ADK Hiker Lessons for Dummies: 11/26/04 (Updated)

[jpzortman]

I've hiked in Washington, Colorado, and Alaska. Been doing it for a while to say the least... BUT this is my first winter hiking in NY and the daks. Let's see what I learned on my first trip out...

First Timer ADK Lesson 1: When hiking in November, full leather boots bad idea.

On 11/26/04 we hiked from Upper Works to Colden Dam trying to attempt Marcy. The trail was full of standing water (seemed like we were hiking in the stream bed) and it was just cold enough to have a small layer of ice on it. Needless to say not ten minutes into the hike, I tried to maneuver some logs, slipped, and my left foot went into a puddle 12 inches deep. Oooo cold foot.

First Timer ADK Lesson 2: Always stretch-out FULLY when hiking in less than ideal conditions.

Since the trail was covered in standing water, we had to hop from log to stump to root to rock then back to log again for almost the whole way between Upper Works and Colden Dam. I strained the left knee first. Then because I was trying to relieve pressure of the left leg, I put a little more weight on the right leg, which caused me to strain my achilles tendon. Ouch. Speaking of Upper Works....

First Timer ADK Lesson 3: When attempting Marcy summit and back in one day (one winter day) head out from South Meadow or Adirondak Loj NOT Upper Works.

I read somewhere from 'another website' that the hike in from Upper Works was better than South Meadow or Loj. Maybe better if you’re a high-wire balancing act for Ringling Brothers Circus and enjoy the challenge of balancing logs and rocks all the way up. Plus... my bad for not looking at mileage difference before hand, but Upper Works to Marcy is 20 miles round trip. From South Meadow or Loj it's only 14.5. That mileage makes a difference when you’re dealing with crappy conditions and limited light. Clearly a “newbie” or “noob” mistake on my part.

SO, my first attempt to Marcy was a no go. At Colden Dam we turned back because of wet feet, hurt knees, and a disappearing sun. Better to go home today and climb another.

With all the things that were happening, if we tried to summit I could see the making of a Dateline Exclusive:Survival story brewing. lol.

So when it comes to becoming a 46er... I still 0/46.

 

[stoopid]

First Timer ADK Lesson 2: Always stretch-out FULLY when hiking in less than ideal conditions.

... I strained the left knee first. Then because I was trying to relieve pressure of the left leg, I put a little more weight on the right leg, which caused me to strain my achilles tendon. Ouch. Speaking of Upper Works....

Classic!

Don't feel so bad, I've tried to get out for like 3 weekends now and each time I had to cancel because of the weather. At least you've set foot on a trail in the last month!

 

[Sara]

AdackR and I were at the first Lean-to going into Flowed lands this past weekend. We hiked in on Friday afternoon, Saturday hiked Mnt. Marshall, and Sunday hiked out in driving rain and wind. In all it was a great trip, but I too made a semi-newbie mistake. It is funny enough to mention: I thought it would be a good idea to dry out my leather boots by carefully placing lit tea-light candles inside. One boot dried out pretty well while the other boot now has a nasty burnt tongue. Live and Learn!!

 

[SherpaKroto]

jpzortman: don't feel bad. My first trip was even worse. I ended up on all fours in a stream with my snowshoes (and me) pinned under my sled on the way to the Sewards. My next trip went a lot better

BTW you missed First Timer ADK Lesson 1A: When hiking in November, gaiters are ALWAYS a good idea

 

[jpzortman]

AdackR and I were at the first Lean-to going into Flowed lands this past weekend. We hiked in on Friday afternoon, ...

We may have passed each other since we hiked out Friday afternoon. There was two of us, I was in a red jacket and both of us had Ice Axes.

Anyway, I noted NOT to put tea light candles in my boots. Funny story. Thanks for sharing.

Joe

 

[SherpaKroto]

Ouch! But do we have pictures?

Pictures were not high on my list of priorities at that moment. Keeping Arm from laughing too hard was Despite what many might have guessed, I did not float.

 

[Warren]

BTW you missed First Timer ADK Lesson 1A: When hiking in November, gaiters are ALWAYS a good idea

Actually when hiking in the ADKs anytime of the year, gaiters are always a good idea. This will likely be true in many places even in drought conditions

 

[Jasonst]

Actually when hiking in the ADKs anytime of the year, gaiters are always a good idea. This will likely be true in many places even in drought conditions

Learned this lesson the hard way this past weekend on Middle Carter. Yep, hiked for 8 more miles with a wet foot, since I had left my spare socks in the car...