Adirondack Peeks Winter 2025

Gary Koch #1137WV arriving on the top of Whiteface - Photo Credit Nancie Batagglia #3543

that just around the next bend Gary will be consumed by his fans who are all waiting for him on top of the fifth-highest mountain in the state. The tranquility and profound silence on top of most high peaks is anything but on Whiteface when Gary turns the bend and proceeds to climb the summit. Wild applause erupts. Metallic fringe blowhorns and party whistles shrill and honk as friends cheer him on through a triumphal passageway of hiking poles. He’s smothered by friends, patted on the back and kissed. Champagne is popped and poured, and Genny Cream ale is distributed. Never have there been so many 46ers on one summit at the same time. Phil says, “Gary’s a magnet to climbers, acquiring friends and companions wherever he goes. I don’t think there’s a state employee in the High Peaks that isn’t on a first name basis with Gary. The turnout on Whiteface is clear evidence of how much Gary means to so many!”

John Bauer #10211, Dave Pawlick #12803, Gary Koch #1137WV, Judy Bechard #9645, Barb Harris #2824WV, Chris Dresser #3166W, Sue Virostek #4486, Diana Wardell (holding shirt) - Photo Credit Sherry Roulston #12512

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