MT. ALGONQUIN
Many thanks to those who braved the hike up Mt. Algonquin, (5114 ft. above sea level or ASL) the second highest peak in NY state. Algonquin was chosen due to dwindling hours of daylight and long total hike times which would have had us hiking in the dark if we had tried the highest peak (5344 ft. ASL), Mt. Marcy.
Inserted are some photos courtesy of Joan’s sister, Suzie Casazza (right below).
Trip start: 5:45am at Stewart’s in the ‘ville while village workers have road torn up and have been out all night – Hi Mike W., Bill, Mike Galvin, Larry, and Mario!
Arrive at trailhead: 9:15am
Return on foot one mile from trailhead due to no parking, then hitch ride in Land Rover, way, way maxed out with all 8 of us crammed in with Father and Son (Olympic skeleton racers): 9:30am
Start hiking trail: 9:45am
Adam "Lightning" Coons arrives on summit of Algonquin (vertical ascent distance from start of trail, 2900 feet): 11:45am
Rest of crew catch up and hang out with 80 degree weather and listening to Albany County Fire Control now able to be heard once at altitude, (yes, its almost like being on an airplane up there). Stay on top lasts until: 2pm
Once again, Adam "Lightning" Coons arrives back at trailhead at: 4:45pm
Travel homeward in the moonlight with Victor asking a thousand questions on whether we’re going the right way to Keene Valley for dinner at the Tipped Canoe: 6:30-8pm
Arrive back in Voorheesville: 10:30pm
So it started out as a cool morning, and we definitely arrived well after dawn.
As we progressed along, we could begin to feel the 2900 feet we were about to climb.
There were waterfalls and birch trees and falling leaves.
Eventually, it was all worth it for this...
...and what a happy crew!
go back to New Salem FD home