Adirondack Peeks Winter 2025

Our journey down the mountain is business as usual. Not far from the summit, Gary stops short pointing at a piece of PVC piping sticking out of the middle of the path, covering a small steel rod, “I’m glad to see they finally covered that thing,” he mutters. I realize Gary has seen this hazard sticking out of the ground 100 times and possibly tripped over it once or twice. We take our time moving down the trail, stopping to talk to everyone we meet. “This is Gary Koch, the guy who completed 100 rounds of the 46,” I tell each passerby. Phil ruminates, “Gary is the consummate trail companion: maintaining witty conversation with a fountain of Adirondack history and trail conditions, he travels at a steady, unrelenting pace, and who else can sing the fourth verse of the ‘Star Spangled Banner?’ George Sloan tells me that Gary is an expert on classic black-and-white films. Hiking down the mountain, we don’t sing any songs, but Gary does impersonate a Mexican bandito from the movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” he says. We all give it a try, “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges.” Gary’s quick, staccato rhythm, and short, choppy words sound the most authentic. I can easily picture Bandito Gary in an embroidered poncho and straw sombrero with a tight chin strap, attempting to trick Humphrey Bogart into laying down his firearm. “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges.” I keep practicing the line.

I had hoped to end this article with a quote from Alain Chevrette, #4069W, the only other 46er to complete 100 rounds. I found no response at his last known address. I wonder what Alain might have said. “Congratulations, Gary.” Or maybe something more competitive like, “Bring it on,” as word travels that Gary’s already started his 101st round. Gary Koch #1137WV with a celebratory beer – Photo Credit Nancie Battaglia #3543

Arriving at the trail register, it’s official, Gary’s accomplished 100 rounds of the 46 high peaks! Somebody in the group says, “Our celestial 46ers somehow managed to keep us dry.” There was no rain on Gary’s parade. Gerry Gnann, #1732 is sitting on the tailgate waiting for Gary with the beer. Did Gary become one of those crazy 46ers he imagined in his youth, or did he lean into the unknown and become the person he thought impossible? Either way, he’s adamant that he has no interest in hiking Saddleback or Basin ever again in the winter. He said he knew it was time to quit winter rounds when he couldn’t carry his snowshoes on his back anymore without falling backward. Barbara Place #7059W, Gary and Jay Brooks #11245W - Photo Credit Nancie Battaglia

Alain Chevrette #4069W, Pin Pin, and Gary Koch #1137WV – Gary presents Pin Pin with a small carrot. Thanks for breaking out the trail!

WINTER 2025 | 23