Adirondack Mountains - Trip Reports and Pictures

“If you wanna just skip the trip reports and go directly to the pictures, here they are...

Macomb, S.Dix, Hough & Dix (July 25, 2003

Mt. Marshall (July 26, 2003

Santanoni & Panther (July 28, 2003)

The following was adapted from a trip report sent to my brother Joe, who's experience, advice and encouragement have always proven extremely valuable to me in planning Adirondack trips and hiking there...

Thursday, July 24. – 5 hour drive to Harris Lake state campground on route 28N near the town of Macomb, NY. Set up camp.

Friday, July 25 - Macomb Mtn, S.Dix, Hough Peak & Dix Mtn:.
Started from Elk Lake at 7AM. Marked and unmarked trails were relatively dry the entire length of the hikes. The many herd paths from Slide Brook lean-to toward Macomb were confusing, but I soon found my way. The Macomb slide was a quick lift halfway up the mountain, though lingering morning mists blocked out some of the views along the climb. The path from the top of the slide to the summit was relatively easy, and the skies cleared by the time I got to the open vista on Macomb. Views were great! A family was already there, and a few hiking groups came and went during my 45-minute break, including some doing all five peaks of the Dix Range (who I later bumped into again at Slide Brook lean-to and swapped stories). The herd path between Macomb and South Dix was a piece of cake! …almost disappointing. But great views nonetheless. Then on to Hough Peak I went... this stretch through Spruce and Balsam tunnels was the most challenging part of the day. Great views from Hough's summit, especially of nearby Dix Mtn. Took a 30+ minute break ...then on to the biggest catch of the day - Dix Mtn. The path from Hough to the Beck-horn turned out to be easier than it looked, though it was certainly no picnic. Immediately up from the Beck-horn, the summit of Dix Mtn once again delivered on its promise of awesome views in all directions ...one could easily see all the way to Whiteface. It felt good to be at the top of this wonderful place again, and to be able to recognize many of the High Peaks and other mountains I've climbed since the first time I was there back in 1993. I must've spent at least an hour there on Dix's summits (lost track of time) enjoying the vast panoramas of surrounding Adirondack Mountains splendor. Several hikers and small groups came and went during my break on Dix (I encountered no others between there and my earlier summit on Macomb). After descending via the yellow trail, I stopped briefly at Dix Pond, then off to a dinner "invitation" (see picture of "Lisa & Elizabeth"). A new bridge over Lillian Brook has been constructed, and the nearby lean-to has been replaced with state-of-the-art five-star accommodations. The entire Lillian Brook area appeared to be jammed with campers enjoying this fine-weather Friday. Got back to Elk Lake parking area at 8:30 PM. Numbers 33, 34 & 35 were now behind me on my goal of at last becoming a 46er!

Saturday, July 26 - Mount Marshall:.
Having scaled a series of four 4K+ peaks the previous day with little difficulty, I confess to feeling a bit smug about hiking Marshall. The familiar trail to Flowed Land was easy and enjoyable, and Herbert Brook was delightful to walk along its banks… but as I began ascending the steeper sections, the climb became much more challenging ...lots of muddy slippery spots, and slick tree roots waiting to steal purchase from my boots. Some tricky stream crossings too. At one point, I found myself following a dead-end herd path up a near-vertical hillside. When it was all over, "mere" Marshall had blistered my toes, poked me in the eye, gashed my calf and drew blood, and otherwise jabbed, yanked, scratched and punched me incessantly, not to mention countless near-twisted ankles and trippings over exposed roots and untrimmed understory ...I found myself "grounded" several times. Maybe I was a little tired from the previous day, but learned a little more about NEVER denying any Adirondack mountain its due respect. Weather was cloudy and warm with high humidity. Windy, damp and chilly at the vista, and very hazy too, but the views were still nice. Many people hiking and backpacking in/out of the Flowed Land - Colden areas and surrounding peaks, including several also doing Mt Marshall (see "New 46er" picture). Started out at 9:30 AM; returned 8:30 PM. Two straight days of very long, butt-kicking hikes in the Daks had worn me down somewhat. But I made it. Chalk up #36!

Sunday: All-day on/off rain showers ...a time of R&R at my Harris Lake campsite..

Monday, July 27 - Santanoni Peak & Panther Peak:.
Weather forecast promised partly sunny skies, but Times Square was still socked in after the climb up Panther Brook ...Grrrr! All trails were wet and very muddy from Sunday's rainfall. After a short break and some sustenance at Times Square, I donned my rain gear and pressed on to Santanoni through the narrow, twisting "trail" suffocated with moisture-laden trees, and boot-sucking Adirondack black-muck pudding ...a "splendid" time, I tell ya ...much worse than my hike to Couchie a week and a half before. Took an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Santanoni, and I was hoping the clouds would clear by the time I reached the summit to make it worthwhile… But they didn't. Waited over an hour before giving up to head back… then suddenly... Hallelujah! ...some clouds roll back and begin to lift, and the tremendous views took on a grand magnificence that they otherwise may not have achieved in my eyes and my spirit! Enjoyed the immense panoramas for about 15 minutes before more low clouds rolled back down over the ridge. But it was enough to send me happily on my way. After tracing my mucky steps back to Times Square, the skies cleared again, and among other sights I finally got to see the *beloved* Couchsachraga in the lower distance to the west of the vista. Then on to Panther Peak only about 20 minutes away with its excellent views ...and no obscuring clouds. Then one last pass through Times Square before descending the high mountains for the parking area. Met only two hiking parties this day: a husband & wife day hiking (see "Two 38ers" picture), and father & young son backpackers heading to the Bradley Pond lean-to. Started the hike at 6 AM; returned to parking area at 7 PM.

Tuesday, July 28. – Break camp and head back home to Pennsylvania.

Hardly any black flies to speak of all three hiking days…got only a few bites, albeit nasty ones. Mosquitoes were ever-present with gluttonous appetites ...If not for repellents, a person could die from blood loss.

So I'm back home now …now a "38er" ...Whoohoo! ...Eight more peaks to go! My doggies are still barking a little ...war wounds and bug bites are healing up nicely. It was a very good trip, and good to get away for awhile.

I still have to do Colvin, Blake, Rocky Peak, Gray, Redfield, Seward, Seymour, and Allen. I'd like to get in at least two more 46er peaks before the summer’s over, and am hoping to complete all of them - God willing - by the end of next summer ...I'm excited!”

“Ooops! Sorry about the third hyperlink. Here's the correct one...
The REAL Santanoni and Panther Pix Link”

“Great shot of you on Panther Peak.

What a great thing it is that we can actually undertake such goals. And press to pursue them as if it's a statment about what and who we are. Freedom. And just because. It's the challenge, and we just enjoy it.

Thanks for sharing the photos and your report. It takes effort to do that.

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding..."”

“Nice report and very sweet pics!”

“Very nice report and pics, M Silver. Thanks for sharing!”

“Great trip report and pictures, thanks.”

“great report and pics, thanks!
I'll get there someday... :)”

“I found your pix and trip reports very inspiring, MS. There's a lot of beauty up there that I have yet to touch, but hope to make reality in the upcoming times. Thanks for sharing your pursuits!”

“Very enjoyable! You write very well.”

“Killer pics and report, I checked them out last night. Now I'm really pumped for my trip! :-)”

“Pictures look great, along with the nice trip report.”

“Thanks folks!

tekdude, I couldn't have said it any better than your prose, "What a great thing it is...". I also appreciate your reference to 1 Corinthians there, bro. Thanks! :-)”

“Hey Mister M! You can't be posting trip reports whilst I'm away on the trip. I dang near missed this.

Wow, what a time you had! Your trip report is most excellent and your pics are super. Good luck with the rest of your 46'ers. I only have 3 so maybe you'll invite me for one of your last few.”