SummitHat
07-05-2010, 01:28 AM
July 3rd, 2010 witnessed a suitably classy 46 finish for my friend Paul, a most classy Adirondack adventurer. The destination was Big Slide, chosen for its exceptional views and the ease of access for friends and family to share in the event.
My wife and I drove through the early morning and watched the mountains come to life before sunrise.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/10060304hcw_AlgonquinDawn.jpg
After breakfast we lucked into one of the last parking spots at The Gardens. Soon the party assembled, a mix of ages and experience, all excited about setting forth. Paul's two young sons were ready to support Dad on his special day (more on this later). My role included hauling supplies as needed, and assisting the celebrants to the top and back safely.
On this sunny, clear day the scenery along The Brothers ridge was outstanding.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703990cew_GreatRange.jpg
From the third Brother the destination started to show its famous profile.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703991w_BigSlideEastSide.jpg
The group spread out on the way to the top, providing our host the time to make some special preparations just below the summit. Once the group had all gathered on the summit shelf, Paul and his sons emerged, the youngsters decked out in shirts and ties, bearing platters of handmade hors d'oeuvres and beverages for all!
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703993w_New46erAndSons.jpg
The menu:
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703994w_BigSlidePartyMenu.jpg
Congratulations abounded. The 46ers in attendance welcomed Paul into the fold. All immersed themselves in the glorious day.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703y019ectr_CelebrationPanorama.jpg
Of course the Summit Hat was marked with the moment.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703996w_BigSlideColvinBenchmark.jpg
A second celebration followed when everyone was signed out, safe and sound at the parking lot.
A wise hiker once proclaimed "you meet the best people in these mountains". We felt honored to have watched one of the best stand atop summit #46, and finish with exemplary kindness and class.
My wife and I drove through the early morning and watched the mountains come to life before sunrise.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/10060304hcw_AlgonquinDawn.jpg
After breakfast we lucked into one of the last parking spots at The Gardens. Soon the party assembled, a mix of ages and experience, all excited about setting forth. Paul's two young sons were ready to support Dad on his special day (more on this later). My role included hauling supplies as needed, and assisting the celebrants to the top and back safely.
On this sunny, clear day the scenery along The Brothers ridge was outstanding.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703990cew_GreatRange.jpg
From the third Brother the destination started to show its famous profile.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703991w_BigSlideEastSide.jpg
The group spread out on the way to the top, providing our host the time to make some special preparations just below the summit. Once the group had all gathered on the summit shelf, Paul and his sons emerged, the youngsters decked out in shirts and ties, bearing platters of handmade hors d'oeuvres and beverages for all!
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703993w_New46erAndSons.jpg
The menu:
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703994w_BigSlidePartyMenu.jpg
Congratulations abounded. The 46ers in attendance welcomed Paul into the fold. All immersed themselves in the glorious day.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703y019ectr_CelebrationPanorama.jpg
Of course the Summit Hat was marked with the moment.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/SummitHat/100703_BigSlidePauls46/100703996w_BigSlideColvinBenchmark.jpg
A second celebration followed when everyone was signed out, safe and sound at the parking lot.
A wise hiker once proclaimed "you meet the best people in these mountains". We felt honored to have watched one of the best stand atop summit #46, and finish with exemplary kindness and class.