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After a long day on the trail, it's after dinner around the campfire where the stories begin. Whether a fabrication, a poem, or a song, it's all about the adventure.
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Written by David Flinn
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Friday, 09 May 2008 09:27 |
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written by Geoffrey Johnson, May 2008 Trees were not always As they are thus Swaying languidly in tranquil daze Long ago they were ferocious And roamed wild through the lands Feet of root and strong leafy hands |
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Written by David Flinn
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 19:54 |
Written by Carl Heilman, March 1984
Well, there's downhill skiing, cross country skiing, skijoring, and now ski-shoeing. Skis-shoeing isn't exactly a combination of activities at once, but rather a combination of two activities done in the same day.
Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing; each sport has its own merits. Ah, to glide along on skis over a meandering course on a crisp winter day. Skiing is great, but I find I glide right past a lot of scenery I used to notice while on snowshoes. They are a great way to get somewhere fast. I find I am more confined to the valleys though, since that's where the majority of the level, faster trails are. It's possible to climb on skis, but I find them much more cumbersome than climbing with snowshoes. Coming down those steep mountain trails on skis can also be hazardous to one's health, as well as that of the trees strategically placed on those right angle corners.
Snowshoeing, one of the oldest means of snow travel known to man, reached a state of high development here in the North America's snow belt. Snowshoes were a necessity for the natives, as well as early settlers throughout the northern snow regions. The Maine, pickerel, and wide bear paw styles of yesteryear have been modified over the past decades to the slimmer, smaller styles seen most often today. These shoes, such as wood frame 8" x 26" Catpaws, and 9" x 31" Trailpaws, or aluminum frame shoes of similar size are excellent for climbing, bushwhacking, and hiking. The newer bindings also work well with ski boots, so the combination of small shoes and modern bindings are perfect for ski-shoeing.
Most of the higher Adirondack peaks are reached by trails of at least 7 to 8 miles in length. The approach is often fairly level and skiable, while the last couple of miles cover quite a steep ascent. A lot these become accessible for day trips by skiing in as far as possible, then snowshoeing the remaining distance. Much of the Great Range, Colden, and the MacIntrye's are within reach by ski-shoeing, as well as some of the surrounding trail-less summits.
Dig out those snowshoes the skis retired, and enjoy the peaks in winter! Ski-shoeing is a great way to day trip otherwise inaccessible peaks, and have the best of both worlds! |
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Skiing Off The High Peaks |
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Written by David Flinn
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Friday, 18 April 2008 21:00 |
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by Bob Hey (March 1984) In winter, distances shrink when traveling on skis in the Adirondack High Peaks. Remote summits and hidden slides can be reached in a single day.
First there is the aerobic output of the approach ski over hiking trails. It is possible to reach any of the four shoulders of Marcy by skiing in over miles of gradually rising terrain. The trails are usually just wide enough to herringbone up over hummocks, yet rounded and sunk for the fast gliding on return runs. Bright, snowcapped summit cones skim over the treetops as you ski. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 09 May 2008 10:02 )
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Written by David Flinn
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Friday, 18 April 2008 20:21 |
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It was a sluggish beginning. A yawn and a stretch led to motivation and the ritual of dressing: a step into the polypropylene, followed by wool pants and a sweater. I go downstairs for something to eat and a conscious thought of food for the trail. Into the pack goes my rope, a few tubular webbing slings and carabiners, an ice piton, 60 cm ice axe, North Wall hammer, and crampons. Goretex parka, more clothes and especially water follow. Don't forget the headlamp. Finally a trundle into the ole automobile and on the road to the Giant Mountain trail head. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 September 2008 17:57 )
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Written by David Flinn
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Tuesday, 15 April 2008 21:35 |
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Nothing foils the lead climber more than the zen belayer. So picture two climbers up a route on a crag. They are hundreds of feet off the deck and the lead climber is off on the next pitch. His faithful belayer is tired and certainly ready for a break ... |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 18 April 2008 20:25 )
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