Adirondack Peeks Summer 2025

BOULDER REPORT David Pawlick, #12803

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

I t’s fun to chat with new 46ers and to learn what got them started in the high peaks. Some were empty nesters (like me!), some grew up as outdoor enthusiasts, some saw amazing pictures on social media, some decided to join family or friends for a hike, and some find it a great way to court a prospective spouse. The majority probably did not set out on their first hike with a conviction to become a 46er, but these mountains have a way of captivating us and carving their names into our souls. In 2024, we welcomed 766 new members. Below are some of the stories shared by members of the class of 2024. Justin Smith (#15625) and Christine Kusior (#15626) met in the summer of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they couldn’t go on typical dates, so they got to know each other by hiking. Their first hikes took them through central New Jersey, and, in September of 2020, they made their first trip to the Adirondacks. On that adventure, they attempted to climb Mt. Colden but never reached the summit. Despite the setback, their love for each other—and for the mountains— was growing stronger. Over the next four years, they made the 5-plus hour drive to the High Peaks region multiple times, exploring in every season. Along the way, Justin developed another goal alongside climbing all 46 high peaks: to marry Christine. He popped the question on a clear April day, and they had the Whiteface summit all to themselves. Christine said yes!

to relax, Justin and Christine chose to tackle one of the most difficult day hikes of their Adirondack adventure. Completing the 46er challenge became one of their proudest accomplishments.

Gloria Caratozzolo, #16081, had competed in endurance events like the Lake Placid Iron Man and 70-mile bike races but was looking to find a challenge without the grueling training regimen required for those competitions. In 2016, she took one of her sons to look at Paul Smith’s College, and they spent some time in Lake Placid. One good look at the high peaks from Main Street in Lake Placid lit a fire inside her. She took a couple of her sons to hike Cascade to see how they liked it. Gloria was hooked, but the boys weren’t

there yet. In 2018, Gloria decided that she was going to hike the 46 high peaks one way or another, but she really needed someone to hike with her. After some discussions, her sons Brendan, #16082, and Matt, #16083, agreed to hike with her. Early on, there was some uncertainty about the boys going all the way to the finish line, but, eventually,

By the time they married in June of 2024, they were down to just one last hike to complete the 46er journey: the Dix range. While many couples use their honeymoon

Brendan, Gloria, and Matt Caratozzolo

SUMMER 2025 | 35