ADKHighPeaks  
Forum Rules Statement of Purpose Membership Disclaimer Site History
Adkhighpeaks Foundation Donations and Online Store Adkhighpeaks Wiki visit ADKForum.com

Go Back   ADKHighPeaks > Hiking > Adirondack Trip Reports
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 03-19-2012, 09:37 AM   #1
Highonlife
NATUREISMYHIGH
 
Highonlife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Canton
Posts: 2,078
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
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 while the others went with Brian, he must of crossed that three times to make sure everyone was across, he found a good spot. 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. Soon we got on the ridge, Brian was in the lead and it seemed every other step for him he was in a trap. But finally there is was the SIGN, I grabbed it and the rest did some yelling. The summit area itself was very small so there was mini group photos. Group photos...myself,Holly and Jim for HOL47, Don,Holly and myself SSW47, Mary because this was her third attempt and FINALLY she was there. Cynda, Jack, Holly, Mary, Jim it was their first winter MacNaughton too. Brian well just to be part of a special day which was real special to me.
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!!
__________________
Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson

Last edited by Highonlife; 03-19-2012 at 01:20 PM.
Highonlife is offline   Reply With Quote
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)
Old 03-19-2012, 09:50 AM   #2
Highonlife
NATUREISMYHIGH
 
Highonlife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Canton
Posts: 2,078
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rik View Post
Interesting choice...
Well it was warm...lmao...I changed it....
__________________
Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson
Highonlife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 10:18 AM   #3
Crepuscular
White Pine Enthusiast
 
Crepuscular's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 402
Great trip report! We met a trio who were heading to MacNaughton from Upper Works.
Crepuscular is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 10:20 AM   #4
PA Ridgerunner
Lovin' Life!
 
PA Ridgerunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Central NY
Posts: 2,418
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I am a Catskill 35er I cross post at ADKForum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rik View Post
Interesting choice...
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!
__________________
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
PA Ridgerunner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 10:23 AM   #5
ADKJack
Sure, Why not!
 
ADKJack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Mt Adams
Posts: 2,040
adkhighpeaks Foundation Board of Directors adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
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.
__________________
"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
ADKJack is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to ADKJack For This Useful Post:
AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 12:29 PM   #6
Jim C
#6385W, 46x2, HOL47er
 
Jim C's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Long Island, NY. Avatar: Laughing all the way to Blake
Posts: 1,359
I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
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
__________________
The mountains are calling and I must go - John Muir
Jim C is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Jim C For This Useful Post:
AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Blackbear (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 12:50 PM   #7
Hear the Footsteps
Taughannock Falls
 
Hear the Footsteps's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Clifton Park, NY
Posts: 469
I am a 46er I am a Catskill 35er
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
Hear the Footsteps is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Hear the Footsteps For This Useful Post:
AlpineLamb (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012), Jim C (03-19-2012), SummitHat (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 01:08 PM   #8
Murph
46W
 
Murph's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: cadyville, New York
Posts: 286
I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
Congrats to all!
__________________
The reward for climbing is not applause but new sight.-
unknown
Murph is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 01:13 PM   #9
RTSpoons
Landscape Surveyor
 
RTSpoons's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Troy, NY
Posts: 1,589
Irish eyes were smiling upon you guys on those stream crossings. Nice job!
__________________
What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
RTSpoons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 01:56 PM   #10
Trek4dm
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Town of Halfmoon
Posts: 61
I am a 46er I am a Catskill 35er I cross post at ADKForum
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!
__________________
HIKING: "It's what I do"
Trek4dm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 03:24 PM   #11
Alpine1
Head of Household
 
Alpine1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Old Forge, NY
Posts: 720
I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
If the trees could only talk

Well, how much fun can one group have...pictures tell it all or do they
Alpine1 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Alpine1 For This Useful Post:
Highonlife (03-19-2012), Holly Berry (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 03:35 PM   #12
ADKJack
Sure, Why not!
 
ADKJack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Mt Adams
Posts: 2,040
adkhighpeaks Foundation Board of Directors adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine1 View Post
Well, how much fun can one group have...pictures tell it all or do they
Shhhh vieWseeker will be jealous
__________________
"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
ADKJack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 04:55 PM   #13
SummitHat
That was fun
 
SummitHat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: The Cold North
Posts: 951
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
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.
SummitHat is offline   Reply With Quote
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)
Old 03-19-2012, 05:20 PM   #14
Adirondack Ladies
Adopter of Poco Lean-to
 
Adirondack Ladies's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 893
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter
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.
Adirondack Ladies is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Adirondack Ladies For This Useful Post:
Highonlife (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 05:49 PM   #15
HPHikingMoo
22/46
 
HPHikingMoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NewHaven, NY
Posts: 447
I cross post at ADKForum
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!
__________________
HPHikingmoo
HPHikingMoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 06:06 PM   #16
RondackDave
Member
 
RondackDave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Capital District
Posts: 55
I am a 46er
An amazing day and slideshow-I could swear I was Irish while watching.You guys know how to have fun.
RondackDave is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to RondackDave For This Useful Post:
Highonlife (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 06:34 PM   #17
Neil
Enjoying Wellness
 
Neil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Montreal
Posts: 8,395
adkhighpeaks Foundation Board of Directors adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er I cross post at ADKForum
Those pics remind me that tomorrow I'll be posting pics of a leprechaun that I hiked with on the 17th.

Quote:
A leprechaun is a type of fairy in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man, clad in a green coat, who enjoys partaking in mischief
.
Neil is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Neil For This Useful Post:
Highonlife (03-19-2012)
Old 03-19-2012, 06:41 PM   #18
WannabeALjr
"her sister"
 
WannabeALjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Geographic Center of NY
Posts: 663
adkhighpeaks Foundation Board of Directors adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er
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.
__________________
Ready to join AlpineLamb's flock...

46W +1W
AlpineAce: 46/46
AlpineNinja: 46/46


http://adkwannabe.wordpress.com/about/
WannabeALjr is offline   Reply With Quote
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)
Old 03-19-2012, 07:00 PM   #19
Blackbear
Consultant
 
Blackbear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northville
Posts: 317
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!
__________________
Not all those who wander are lost....JRR Tolkien
Blackbear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2012, 07:28 PM   #20
AlpineLamb
"her sister"
 
AlpineLamb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Essex County NY
Posts: 800
adkhighpeaks Site Supporter I am a 46er
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....

__________________
Think outside...no box required !
AlpineLamb is offline   Reply With Quote
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)
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

DISCLAIMER: Use of these forums, and information found herein, is at your own risk. Use of this site by members and non-members alike is only granted by the Adkhighpeaks Foundation provided the terms and conditions found in the FULL DISCLAIMER have been read. Continued use of this site implies that you have read, understood and agree to the terms and conditions of this site. Any questions can be directed to the Administrator of this site.