Adirondack Peeks Winter 2025

I looked at my wet pillow, and then at Eric. “Whatever you want to do,” he said, reading my mind. He is a naturally much more competent adult than me, so his attendance at this workshop was only to support me in my whim (he could easily go be a hermit in the woods and survive for years). I thought of all the other participants, and the presenters we had heard from. Yes, they are all inspiring and cool. And some of them drove a lot farther to be here this weekend than we did. I thought of the volunteers who could have easily been home doing comfortable things but were instead here to support us. I thought of the presentation by Peter Fish the previous evening. If that 89-year-old bada$$ could be here to make sure I have the right stuff in my pack when I go out hiking, then I can tough it out through one more night of rain! My husband and I rearranged our stuff, spread out some towels, and pushed on to the next activity. That afternoon we heard from some more rousing presenters, including Ron Konowitz, a talented backcountry skier and volunteer rescuer. He spoke not only of the gear that can make the difference between losing your limbs or life (mittens, not gloves!), but also of the many rescues he has undertaken. His passion, raw honesty, and bravery brought me to tears. After listening to him speak, not only do I want to climb the 46 high peaks, but now I want to find more ways to give back to the Adirondacks and the people who live and recreate here. Ron is the stuff of legends, and his advice and stories will stick with me for the rest of my life. I had no problem with the rain for the rest of the event. I bought some more socks at the High Peaks Information Center (big thanks to all the amazingly kind and dedicated folks who work there and answered my questions!) and I started making notes about the ways I could make myself a better-informed and prepared hiker in this place that I love. Eric and I finished the workshop Sunday and proudly took home our certificates and 46er swag. I washed and dried all my gear, repacked it, and were ready to go back to the Heart Lake program center to hike Mount Jo — rain or shine!

Icebreaker game organized by Sharp Swan #566WV on Friday night – Photo Credit – Karen Hickcox

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