Cliff #46

[Doodles]

My last weekend push for #39-#46.

The weekend weather was looking good for a strong finish of the 46.

I started out Saturday morning from South Meadows towards Marcy Dam. A bit cloudy to start the morning but very comfortable hiking. I made quick work of going up Phelps. After finding the top I came back out to the face towards Marcy and Colden and decided to wait a while for the clouds to lift. While waiting I heard familiar foot steps. Yes. Once again for the second Saturday in a row, the first hikers I see are Craig and Carl. Great to see you guys again. We chatted for a bit and after a few pictures I was off to Tabletop. I later found out that some of the hikers I passed on the way down were finishing their 46 on Phelps. Congratulations to them!

I made my way up Tabletop, checked out the limited views and continued on. I stopped at Indian Falls for an extended lunch. By this time the clouds had lifted and bright sunshine filled the sky.

Moving on, up I went to Marcy. The views were spectacular. The summit was crowded, as I made my way around looking off in all directions. With a good mental image and a few digital ones, I continued on with my sights set for two more peaks for the day.

I made my way down to the four corners and on up to Skylight. I found the summit with only a father and son who were getting ready to depart. I took a bit of a longer break and talked with two other hikers who came up shortly after me. With daylight burning it was time to depart Skylight.

I found my way down to Lake Tear of the Clouds and up to Gray I went. On the summit I once again found the father and son from Skylight. Here we chatted a bit and found out that we grew up in the same area years ago. A few more pictures and it was time to find a place to sleep for the night.

I decided to camp at Uphill lean-to area. That would set me up in the morning for Redfield and #46 Cliff. I came in to camp, set up, and ate diner with two other hikers at the lean-to.

It was a bit of a chilly night, so I lingered in my hammock for an extra 1/2 hour in the morning. Ate breakfast, packed up and off to Redfield by 7:30. It was shaping up to be another great day. I made way my up, recorded the images once again and back down the way I came.

Back at the trail I replenished my water for the final climb. As i climbed Cliff I felt like I was in a jungle gym. Over and under, under and over, over and under, then OUCH. As I came under I didn't see the tree that knocked my head about 3 inches into my neck and rattled my teeth. That slowed me down a bit. Anyway when the stars went away I was moving again. Over the first summit and on to the second. Finally I saw the broken Cliff sign. As I made my final step all I said was YESSSS.
I lingered a while to take in #46. Then it was time to leave.

I decided to hike out via Avalanch Lake since I have not been that way yet. It was a very scenic way to end my trip.

George
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/554211875cpOBoc

[1ADAM12]

Congrats on #46......why did you choose this unique peak for the finish?

[ElectricMan]

Great trip report George. Congrats on finishing your 46. You sure had a splendid weekend for it.

Originally Posted by Doodles

As I came under I didn't see the tree that knocked my head about 3 inches into my neck and rattled my teeth.

The picture of you on Cliff…….you do look about 3” shorter.

Originally Posted by Doodles

That slowed me down a bit.

I doubt that....

[masshysteria]

Nice job,George! I'm sure going through the pass was the icing on the cake!

[Rik]

Congrats! I love seeing people finish on those strange little peaks that everyone complains about. Well done.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by 1ADAM12

Congrats on #46......why did you choose this unique peak for the finish?

I guess it just kind of worked out that way, but as I got down to these last 7, I did realize that Cliff is actually ranked #46 in height and that seems appropriate for the 46th peak.

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Doodles

I guess it just kind of worked out that way, but as I got down to these last 7, I did realize that Cliff is actually ranked #46 in height and that seems appropriate for the 46th peak.

It is 46th of 100 but not 46th of The 46. Congrats again.

[Zer0-G]

Way to go George!

I am happy to have shared a number of those peaks with you.

Hats off to an outstanding accomplishment.

Ronnie

[AlpineSummit]

Cheers!
Hats off for finishing on Cliff.

[MattC]

Originally Posted by Rik

It is 46th of 100 but not 46th of The 46.

Which only points up the absurdity of this whole exercise. We're all a little touched aren't we?

Congrats, George! Like all mountains, Cliff has it's charms. The cliff reminded Jay and I a little of Friday Mt. You had some other nice peaks in your final blitz there as well, Skylight in particular.

Oh, BTW-now you have to return to the Catskills next weekend and backpack the following peaks-Rusk, Hunter, SW Hunter and West Kill. Otherwise your 46 doesn't count. See Ronnie's and my most recent TRs.

Matt

[Zer0-G]

Originally Posted by MattC

Oh, BTW-now you have to return to the Catskills next weekend and backpack the following peaks-Rusk, Hunter, SW Hunter and West Kill. Otherwise your 46 doesn't count. See Ronnie's and my most recent TRs.

Matt

Oh, yes, and you have to do it on a solo backpack and then write a report so that we can comment on it.

[randomscooter]

Congrats Doodles!

I was in the same area Saturday and may have met you along the trail, as I was going in exactly the opposite route from Uphill leanto (2pm) to Gray, Skylight, and Marcy (5:30pm) before heading back out to S. Meadows where I started early in the morning (3am).

I looked at your photos to see if I'd recognize the face, but I didn't. I was probably staring at the ground in front of my feet anyways

Anyways...
Phelps -> Tabletop -> Marcy -> Skylight -> Gray -> Redfield -> Cliff
... quite a weekend finale!!

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by MattC

Oh, BTW-now you have to return to the Catskills next weekend and backpack the following peaks-Rusk, Hunter, SW Hunter and West Kill. Otherwise your 46 doesn't count. See Ronnie's and my most recent TRs.

Matt

Sorry Matt and Ronnie. The Catskills will have to wait. Thursday I will be back on the AT. Fontana Dam to Hot Springs, another 107 miles. That will leave me with Fontana Dam to Springer left to do next Spring.

Will this count as a follow up hike to finishing the Dacks??
I am only taking 3 zero days between the Dacks and the AT.

I hate when not having vacation time left gets in the way of hiking.

See you guys in the Cats when I get back.

George

[Zer0-G]

Originally Posted by Doodles

Will this count as a follow up hike to finishing the Dacks??
I am only taking 3 zero days between the Dacks and the AT.

Matt and I will consult at length and decide if that is acceptable or not .....

[Joe H.]

Congratulations on your finish to the 46!