Adirondack Peeks Winter 2025

Gary was a correspondent for many years, but when the program became digitalized Gary found other ways of assisting hikers with their goals. Jay Brooks recalls how he started hiking with Gary.

Gary Koch #1137WV telling stories on the way up Whiteface – Photo Credit Nancie Battaglia #3543

“When I set out for my 46er winter rocker patch, my wife and friends of the North Country Squares dance club in Plattsburgh were concerned that I was hiking solo. Many from this group had inspired me to become a 46er and several were winter 46ers already. Some were of the 29 women winter 46ers featured in the book Women with Altitude by Carol Stone White. While these dance friends no longer hiked the High Peaks, they had a hiking group called SCUMBAGS and in this group was a friend who hiked the High Peaks all the time. Warning me and apparently him about being an ‘acquired taste,’ they set up the ‘blind date’ — Sawteeth in early winter 2019. I was amused at how these SCUMBAGS rushed me at the next square dance to inquire, ‘How did it go with Gary?’ As it turned out, Gary and I were a good match. Both comfortable with quiet hikes or day long chatter, often competing for the worst joke or pun, the more groans the better. My dog, Tango, and Gary bonded instantly. Gary loves dogs. His last dog was named Couchsachraga and he had others over the years named after High Peaks. One of my favorite pictures is of Tango and Gary in June of 2019 on the summit of Haystack Mountain when Gary finished his 76 th round of the 46. We hiked a lot that year until Gary got a knee replacement, which kept him out of the High Peaks for almost six months. His first hike back was with me and Tango. We hiked up RPR from New Russia where Tango became a 46er! It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Gary presented Tango with his 46er patch.” Abruptly, Gary stands, pointing out to a black, ominous cloud headed straight at us. “Time to go,” he says as commanding as a captain sailing the great sea. We pack up, hoping to make tree line before getting drenched. Party’s over.

dinner. Gary wasn’t sure yet. “Headed down the col,” Barb says, “I snagged a branch and ripped out the rear of my hiking pants. I didn’t realize how large the tear was until going up the next pitch to the ridge. Gary, who was behind me, piped up and said, ‘after following Barb I now know what I’m having for Easter dinner — a Rump Roast!’” He didn’t disappoint her on Whiteface, either. Barb says, “When I approached the summit sign, Gary was sitting precariously and starting to slide down the rock towards me. I yelled for him to hold on, or he’d slide into me and knock me down. Quickly, he replied, ‘It will be a soft landing!’” Donna Merrill #10361WV and Gary Koch looking through the three ring binder she organized, Jay Brooks #11245W - Photo Credit Sherry Roulston #12512

3 ring binder - photo credit Nancie Battaglia

WINTER 2025 | 21