Adirondack Peeks Summer 2025

Hello Sherry and Kim,

I’ve always wanted to save Whiteface for my last peak so that my friends could all be there to greet me at the top. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. This was honestly a dream come true. The clouds broke just in time for us to get this group shot that I will cherish forever. Ben and I had a great time over the next few days showing our loved ones around all our favorite spots in the Adirondacks. Now we have successfully passed on our love of this park to them. Thank you! Seth Umbenhauer, #16105

From L to R: Blake, Shane, Morgan, Seth (46er), Tara, Ben (aspiring 46er)

I enjoy reading the articles in PEEKS and the adventures of other hikers. I still have a vivid memory of my first adventure to the Adirondacks. It was in the early 1950s when I was 17. I was invited on my first camping trip. On the first day we hiked in and set up camp. On the second day, I was asked if I wanted to take a walk. We set off with no pack or water. On my feet were my $3.98 gym sneakers. After a bit it was announced that we had just climbed Mt. Colden and did I want to go on. After climbing Mt. Marcy, we headed back to camp. All went well, but I was a little disappointed. My vision of a mountain was more like Mt. Katahdin. The next morning, I could not get my shoes on. There was no feeling in my feet. When I tried to walk, it felt like I was walking on my legs with soft pads on the ends. After a couple of days the swelling went down and I enjoyed the camping. I did not set foot on a trail again until the mid 1990s. When I did return to the high peaks, I brought my twin sister, Mary Putnam #4404, a pack, water, and on my feet, I wore my $179 pair of Vasque hiking boots. I had a different view of the mountains now and we enjoyed many trips to the high peaks. With those boots the miles kept building up. On my longest hike, I even got to climb that mountain I envisioned way back in the 1950s. Margaret Watrous, #4405

Correction by the editors: In the previous issue of PEEKS magazine (Winter 2024), Becky Swem 7306WV was recognized for receiving the 2024 President’s Award. We incorrectly stated that Becky co-founded and led monthly Pride hikes for the Green Mountain Club; this should have been the Pride Center of Vermont. Also, for purposes of clarification, Becky helped to bring the Venture Out Project to the University of Vermont.

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