TURKEYBOB'S JULY AND AUGUST CLIMBS and BIRTHDAY THANKS

[turkeybob]

First of all I want to apologize to all my hiking family and friends about not logging onto the forum in a long time. Thus I missed all the birthday greetings from many of you, and I thank you so very much for all of those. Once spring and summer arrives, my outdoor work load goes into full bore, and my indoor activities are at a minimum. No excuses though
AGAIN, I THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.
As for the climbs, I first want to say that being CAMPGROUND HOST at the ADIRONDACK LOJ campground is fantastic. Seeing all those campers, loving and enjoying camping with their children, taking them on hikes, and introducing them to the MAJESTIC HIGH PEAKS, is such a great experience to witness. This year I have met so many more interesting campers; wanting, planning, and conquering, the high peaks with their children, it just makes your blood run like champagne.
CLIMBS:
1) On JULY 20, the day was perfect and I needed to get on some sort of a hike. As campground host, I asked if one of the campers wanted to join me. KATELYN YODER and her father, DR. BOB, just finished their FIRST 3 peaks ever the day before, when they did WRIGHT, ALONQUIN AND IROQUOIS. Thus, KATE, a post graduate student, was fired up to do more, and DAD and MOM said go for it is she wanted to. Thus we did something I always wanted to do from the LOJ; and that was MARSHALL.
What a day, through AVALANCHE PASS, around LAKE COLDEN and up MARSHALL. I forgot how “BEAUTIFUL” the trail was, since I haven’t climbed it in the summer since JUNE 2005.We came back the same way since I was unsure about the spur from the summit to cold brook pass, and didn’t want to put KATE through hell for her 1st trail less peak. It was a great day, views, trails—all excellent.

2) On the 22nd, I ventured out solo—something as most of you know, I never do; but I wanted to get one more in before the campground host week ended, and thus chose to do TR PEAK. (TEDDY ROOSEVELT). I found the cutoff, no cairn, at the sharp bend to the left, on the MT. MARCY trail probably ½ mile past the PHELPS trailhead. At times there was evidence of an old trail, at times not—some blow down, but a fantastic bushwhack, almost in a straight line up to the summit which has a little stomped down clearing. That hike made my day, and my week.
3) ON AUGUST 2, EL LOCO (KEITH), and JUNIOR TURKEY, (my son JOE), headed for the LEWEY LAKE CAMPGROUND on ROUTE 30, north of SPECULATOR. That AFTERNOON we summited SNOWY, and her great fire tower. Great trail, elevation gain is all at once, they you are up. What views of the HIGH PEAKS—SPECTACULAR.
4) The next day, in the morning we summited WAKELY AND that fire tower goes in my book as #1. A little hairy climbing that tower with no screening on the stairs or landings—cab was also open. Views were fantastic, and the trail was excellent ;( flat, then climbs, then flat again on the ridge).
5) That afternoon we summited PILLSBURY—Great little climb—fire tower in good shape, good trail, cab was closed. The neat thing about all 3 of these peaks, it that if you know where you are looking, you can pick out the other 2 FIRE TOWERS from each peak.
6) Last but not least, we summited GORE on THURSDAY AUGUST 4TH. That trail has been rerouted from the older versions on “THE OTHER 54 and FIRE TOWER CHALLENGE” books. What a fantastic trail. It follows a beautiful ROARING BROOK for a ways, and then takes you on a very mild climb until you reach the ski-trails and maintenance road. From there you follow the gravel road right to the tower, which has a few added antennas on it, which takes away from the FIRE TOWER itself.
All in all, a great hike and another excellent camping experience with good people. We ended that last day by going into SPECULATOR, getting a large pizza, 20 mild CHICKEN WINGS, and enjoying them back at our campsite over a beautiful campfire and a soothing cold beer. (16 oz)

[PA Ridgerunner]

Sounds like a great couple of weeks, Bob!

[JoeCedar]

Hey, Bob, you guys know how to do it! I really like your motto at the bottom of your screen. How true!

Let me know when you want to climb East Dix via the Boquet path.

[procook131]

Sounds like a great time indeed! I talked to El Loco right before he left to go up, and he was very excited to be up there with some great company. Hope to see you and the family again soon!

[vieWseeker]

TB ---- it sure puts a smile on my face reading your TR with the passion and excitment you put into them, congrats on some quality time with good friends.

[El Loco]

Always a great time hiking with my buddies TB and Jr. T (aka now as Giblet). We had a great time and the weather cooperated beautifully. Only disappointment was no snow on top of Gore so I could ski down. And yes, Joe, those 16 oz. beers do go great with pizza and wings. Glad there still are "Places for Old Men:>).

[RTSpoons]

Your quite to out going guy and I love that new trail name for Joe: "Giblet" Nice!