Adirondack Peeks Winter 2024

Ron Kon Talk; Photo by Francis Farge

Bill and Dan Hamming it Up; Photo by Julia Garro

the Adirondacks, and I certainly did. But what I didn’t ex pect to discover was such a warm and welcoming com munity of hikers who care deeply about the area and are excited to share their enthusiasm with newcomers. All of the folks involved in the workshop were generous with their time and knowledge, and their commitment to the organization and the mountains was inspiring. One might say that there’s a steep price to be able to join this wonderful coterie of climbers. After all, hiking the 46 peaks is no easy feat. But from what I can see of the community that has built up around the moun tains, it is well worth the cost of admission.

The high point of the weekend (literally and figu ratively) was a group hike up Mount Jo. Not only did it give us the chance to put some theory into practice but it also offered up a stunning panoramic view of some of the peaks we had to look forward to. We enjoyed a leisurely picnic lunch at the summit while we took in the vistas and learned about the history and geology of the area. Going into the weekend I had expected to learn more about best practices for tackling the high peaks of Leave No Trace The 46er education team has been very busy in 2024! We presented at the three Trailhead Steward training classes, at Schroon Lake Farmer’s Market, Tannery Pond Com munity event, at Putnam Pond Campground, and all the events held at the Adirondack Experience, The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake. We also taught two classes at Ad irondack Education Center in Saranac Lake and spent two great days in the wood's training six new LNT Level 1 educators! Welcome, Robb Lewis, Shiela Young, T. J. Michon, Erin Roberts, Mary Sue Michon, and Jen Black!

From L to R: Ben Bradford, #10175; Lisa Crandall, #11554; Robb Lewis, #12686; Shiela Young, #2994; T. J. Michon; Erin Roberts, #11952; Mary Sue Michon; Jen Black; and Winn Rea, #9903

46 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS