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#1 |
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NATUREISMYHIGH
![]() Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Canton
Posts: 2,078
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A special day on MacNaughton
For the longest time I have wanted to put a group together on St. Patty's Day to do MacNaughton. Out of all the days of the year I love this day the most and to combine it with one of my favorite mountains, well that's a double bonus.
Little did I know this year would be even more special. When I realized that St. Patrick's Day was on a Saturday I started planning. I invited a few people and the only stipulation I asked was to wear green and have fun. I just wanted this day to be special, once you have the people then you hope the weather co-operates. I never thought when I originally planned this that stream crossings were going to be an issue. Time would tell.... So it was decided to try MacNaughton from the Loj. Out of all the ways I have done this mountain I like this way the most. We met at 0600...the hikers besides myself.... AdkJack (Jack), Holly Berry (Holly), Jim C (Jim), SummitHat (Brian), HearTheFootSteps(Don) ,AlpineLamb(Mary) and WannebeALjr(Cynda). These guys from the start were ready to have fun, they all had different things pertaining to St. Patty's Day. Brian even had a green vehicle, boy did he take this serious. I have to say though the best outfit went to Don, just loved his hat. I passed out more stuff, did some introductions and we were underway at 0620.There was nothing but smiles from the start and decided we would deal with the crossings one at a time. We barebooted from the start, there was snow the more we were on the Indian Pass Trail but manageable. Today I didn't have to worry about losing anyone, all the necklaces people were wearing were jingling so I knew everyone was near. It seemed in no time we were at the lean to, stopped for some eats and photos. We were also checking out the crossing. The water was flowing but we found a good spot to rock hop, made sure everyone was safe and we were off. Our next big crossing at Scott Ponds and continuing on via the Indian Pass trail.The trail was getting slippery the farther we went and decided it was time to put on microspikes. On this trail there is some mini crossings but no problem. Just so much melting. I think that was the biggest comment, how warm it was. Well we arrived at the sign Scott Ponds and the stream was moving pretty good. I looked for a crossing but wasn't sure about where to go. Jack went one way, I went another.... the hard way Once we all crossed and hooked up again, we said give it a day or two and this will be impassable.At this point we put on snowshoes, and the ups begin. It looked like someone was here a while ago but the snow was soft, it was rough going at times. Some were breaking through, some not. Then there were times in was a hard, icy crust to just walk on. We figured it was going to be this type of day. I really don't think anything could get us down, just an awesome group. We finally arrived at one of my favorite spots, the opening of the Mac's. Here we stopped to photos and just admired the day and each other. We were thinking a lawn chair and beer would be nice, just to sit there and appreciate this fine day but we knew we had much work to do. Our next destination Wallface Ponds....our last crossing really to worry about. The last time I was here the beaver dam was gone but hopefully we could find a spot. I walked through on top of the ice, Cynda followed, Mary broke through at the end. The rest found a good spot to rock hop and once we gathered we were ready for the ascent of MacNaughton. At this point we kept everyone close. We took turns breaking trail, the snow was heavy but for me at least I found at times I could walk on it other times it just let go. I have to say Brian and Jack I think got the awards for finding the most sprucetraps. Over all we set a good path, with a lot of openness. There was hardly any blowdown, perhaps some covered but not much. Like the others though, with the path we took it was hardly a bushwhack. We stopped for a few breaks, making sure everyone was safe. We did comment though it wasn't as bad going as we expected much worse because of warm weather.We finally started getting views and well once you see that everyone starting really smiling and chattering more than normal. We stayed up on the summit for probably an hour just having a grand ole time. More photos, more smiles. We stopped at the other view point for before our final descent. One thing I can tell you for some reason the going down was much easier, seemed to get down in no time. Again we stopped at Wallface Ponds crossing still okay and checked out the views, looking back at MacNaughton. We took our last group photo and we were on our way. We did comment though that many of us underestimated our water because of the warmth. After some ups and downs, few breaks we arrived at Scott's Pond for our second tough crossing of the day. It seemed much easier crossing for me than my previous route, thanks to Holly and her length. We waited on the other side making sure everyone crossed okay. A okay and on to next destination the lean to. I find you have to break destinations up, just seems to go easier that way. Made it to the lean to, crossed okay....everyone was still smiling but maybe a tad bit tired. After this I have to tell you the trail seems forever and it will be a while before I re-visit it. At this point we just pushed forward until we got back to our cars. Holly, Don and I arrived at the parking lot looking back, watching everyone get to the parking lot. Many hugs, smiles of a special day. I know some were really beat but there expressions said different. Well we all gave each other hugs, handshakes and wished everyone well. It truly was a special day with some very, very awesome people. I am so grateful that they wanted to be part of this journey. Thank you all for making it special. ![]() http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a41324d5...a593d0d0a&sb=1 ps Rik...we took a poll for you before we started... some were wearing underwear, some were not, some had cell phones, some did not, some had compasses, some had gps's but we all had maps!!
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Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson Last edited by Highonlife; 03-19-2012 at 01:20 PM. |
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| The Following 25 Users Say Thank You to Highonlife For This Useful Post: | Alpine1 (03-19-2012), AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Altbark (03-19-2012), BarkEater (03-19-2012), Beth (03-21-2012), Blackbear (03-19-2012), Crepuscular (03-19-2012), Dan J (03-26-2012), DeepForest (03-21-2012), FoulHooked (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012), mbowler (03-26-2012), mike1889 (03-22-2012), MtnManJohn (03-20-2012), PA Ridgerunner (03-19-2012), Photobug65 (03-19-2012), Prino (03-22-2012), QuietHikergirlJ (03-19-2012), RondackDave (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012), Trail Boss (03-20-2012), twinpeaks (03-19-2012), vieWseeker (03-22-2012), WannabeALjr (03-19-2012) |
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#2 |
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NATUREISMYHIGH
![]() Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Canton
Posts: 2,078
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Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson |
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#3 |
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White Pine Enthusiast
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 402
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Great trip report! We met a trio who were heading to MacNaughton from Upper Works.
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Crepuscular Rays: Dissolve into evergreens |
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#4 |
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Lovin' Life!
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Coming down off Plateau yesterday, headed toward Sugarloaf, we ran into a group of 7 or 8 youngsters who were hiking the Devil's Path from east to west. All were bare-booting, except the young lady in the lead who was bare-footing!
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Nature we have always with us, an inexhaustible storehouse of that which moves the heart, appeals to the mind, and fires the imagination - health to the body, a stimulus to the intellect, and a joy to the soul. - John Burroughs |
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#5 |
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Sure, Why not!
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Nancy, thanks for organizing and inviting me to this wonderful hike. I can't say enough about the people on this hike.
Three SS W47ers, Nancy, Holly and Don Two HOL W47ers, Holly and Jim The Lamb sisters ( vieWseeker, I need to update you on that fantasy )And of course Brian, It is quite an honor to have been on two consecutive hikes with you that have made it to the famed Summit Hat. Nancy, the smilebox is awesome as usual and I have posted it to my FB page so my mom can enjoy it. Thanks again to everyone.
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"Climbing is about freedom. There's no prize money; there are no gold medals. The mountains are all about going there to do what you want to do. That's why I'll never tell anyone else how to climb. All I can say is, This is how I prefer to do it." Ed Viesturs |
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| The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to ADKJack For This Useful Post: |
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#6 |
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#6385W, 46x2, HOL47er
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Another great day with another great group of people from the Forum
![]() Nancy planned an awesome outing and she jump-started the day by handing out some brightly colored St Paddy Day necklaces and bandanas, which I desperately needed as most of my hiking gear is black and white. We had great conversations and many, many laughs all day long. Awesome navigating job by Nancy, Jack, Don and Brian as we worked our way up McNaughton through a fairly open route. The biggest challenge for me was the post-holing in snowshoes. I can tell you on Sunday I was walking around the house like Frankenstein, all stiff legged and avoiding the stairs ![]() Big thanks to Nancy for organizing it and to Jack, Holly, Brian, Don Mary and Cynda for making the day so much fun. It was a great way to close out this winter
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The mountains are calling and I must go - John Muir |
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| The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Jim C For This Useful Post: |
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#7 |
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Taughannock Falls
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Clifton Park, NY
Posts: 469
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Nancy thanks for organizing the trip. It was a great day with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. The snow and ice were not the greatest but we all knew it could have been much worse. Everyone said they were prepared for difficult sloppy conditions. Yet, we all were there early and ready to go in the morning. It was nice too that all of us had some goal or milestone to achieve Saturday. It was a great group of hikers that just plugged away all day long. And we had some great views at the lookout toward the Macs and enough ice to cross the ponds on the edges and improve the view of MacNaughton too. As a bonus I appreciated the soft snow for the descents and at the finish neither my feet or joints were sore.
Thanks again, Don |
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| The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Hear the Footsteps For This Useful Post: |
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#8 |
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46W
![]() Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: cadyville, New York
Posts: 286
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Congrats to all!
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The reward for climbing is not applause but new sight.- unknown |
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#9 |
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Landscape Surveyor
![]() Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Troy, NY
Posts: 1,589
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Irish eyes were smiling upon you guys on those stream crossings. Nice job!
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What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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#10 |
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Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Town of Halfmoon
Posts: 61
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HOL- thanks for the invite! I was not able to hike on Sat. after all...came down with a bad chest cold. UGH! Great photos!
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HIKING: "It's what I do" |
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#11 |
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Head of Household
![]() Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Old Forge, NY
Posts: 720
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If the trees could only talk
Well, how much fun can one group have
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| The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Alpine1 For This Useful Post: | Highonlife (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012) |
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#12 | |
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Sure, Why not!
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Quote:
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"Climbing is about freedom. There's no prize money; there are no gold medals. The mountains are all about going there to do what you want to do. That's why I'll never tell anyone else how to climb. All I can say is, This is how I prefer to do it." Ed Viesturs |
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#13 |
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That was fun
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: The Cold North
Posts: 951
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Just a fantastic group to share an awesome, one-of-a-kind St. Patrick's Day with!
Loved every part of this trip. Many thanks to Nancy for instigating this event, writing the excellent trip report and assembling a Smilebox that captures the spirit of the hike so beautifully. Holly, Mary, Cynda, Don, Jack, Jim - thank you again for a grand adventure packed with memories I can't stop smiling about. It was a great pleasure and honor to join in the celebrations of each of your impressive milestones, and in the very unique triumph of the entire group: having a blast all day following the inspired direction of our favorite leprechaun. ![]() Even the border guard grinned at the description of how all of us went up and down the mountain wearing those shot-glass beads, bandanas and other ornaments (I declared 'em). ![]() Cool trip all... you too MacNaughton.
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| The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to SummitHat For This Useful Post: | AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Blackbear (03-19-2012), Hear the Footsteps (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012) |
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#14 |
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Adopter of Poco Lean-to
![]() Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 893
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We thought of you all on your McNaughton climb but never doubted that you would all make it. Looks like a fun time with a great group on an awesome winter day. I hope those lambs weren't too baaaaad.
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| The Following User Says Thank You to Adirondack Ladies For This Useful Post: | Highonlife (03-19-2012) |
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#15 |
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22/46
![]() Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NewHaven, NY
Posts: 447
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Nice pictures. Looks like you all had a good time. We were at the Loj taking the compass/orienteering course while friends were hiking. Said they saw a group dressed in green and having a good time. Must have been you!
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HPHikingmoo
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#16 |
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Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Capital District
Posts: 55
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An amazing day and slideshow-I could swear I was Irish while watching.You guys know how to have fun.
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| The Following User Says Thank You to RondackDave For This Useful Post: | Highonlife (03-19-2012) |
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#17 | |
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Enjoying Wellness
![]() Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Montreal
Posts: 8,395
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Those pics remind me that tomorrow I'll be posting pics of a leprechaun that I hiked with on the 17th.
Quote:
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| The Following User Says Thank You to Neil For This Useful Post: | Highonlife (03-19-2012) |
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#18 |
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"her sister"
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Geographic Center of NY
Posts: 663
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http://adkwannabe.wordpress.com/2012...ghton-3-17-12/
Wordy version and pictures above, expressions of gratitude below: I had such a blast with this everyone! It was so terrific to hike with such a fun group... and I appreciated the comraderie, teamwork, and assistance given, especially at the brook crossings. HOL did an amazing job a coordinating everyone...and it is a St. Patrick's Day I will always remember fondly. Hiking with forum members has been a real treat, putting names and faces together and really makes this seem like a community. Thanks to all who keep it alive and flowing.
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Ready to join AlpineLamb's flock... 46W +1W AlpineAce: 46/46 AlpineNinja: 46/46 http://adkwannabe.wordpress.com/about/ |
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| The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to WannabeALjr For This Useful Post: | ADKJack (03-19-2012), AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Hear the Footsteps (03-19-2012), Highonlife (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012), vieWseeker (03-22-2012) |
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#19 |
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Consultant
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northville
Posts: 317
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Fantastic Photos and Music ! I love St Patty's and I loved your idea . I might have to plan that for next year ! Sure looked fun!
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Not all those who wander are lost....JRR Tolkien |
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#20 |
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"her sister"
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Essex County NY
Posts: 800
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I am finally getting to see this! Wow what can I say that the others have not???
(I love that this smile guy is GREEN!) That was such an amazingly fun (and colorful!) smilebox .Thanks Nancy, you are just an awesome person and I am so blessed to now call you my friend and I am so fortunate that you made it your mission to get me to that summit so I could kiss that sign! Thanks for all the green trinkets and for asking us to be a part of such a great group.This was just such an awesome bunch of people, I love this forum! ![]() Everyone is so kind and patient and helpful and FUN! It was great to get to hike with Jack & Jim and to meet and hike with Holly, Don, and Brian (the most patient man I have ever met!) and of course to get to climb MacNaughton with my sister was really special. As Jim said great job by the navigation team, you all really worked so well together! MacNaughton is a mountain I know well and is now my friend; (I have to say the Northeast side is nothing like the Southwest side !)TR about the next day's adventure with Nancy coming soon....
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Think outside...no box required |
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| The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to AlpineLamb For This Useful Post: | Hear the Footsteps (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012) |
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