Adirondack Peeks Summer 2025

EDITORS’ RAMBLE Sherry Roulston, #12512

In a very real sense, 46ers root for one another! —Eric Galarneau, #16126

T his spring, I found myself eyeing the sky and waiting for the snowbirds to return home. I spotted Winnebagos, Airstreams, and Jaycos traveling up the Northway, but no birds! Finally, on the first of June I saw a flock of Canadian Geese high above me flying in formation over Lake Champlain. I might have missed them if not for the cacophony of wild honking, cheering themselves on! They resembled a crack in the sky, like a vein or artery— each bird flapping its wings to provide momentum for the next; the leader dropping to the back of the line when it became weary, letting another bird take over. I pondered the energy they were exuding, the cold-thin air above, and the miles they’d traveled. I couldn’t help but reflect on the times when the collective strength of my friends got us all to the summit; my own exhaustion breaking trail in the snow and later falling to the back of the line, literally lifting each other up along the way. We knew it paid to share the lead and take turns doing the hard job. Much like the geese honking from behind, our volunteers continue to do the hard work of keeping the organization alive—building bridges, clearing trails, paying bills, educating, planning events, cleaning highways— bearing the brunt of the wind with precise navigation, guiding us even in turbulent times in the direction we want to go. We celebrate our Service Award Recipients on page 55. Thank you all for your volunteer service. We couldn’t do it without YOU! We are so excited to share this issue of PEEKS with you. In the Boulder Report, Dave Pawlick shines a light on our newest members of the flock who’ve already demonstrated their team spirit and enthusiasm at our annual Spring Dinner in May. This group knows how to honk and have a good time! We are happy that you are here! In Talking Points, we bombard Tony Goodwin, #211, with questions. If you’ve ever wondered who to thank for the trails, guidebooks, and maps that have gotten you safely to the 46 high peaks, this man deserves a huge HONK!

Forty-sixers are there for each other in many ways. Like the geese, if one member becomes ill, two others will accompany them to the ground to help and protect them. We, too, support those who are struggling and honor those who now climb the celestial mountains. In From the Vault, enjoy a chapter from the late icon Jim Goodwin’s memoir, And Gladly Guide: Reflections on a Life in the Mountains. Each rung in every ladder we climb in the high peaks is a reminder of those who came before us and who continue to lift us to greater heights than we thought possible. In Club News, we share numerous ways to join in the 100-anniversary celebration of our first three 46ers, Herbert Clark, #1; George Marshall, #2; and Robert Marshall, #3; who finished their 46 in 1925. Visit the 46er website to register for activities happening in honor of these three hikers. One hundred years! It’s a testament to how cooperation and teamwork can lead to greater endurance, resilience, and overall success. Being a 46er means sharing a common interest and a shared goal. Next time you see geese in the V formation high above, think about our organization and its profound sense of community and collective strength. The high peaks are home for the heart and spirit, a home that provides memories that are not just experienced but earned. Ramble on!

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