences when reassessing and adapting to changing conditions, especially in the winter months. 

Remember to slow down, be aware and stay safe.

Until we Peak again. 

Okay We Go!

Uncle G