Adirondack Peeks Winter 2024

EDITORS' RAMBLE Kim Morse, #11497 W hen a person gets hooked on spending time in the Adirondacks, every thread of their life be comes interwoven with their experiences there. Job changes, having a child, losing a family member, or simply feeling the feelings that come with witnessing the changing of the seasons—each of these can be connected literally or figuratively to our walks in the woods. I began my Adirondack journey in 2015. Prior to

periences as a Camp Pok-O-Moonshine attendee to 46ers president, pulling in other important waypoints that led him to where he is today. We are grateful for Phil’s experience and knowledge; we hope to draw from it for many years to come. In From the Vault, we have intentionally repub lished a piece withholding its author’s name. We did so that readers might take its message at face value, drawing conclusions on its contents without the context of time or author. At the risk of giving away too much, it’s our thought that this practice will encourage readers to make connec tions across the decades, allowing them to see that while time continuously moves forward, certain themes prevail. In “Winter Hiking,” Dave Pawlick shares the thoughts of seven 46ers who have earned their W, asking various questions of them ranging from fuel and gear to struggle and motivation. In the article, Dave shares hiking stats for each interviewee and encourages those interest ed in pursuing winter hiking in the high peaks to seek re sources that can help guide you toward hiking successfully in the winter. We hear from several hikers in this issue’s Moun tain Vignettes: Phil Corell shares his perspectives on winter hiking as it was experienced back in in the 1960s, two 46ers express their journeys in verse, Brian Hoody describes how hiking a mountain from a new—perhaps previously un hiked!—trail can lead to a new appreciation for a peak, and we have the opportunity to learn from Frank Sutman, who is pursuing all of New York’s high points in each county. Says Frank: you better be ready to bushwhack! Get updated on our various committees in Club News. It can never be overstated: we need your help! Vol unteering with the Adirondack 46ers provides a new level of connection with not only the region but with a group of people whose passion for life is a direct result of their in teraction with other hikers. Please consider reaching out to any of the folks listed in Club News (or me or Sherry!) and we’ll help you find the best fit for your specific interest. Finally, special thanks to Johnathan Esper for pro viding this issue's cover image, taken from the top of Roar ing Brook Falls. As hikers of the high peaks, the minute we take our first step onto Adirondack soil, our future is forever changed. The connection to the region and the connection to those we meet along the way will never be broken. As we move into 2025, Sherry and I wish that you experience the best of bluebird days, the safest of lessons learned, the longest-lasting headlamp batteries, and the joy of knowing that our camaraderie as 46ers will always be. Ramble on!

that time, the Adirondack wild was a foreign, yet coveted place that I longed to have familiarity with. With my partner, I traveled to Keene Valley from Rochester, New York, enam ored with the ascent into the mountainous region. Moving across the Finger Lakes, through the Mohawk Valley, and up into the Adirondacks, I was, at first, intimidated by the adventures that lay ahead—as I should have been. After hiking my first high peak, Big Slide, I re member my partner pointing out toward the north face of Gothics, noting its slides and expressing excitement over its notorious cable-laden route. I had two thoughts at that moment: First, “$%*#! He’s going to make me climb that!” Second, “$%*# (yeah)! I get to climb that!” From that moment, every season of my life has been filtered through a lens of its relationship to the Adiron dacks. At first, peak-bagging the high peaks was my goal; I finished within three years. Since then, I’ve expanded my reach across other well-known and less well-known sum mits; I’ve through hiked the Appalachian Trail, leading me to pursue the NE 115; and I’ve added a child to my life, a child with whom I hope to nurture the passion that led me to conquer not only miles of tough terrain but that small voice that whispers insecurities in my ear when life gets difficult. In the pages of this edition of PEEKS , you’ll find the voices of those longing to connect with others on their own journeys in the Adirondacks. While many of our stories fol low similar trajectories or describe similar lessons learned, each author carries with them a unique set of experiences that has led them to develop the particular relationship with the region that they have. We feature the first President’s Report written by newly elected Dave Pawlick, who shares his own introduc tion to hiking the high peaks, tying the newness felt when first stepping onto 46er trails to beginning a new journey as he steps into the role of president. We welcome Dave with open arms and already know that he’ll guide the organiza tion to even greater heights. Sherry Roulston interviews Phil Corell for this edi tion of Talking Points, highlighting his expansive career, which touched so many people in so many different ca pacities. In his responses to Sherry’s thoughtful questions, Phil carefully describes the trail linking his childhood ex

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