Adirondack Peeks Winter 2025

When we reached the top of Grandpa Pete Mountain, we all engaged in the customary summit pause — that moment when you realize you’ve reached your destination; you’re there; and you can finally afford to take your eyes off your boots and discover what “being there” actually looks like. Ron pointed out and named each of the peaks that flanked us in the distance. And while I couldn’t tell you now which names he rattled off, I can tell you that, as always, I felt lucky to look at them. We sat enjoying a few summit snacks from our packs, while Ron told us of the private gathering Grace held for him at Boulders in recognition of him becoming the first to complete the 46

Ron Konowitz #487V SKI talking on top of Grandpa Pete Mountain, Photo credit - Gabe Dickens

Though our itinerary had called for us to continue on from Grandpa Pete Mountain to Clear Pond Mountain, we talked it over as a group and decided to skip the latter in order to allow enough time for people to get to the next 46er anniversary event, a showing of The 46ers at the Strand Theater in Schroon Lake. As we exchanged gratitude and goodbyes back at the parking lot, Ron mentioned he had a bunch of patches commemorating the renaming of Grace Peak, featuring her motto, “Good Climbing!” embroidered in her handwriting. He said he would bring them to the anniversary party the next day for anyone who wanted one. So I made sure to go and get one. Two weeks later, Gabe and I climbed Grace Peak, marking the halfway point in my quest for 46. On our descent, about 5 miles from the trailhead, I tripped and fell, busting my left knee open. My blood pooled within a gaping wound, revealing tissue so deep that for self preservation’s sake, I felt it best not to look closely. Prompt stitches would have been ideal, but they weren’t an option. So I reached in my pack for antiseptic, ibuprofen and an Ace bandage, all of which I now carry on every climb, thanks to the Outdoor Skills Workshop. As we hiked out, my blood soaking through the bandage, we reflected on what was otherwise a magical day in the mountains. At some point, Gabe — who is familiar with my ability to unravel when things start to go sideways — noted how well I was handling the situation. I reminded him that I had recently learned a lot about grace.

on skis. He told of how sweet she was and genuine. “Grace toasted me using special liquor glasses and pouring from a bottle of Cherry Herring that hadn’t been touched since her husband, Ed, had passed away three decades earlier.” Ron spoke candidly on many more topics that day. Among them were how he got the nickname Ron Kon; his theory on why Leo DuFour was unable to safely return from Allen Mountain; and Fred Hunt, a man who hiked the High Peaks at night, signing in at trailheads under the pseudonym “Cat Eyes.” But the topic Ron spoke of most was Grace. Whether he actually stated them in so many words, I can’t be sure, but somewhere along the way, I came to believe two things about Grace Hudowalski. For one, she was more than an important figure in the histories of the 46er organization and the Adirondack High Peaks. Grace was Ron’s friend. His admiration and respect for her — along with a subtle sadness, presumably caused by her absence — are evident not only when he speaks of her directly, but also when he speaks of anything to do with the organization, the peaks or the park. And second, Grace was the embodiment of her name. She was a woman who could command a room without contributing to the brouhaha. When in the presence of others arguing, whether on a hike or during an official meeting of 46ers, she was nonreactive, according to Ron, and would remain silent while everyone said their piece. Then, when they were through, he noted, Grace would speak her words of wisdom, and everyone would listen.

WINTER 2025 | 13