Adirondack Peeks Summer 2025

the president to be at their finish (ha-ha!). They were thrilled! Phil was so friendly and engaging. Phil’s group changed their plans to hike on to Basin and joined us on the descent. The boys, including our third son, Justin, and several nephews, hiked out with him—a special day for us all.

This is but one example of how Phil has inspired all of us to continue hiking and to give back when we can. Thank you, Phil, for being so nice to our sons and family, and for all that you have done and do. Sincerely, Bob Hoffman, #3361

Phil chatting with my sons, wife, and family members, October 24, 1993.

Hello! Thanks for publishing the magazine. It’s great to stay in touch with the ADK community. Question on the magazine’s name . . . PEEKS . . . Is this just a pun (e.g. a “peek” into the world of the 46ers)? Or is this an example of Melvil Dewey’s “spelling reform” (e.g. “Adirondak Loj”)? Or something else I’m missing? It would potentially be a nice little story for the next issue. :) Best, Munier A. Salem, #12334

Reply from the Editor . . . Hi Munier,

I really found your question interesting and have since done more research. Prior to your inquiry, I had wondered about the spelling of the Adirondak Loj; however I did not know that it was Melvil Dewey who changed the spelling of it! Did you know that as a young man he was so ardent about spelling reform that he changed his own name from “Melville” to “Melvil,” without redundant letters, and for a time he changed his last name from Dewey to “Dui”? I posed your question to Tony Goodwin in Talking Points, so be sure to read the article for the answer! Sherry planning the day when I will live in the area again and hopefully volunteer too! Richard Spindler, #11060

Thank you so much for all of the organization’s efforts. I really connected with editor Kim’s article. I live far from the Adirondacks at the moment and miss them every day,

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