Adirondack Peeks Summer 2024

dedication to exploring and sharing the essence of these mountains through my art and social presence. Each new journey begins with a phase of discovery, often marked by a lack of knowledge, that can lead us down the path of less-than-ideal choices. My formative years between 2015 and 2018 were saturated with such learning mo ments. I overcame numerous mistakes, mistakes not only made during my own ventures but also revealed through the blunt feedback of others, who sometimes offered their critiques without sugarcoating their words regard ing my content and the motivations behind my actions. This period was a time of profound growth. At the time, I couldn’t see that I was being refined through adversi ty, like a blade in fire. This process of refinement hasn’t ceased; it has evolved into a continuous practice of main taining that sharpness, ensuring that with each day, I grow more adept and resilient. As I delved deeper into the Adirondack commu nity, it became evident that my journey was not unique. Many shared this path of discovery, each with their own narrative of connection to these ancient lands. My desire to understand the mountains transcended the physical challenge of hiking; I yearned to uncover the history and the stories of those who walked these trails before me. This pursuit of knowledge transformed my relationship with the Adirondacks from one of acquaintance to one of deep, enduring friendship. Thus far, my commitment to the mountains has seen me traverse over 4,000 miles of High Peaks wilderness, undertake nearly a dozen rounds of completing the 46, and push my limits in ways I had never imagined—culminating in feats such as summiting 25 high peaks in a 25-hour stretch. These experiences are not just accomplishments but affirmations of the pro found bond I share with this landscape. In 2021, an opportunity to further this connec tion presented itself when Falcon Guides sought an au thor for a new guidebook to the High Peaks. They were looking for someone younger with a strong community engagement and a unique perspective on the mountains, complemented by a talent for photography. I was honored to be chosen for this role, recognizing it as a chance to With an Ax and a Rifle: Settler and Onomastic History of the Adirondacks Erik Schlimmer #3666 Erik Schlimmer #3666 dedicated three years of research and was assisted by a platoon of historians to produce the two-volume With an Ax and a Rifle: Settler and Ono mastic History of the Adirondacks (Beechwood Books, 2023). Described as “the most thorough Adirondack his tory book ever written,” this tome consists of 92 chapters that tell the settlement history of each of the Adirondack Park's 92 towns. With an Ax and a Rifle totals 1,200 pag es, includes nearly 200 images, and comes with a settle ment poster map.

contribute to the mountains in a meaningful way. Before fully committing to the project, I took several weeks to contemplate its significance to me and to ensure I was mentally prepared for the undertaking. I quickly came to see this as a chance to contribute to the mountains in a way that extended beyond conventional trail work. More than anything, I saw this guidebook as my way of giving back to the mountains—a means to preserve their history and ensure a vibrant future for this cherished wilderness. Over the next two years, I dedicated myself to writing the book from scratch, driven by a vision to show the moun tains in a light that transcended mere trails and trees. My goal was to convey the rich history and soul of the place, crafting a narrative that read like a biography or a love let ter. I aimed to offer readers a resource that could deepen their connection to these mountains, enabling them to un derstand, respect, and love the Adirondacks as profound ly as I and countless others do. This guidebook, Hiking the Adirondack 46 High Peaks , is more than a manual; it is a testament to the enduring allure of these mountains. It is a reflection of a journey that transcends the physical, offering a path to a deeper, more meaningful and transfor mative power of the wilderness. I encourage you to challenge yourself to explore your love and connection to these mountains. If you look closely enough, you may uncover the kind of love and re spect felt for these mountains by explorers hundreds of years ago. Never forget why you hike. These mountains are not to be “conquered.” They cannot be. They allow us to climb them. The only thing to be conquered is yourself and the journey. The mountains, at the end of the day, re main steadfast and immovable. Together, we can inspire one another to seek challenge, discovery, and a profound bond with the natural world that the Adirondacks so mag nificently embody. Editors’ note: Jonathan Zaharek's book is available for pur chase, and further details can be found on his website, www. jonathanzphotography.com. Here you will also find more of his photographic art and photographic guide services.

With an Ax and a Rifle retails for $48 and is avail able through Beechwood Books (beechwoodbks.com).

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