WINTER 2023 | 21 thought it might be a good idea to put my shoes on top of the fireplace and let them dry out during the night. So much for that idea! I woke up sometime during the night and heard rain pelting down on the roof of the leanto. In the morning, I got up, poured the water out of my shoes and put them on, wet socks and all. I never set my boots out to dry again. Morning dawned in the characteristic misty envelopment, but the weather didn't dampen our spirits. After eating a good breakfast, and fortified with Ed's freshly brewed, strong coffee, we packed up and took off for the summit of Marcy. Ed managed the perfect cup of Java by boiling water in the can which contained the previous night's chicken dinner. Into this he dropped a goodsized hand full of ground coffee and an eggshell. After that mixture had boiled for a reasonable amount of time, he poured cold water on the top which forced the coffee grounds and egg shells to sink to the bottom. Being a city boy with more interest in tennis courts than mountains, I was overwhelmed by the expansive vista so magnificently stretched out before me no matter which way I turned. By this time, the mists had lifted, the sun was coming out, and it seemed there was unlimited vision in every compass direction. I was elated and impressed and had forgotten all about the mud, wet shoes, and all the misgivings I had on my first trip to the mountains. After spending considerable time on Marcy’s summit consulting our Conservation Department trail maps, trying to identify the different peaks surrounding us, we reluctantly decided that it was time to push on to our next objective. The plan was to descend the east side of Marcy taking the Red Trail and Blue Trail towards the summit of Little Haystack and turn down the Blue Trail to get to the col at the base of Basin. Here we planned to stay at Sno Bird Leanto the second night. Up to this point we had spent all of our hiking gaining altitude. Now we would be hiking down and losing altitude. I knew that the altitude we were losing would have to be regained the next day and the thought crossed my mind that this mountain climbing sure had its ups and downs. Comparing the ascent and descent phases, I think I liked the ascent better. The descent was quite steep and my knees seemed to be taking most of the punishment. However, we made good time and arrived at the Sno Bird camp in plenty of time to rest up and leisurely prepare our evening meal. Sno Bird was a disappointment after the comparative luxury of Plateau. There were no balsam boughs on the leanto floor and the fireplace had seen better days. That night we slept on bare boards rolled up in our blankets. I don't think many of us got a very good night's sleep because it was quite chilly and the breezes came up through the floor boards keeping us cold clear through. Also, unbeknown to me, I had placed my blanket over a bed of porcupine quills which contributed to my fitful night's sleep. Nevertheless, we were up with the sun the next morning eating quickly as we figured we had quite a hike ahead of us if we were to get back to the cars by late afternoon. Basin was our first objective and we had no problem getting to the top. We took the time to relax and explore for picture vantage points. Again, I was impressed with the quiet and peaceful surroundings, and the fact that we were only a few miles from the hustle and bustle of daily events. Here we were alone with time to chat and think without fear of interruption. The only noise that we could hear was the sound and songs of the birds as they went about their daily tasks. After the lull, we set out for the summit of Saddleback. After a seemingly short time we reached the peak and again took time out to experience the rapture of the Adirondacks. Up to this time I don't recall meeting any other hikers on the trails. We all knew that this was our last peak and, reluctantly, we started down the Orebed Brook Trail toward our final objective, the cars. The pack basket was quite light now and the only sounds were the clanking of the tin cans which we were bringing back for disposal in our home garbage cans. It was quite a hike out but we were all buoyed by the expectation of more trips to come and the camaraderie of the whole group. I don't remember much of the trip home, maybe I slept, I don't recall. I do know that I was sad and glad when we reached our home base. I knew then that two blocks away there was a good hot bath and my own bed. It didn't take me long to negotiate the two blocks back home and after a short description of our odyssey, I headed for my two objectives. Soon I was safely in my own bed, probably dreaming of my first Adirondack adventure. From left, Jack Colby, Harry May, Bill Lance, Ed Hudowalski, #6, and Charlie Horn, #11, pose at the long-since-dismantled rock shelter on the summit of Marcy.
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