THE MAGAZINE OF THE ADIRONDACK FORTY-SIXERS / VOL. LXIV NO. 1 THE SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
CONTENTS Vol. LXIV No. 1 SUMMER 2026 President’s Report By Dave Pawlick #12803......................................................................... p. 2 Editor’s Ramble By Sherry Roulston #12512...................................................................... p. 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITORS .................................................... p. 6 TOP SHOT ............................................................................................ p. 8 TALKING POINTS Interview with Tony Solomon / By Neal Burdick ............................. p. 10 FROM THE VAULT How We Survived the Loss of Grace Hudowalski........................... p. 17 BOULDER REPORT By Dave Pawlick #12803 ...................................................................... p. 20 2025 Finishers.......................................................................................... p. 28 MOUNTAIN VIGNETTES A Dose of Doggie Dopamine By Ashleigh Livingston #ASP31018..................................................... p. 44 Adirondacks and the Pacific Northwest By Kristine Agnew Webb....................................................................... p. 47 Two for 46: A Father and Son Journey By Eric Galarneau #16126 ..................................................................... p. 49 The Poem: Wright Peak By Tim Lacy ............................................................................................... p. 51 A 46er’s Final Challenge: Climbing Colden via the Trap Dike By Tom Gerace #15270 ........................................................................ p. 52 Peaks for Pierson By John Brennan #12661....................................................................... p. 54 IN MEMORIAM................................................................................. p. 57 CLUB NEWS........................................................................................ p. 58 IN THE PACK...................................................................................... p. 62 MEMBERS ONLY............................................................................. p. 64 P. 58 P. 44 ADIRONDACK PEEKS
ABBREVIATION KEY #XXXXX = 46er Number W = Winter 46er V = Volunteer ASP = Aspiring SKI = Skied all 46 P. 10 P. 17 P. 28 SUMMER 2026 | 1 ON THE COVER Taken by Johnathan A. Esper #3187W from an unnamed pond a short distance away from Seward Brook
HELLO FELLOW 46ERS AND ASPIRING MEMBERS! I hope you are enjoying the annual rebirth of our beautiful forests and the mountain streams that have been recharged from the winter snowmelt. Adirondacks provide a truly magical focal point for so many of us. Decades before I started hiking, I found myself frequently driving through the Adirondacks to get to college or for my work assignments, and the mountains always seemed to calm and soothe me. That serenity has only increased over the years. For many people that read this magazine, their association with the Adirondack Park centers on the beautiful mountains, lakes and trails. That is still the first thing that enters my mind, but we also share in the responsibility to ensure the Park’s protection and conservation. You are probably aware that in April 2026, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation released a report entitled “High Peaks Project Area Visitor Use Management Pilot Project, Final Recommendations Report and Monitoring Plan.” While the deadline for submitting any comments has expired, it is still wise to familiarize yourself with some of the key recommendations in that report. What else can you do to ensure the protection and conservation of the Adirondack Park? Glad you asked! You can volunteer for activities that have the same objective. The Forty-Sixers have several programs that need volunteers, like Trail Crew, Trailhead Stewarding, Adopt a Highway and Outdoor Skills Workshop. You may also have a particular skill that could help with administrative responsibilities of the Forty-Sixers. For more information about these opportunities, go to the Volunteer With Us tab of our website (ADK46er.org). There are also many other organizations that are involved in the protection and conservation of the Adirondack Park, and I encourage you to learn about volunteer opportunities with those organizations. Volunteering is more than an act of kindness, it is an act of giving that extends well beyond the immediate impact of the activity. Volunteering is a commitment that not only brings change and assistance to those in need, it offers opportunities for personal enrichment and connection. Studies show that volunteering is also good for your well-being. Participating in volunteer activities has been consistently linked to improved mental and emotional health. Volunteers often report a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and a reduction in stress levels. The act of helping others provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing significantly to overall life satisfaction and well-being. To be a volunteer goes beyond the immediate task at hand—it ignites a chain reaction of goodwill and impacts lives in profound ways. You’re not just giving your time; you’re making a difference across communities. If your personal situation does not allow you to participate in the volunteer activities mentioned above, there are always opportunities in your local communities, and it could be as simple as calling someone to say hello or shopping assistance for someone with limited mobility. Local support agencies can help identify some of those opportunities. Every volunteer journey starts with a single step: one volunteer, one act of kindness, one worthy cause at a time. How you will you start or reignite your journey? Have a safe and enjoyable summer! PRESIDENT’S REPORT Dave Pawlick, #12803 Portraits by Pete Sucheski #155000 president@adk46er.org 2 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
AdirondackPEEKS Volume LXIV No. 1, SUMMER 2026 OFFICERS David Pawlick, President Felicia Neahr, Vice President Laurie Rankin, Immediate Past President DIRECTORS Bob Harvey, Brent Pierce, Jen Black, TJ Michon, Erin Roberts, Mark Simpson APPOINTED OFFICERS Treasurer Philip Corell Recording Secretary Jessica Heck Assistant Secretary Debbie Bedard Outdoor Skills Workshop Coordinators Bill Lundy, Dan Auwarter Office of the Historian Lee Nesbitt, Siobhán Carney-Nesbitt Trailmasters Mark Simpson, Doug Varney, Thomas Caruso, Curt Snyder, Brian Hoody, Michele McCall, Tom Armstrong, Website Liaison and Content Manager Joe Ryan Merchandising Donna Merrill, Brian Coholan Membership Jim Houghtaling PEEKS Magazine Editor - Sherry Roulston Copy Editor - Mark Obbie Art Director - Pete Sucheski Editorial Offices Manuscript and photographic submissions for PEEKS should be mailed to Sherry Roulston at 24 Layman Lane, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901 or emailed to PEEKS@adk46er.org. Correspondent Program Kristen Peek, Correspondents@adk46er.org Dues Status and Payments Jim Houghtaling, Membership Coordinator, PO Box 4383, Queensbury, NY, 12804 treasurer@adk46er.org Outdoor Skills Workshop osw@adk46er.org Trailhead Steward Program TrailheadStewards@adk46er.org Volunteer Trailwork trailcrew@adk46er.org Adopt a Highway adopthighway@adk46er.org For additional information on club activities and to register to become a 46er visit the club’s website, adk46er.org, or send an email to officeofthehistorian46@gmail.com. Adirondack PEEKS is published twice a year by the Adirondack Forty-Sixers, Inc., a nonprofit organization. PEEKS is free to members in good standing. To receive a copy, register to become an Aspiring/Contributing member of the 46ers by creating a website account at adk46er.org. Adirondack PEEKS is printed by Walsworth Photograph by Nancie Battaglia #3543 taken from Wright Peak
PEEKS documents history in the making. The 2025-26 winter will be remembered as a cold one — just ask any one of our recent winter 46ers (p. 58)! Out of 17,068 46ers, only 1,280 are winter 46ers: 7.5%. Congratulations! Highlights from the Boulder Report from our 763 newest finishers (p. 20) transports us over trails, across bridges and up summits, hot-wiring our memories as we retrace our own footsteps over familiar ground with newfound friends. History is the story of people: their thoughts, inspiration and actions. In Talking Points (p. 10), Neal Burdick shines light on two unsung heroes who teamed up to preserve our traditions by gripping the reins as historians after Grace Hudowalski retired. Grace communicated with hikers and safeguarded their letters for more than 50 years. Decades of letters penned by aspiring hikers detailed their hopes, setbacks and victories and serve as the bedrock of our organization, bridging connections between successive generations of 46ers. It’s a tradition that differentiates us from other organizations. In From the Vault (p. 17), we republish a section from the 46er history book Heaven Up-h’isted-ness! that details the rich history of this momentous transition postGrace, our original bridge-builder. In Mountain Vignettes (p. 44), read about an anxious golden retriever turned hardcore rock-climber; a Pacific Northwesterner’s take on hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks; what the spirit of 46ering reveals over four generations of fathers and sons (soon to include a daughter); and a story of a team of aspirants, one shouldering a 55-pound pack, paying homage to a murdered police officer. In Club News (p. 58) read about our new endeavor with Champlain Area Trail System (CATS), the 46ers’ first sponsored Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training class instructed by James Wolff at CATS’ recently purchased 675.5acre Twin Valleys Educational Center in Wadsham. This is not the first time that the 46ers have partnered with CATS. The 46ers’ focus will always be on the High Peaks, but we also enjoy sharing our talents on other trail systems within the Blue Line like the CATS trails. The plan is to continue WFA training annually. I explored Twin Valleys, which boasts 15 miles of marked trails within pristine woods, and hiked up Payne and Whipple mountains. Give it a go — you’ll be glad you did. After some elevation and fresh air, head over to the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown. Forty-sixers get free admission again this summer. And, while supplies last, we get a copy of the Marshall Centennial Edition book The High Peaks of the Adirondacks and a replica 46r of Troy patch. Let us know what you think of the new PEEKS design and be sure to participate in the poll on page 64. Kick back, turn the page and let PEEKS carry you up the mountains. Have a great summer, and ramble on! HELLO MEMBERS! By now you must be noticing PEEKS magazine’s new look! Pete Sucheski #15500, our new art director, shouldering a 100L pack loaded with experience and artistic vision, revamped the style and design, adding cohesion and appeal sure to keep six generations of 46ers turning the page. Although PEEKS’ appearance continues to change, its mission remains the same in its 62 years of print: to further the fellowship of the 46ers, promote the conservation of the Adirondack Peaks, encourage the right kind of climbing . . . inform 46ers and Aspiring 46ers about each other and their doings . . . supply current hiking information . . . serve as a means of communication. EDITOR’S RAMBLE Sherry Roulston, #12512 Sherry.Roulston@uvm.edu “Welcome to our new look. PEEKS’ appearance changed, but its mission is the same.” SUMMER 2026 | 5 Photograph by Nancy Battaglia #3543
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS P.S. Perhaps we can get a small group together for Gary’s round 101 finish in 2026! To the Editor: I received my PEEKS and read it cover to cover. Sherry did an amazing job recognizing Gary’s 100 rounds accomplishment and celebration on Whiteface. I was glad I finally got to meet Sherry on the summit, too. I was impressed that Gary told of his Bear Den “rescue” ... that was a SCUMBAG hike … proves he is human after all. Was wonderful to see so many contributed their memories to his trek! All the Winter 2025 issue stories were so well done. Keep up the great work! Happy Trails! —Barb Harris #2824WV To the Editor: I received PEEKS today. The publication is beautiful; the cover, the photographs and the layout are superb, with an array of interesting articles. P.S. I also really enjoyed Jessica Zuhisdorf’s story and all the great To the Editor: My wife got home last evening about 6 p.m. I gave her the PEEKS Winter 2025 edition that had arrived earlier, and she could not put it down!! I am reading it again; the entire issue is magnificent: best in my 40 years as a subscriber! Kudos to the staff. This issue makes me the proudest I have ever been since becoming a member. What a year for PEEKS, and the 46ers! The High Peaks are a magnet for good people. —BEN10 #2180W 6 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
Thanks Ken Marcinowski #4240, for sending in this historic photo of Grace Hudowalski #9 sharing her words of wisdom at a 46er gathering. Directly behind Grace is the president at the time, Phil Corell #224WV. Next to Phil is Ditt Dittmar #31, club treasurer for 53 years. images. And Barbara Marshall’s story. I read them all! —John Borel #4052 To the Editor: I enjoyed the article about Gary Koch in the last issue. Although he and I communicated regularly during many years of my editing Adirondac, the modest fellow never mentioned that he was in quest of 46er round 100. Gary was our Trivia Corner master, six (usually) times a year submitting his arcane questions typed and snailmailed, forcing me to grumble as I retyped them into a Word file. “Why won’t this guy get a computer and email the darn things??” (I always wondered where in the world he ever found new ribbons for his old-fashioned typewriter.) Fortunately, they were short, always illuminating and entertaining. One example: QUESTION: Which High Peak is named for a distant relative of an ADK guidebook author? ANSWER: Phelps, named for legendary guide Orson Schofield “Old Mountain” Phelps, a distant relation of equally legendary Dr. Orra Phelps, author of ADK’s first guidebook in the 1930s. —Neal Burdick To the Editor: Can you please inform me of what the various designations are after a 46 number. - I assume W is for winter 46er? - What is V? - What is WV? - What is SKI? - What is V SKI? —Peter Howard #4015 Congratulations, Gary. Perhaps someday an Adirondac Trivia Corner will ask,“Who was the second person to complete 100 rounds of the 46?” Answer: Gary Koch. —Neal Burdick, Proud 37er, Shelburne, VT Letter to the Editor: I noted that some members have a ‘V” along with their ADK 46er number, e.g. #1137WV. I know that the ‘W” is for a winter-46er. What does the “V” represent? Thank you, —Daniel Lewicki #4932W RESPONSE FROM THE EDITORS: V = Volunteer WV = Winter 46er and Volunteer SKI = Skied all 46 High Peaks (although the 46er Organization is not following these accomplishments) You may have noticed we’ve added a small key on the Table of Contents so there is no longer any confusion. SUMMER 2026 | 7
8 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
SUMMER 2026 | 9 I grew up in the shadow of Owl’s Head Mountain overlooking Lake Eaton, and have always found their Adirondack origin and caretaker stories so interesting, full of a distinctly Adirondack lore. Spending a quiet evening or morning up in a fire tower cab — up in the breeze and among the treetops with no one else around—is always a memorable moment. —JOHNATHAN A. ESPER #3187W FROM ST. REGIS MOUNTAIN
How do you fill the hiking boots of a legend? A young “Amazing Grace” Hudowalski #9 (1906-2004), first woman 46er, created the role of 46er Historian simply by deciding to do so and then figuring out what to do and how to do it. She served for more than 60 years, 45 of them in an acknowledged official capacity, maintaining correspondence files, answering thousands of letters (some 1,600 in 1991, on her portable electric typewriter, which she staunchly refused to replace with a computer, or even to upgrade), assigning climbing numbers, and on and on — for the most part, single-handedly. Finally, with both the 20th century and herself in their 90s, she needed help. According to one key successor, it took “about 27 people to continue the work that Grace had done by herself.” Case in point: 82 boxes, or almost 40 cubic feet, of members’ correspondence and questionnaires were packed up and A Brief History of 46er Historians With special recognition for Tony Solomon and the late Jane Nye, By Neal Burdick WHERE: Historian’s Office WHEN: 1996 TALKING POINTS HISTORY OF THE CLUB AND THE ADIRONDACKS Grace 2.0’s Tony Solomon #3626WV and Jane Nye #4142V at their home. 10 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
transferred to the New York State Archives in Albany. Anton “Tony” Solomon #3626WV, a retired Amsterdam high school math teacher in the Albany area, was that successor. Having worked closely with Grace earlier, he began formally in 1996, although many other volunteers helped fill the breach in many ways (see sidebar). “Forty-Sixers are good for that!” Tony says. “At first I was in awe of Grace,” says Tony, whose resume reveals that he knew how to fly small planes (although he never bothered to get his pilot’s license) and was an EMT, a volunteer fireman who once rescued several children from a flaming house, a motorcyclist until he was in his 80s, and a contributor to the Upper Range chapter of the 46er history book Heaven Up-H’isted-ness! “There was nothing she couldn’t do,” Tony says of Grace. “It didn’t take her long to put me at ease with her kind, gentle, generous nature. “Grace was very organized,” Tony told an Adirondack Daily Enterprise news reporter several years ago. “She had developed a wonderful system to keep track of ‘her’ climbers,” the basis of which, computerized now, is still in use. “The problem was that no one knew what that inscrutable system was, except Grace. So, Suzanne Lance #1802WV, former PEEKS editor, and her husband, George Sloan #2651WV, then 46er president, spent several evenings interviewing Grace and developed a handbook that documented Grace’s system. It was a big help.” Soon, Tony asked his companion, Jane Nye #4142V, to join the “Grace 2.0” group. “Since Jane had been an office manager for a large company, she was perfect for the job,” he explains. They moved Grace’s 46er history office to a room in the law offices of L. John Van Norden #2110W in Schenectady. They also firmed up the system of correspondents, who, Tony says, “are the backbone of our organization. Some correspondents write to more than 400 climbers. We encourage them to write in a tradition started by Grace. We feel that this is very special and sets the 46ers apart from other hiking clubs. By reporting to us, climbers are encouraged to love and respect the mountains. They are given encouragement when needed — and restraint when necessary.” As the millennium approached, consideration was given to dispensing with Tony Solomon and Barb Harris #2824WV on their first hike together, tasked with removing the canister on Gray “Always ready for a good time”: Tony and Jane, second and third from left, with a crew at Camp Peggy O’Brien SUMMER 2026 | 11
personalized correspondence and replacing it with form letters, as most organizations were doing in the interest of efficiency. George Sloan was among those who argued persuasively for continuation of the personal letters as a reflection of the club’s character. In April 2026, George kindly interviewed Tony, now 85, at his retirement home in Schenectady, for this article. Following are short edited excerpts from that lengthy interview: George Sloan: How did you and Jane meet? Tony Solomon: The Clifton Park Senior Center offered a bus trip to the GE Museum in Schenectady. Guess who sat next to me? We discovered a common interest in motorcycling and hiking; I was a 46er, and she was working on her list, so we did some hiking together. GS: Were you helping Grace at that point? TS: Yes. I was told, “You gotta behave with Grace, do this, do that.” So I was very careful at first. But Grace said, “What’s the matter with you? Just relax; I’ll tell you what to do.” GS: How did you get into hiking? TS: I was in the Boy Scouts and we would go to Vermont. Then I got a summer job helping in the kitchen at the state (Department of Environmental Conservation) education camp at Ray Brook. We used to take the kids on hikes up Whiteface and my job was to carry a pack basket with everyone’s sandwiches. I think I climbed Whiteface once or twice when I worked at the camp. Later, I went to Adirondak Loj and started in, not knowing anything. I joined people who were heading for Marcy, Skylight, and Gray. On Gray, they showed me the canister with the log. I said, “What is this?” I don’t think I signed it, but that was my introduction to the 46, and the 46ers. GS: I have some great memories of you and Jane at your house. TS: I remember the time when you brought a huge bottle of wine to our Thanksgiving dinner but couldn’t get the cork out. I got a mammoth electric drill and drilled it out. GS: What attracted you to the historian’s job? TS: I was bored in retirement. I was looking for something to do! GS: When you started working with Grace, what was the biggest challenge? TS: It was organizing ourselves. So many people came to the office to help, I can’t remember them all. We had a team, you know. We called us “the Grace Committee.” She was letting more go. We decided that somebody needed to be an office person, not just a historian. Joe Busch ran the numbers every year, Mike Becker compiled the finishers list and Mike McGill did general office chores. GS: Why do you think it’s important for the 46ers to have a historian? TS: I believe in the history of From left: Tony Solomon, Mindy Jatulis, Jane Nye, L. John Van Norden Jane Nye and Ted Davidson Barnett congratulate young finisher Nathaniel Ball in 2013 Mindy Jatulis and wife Linea Visiting Grace at her nursing home are (from left) Jane Nye, Linea and Mindy Jatulis, and Tony Solomon “I believe in the history of the club. A lot of people don’t know that history.” TALKING POINTS 12 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
the club. A lot of people don’t know that history. The 46er club is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I met a lot of people, different people, and you share trail stories…. That has to be recorded, so it will be remembered. After almost three decades of devoted service, Tony Solomon and Jane Nye turned the historian’s job over to Siobhan #5930WV and Lee Nesbitt #5931WV in 2013. “The historian’s office has seen many changes over the years,” says Lee. “The major change since Tony and Jane ran it is the online registration system, which allows finishers to enter their own information and get their 46er climbing number within seconds.” Another is the office’s location. After its tenure at Van Norden’s, it came full circle, returning in 2014 to its roots in a home, in the nursery of baby daughter Maebh Nesbitt #11686W (eventually). Jane died recently and Tony is contending with debilitating health issues. But the tradition of 46er volunteers dedicated to the club’s record-keeping and history lives on, evolving as time and technology dictate. Meanwhile, enjoy reading what their fellow 46ers have to say about Tony and Jane and about 46er historians generally: BARB HARRIS #2824WV: Tony Solomon and Jane Nye were a loving and caring couple who had a treasured relationship with Grace.” My first hike with Tony was when I was president and the Executive Board made the hard decision to remove the beloved canisters on the trailless High Peaks, as DEC had requested. I asked him to join me in “doing” Gray. After we were finished, we took the bushwhack to Marcy. It was beyond terrible! It was shorter than descending Gray, then going to Four Corners and over Marcy for the second time that day, but that was its only redeeming factor. Tony has done it a few more times, but I have no idea WHY! Attempting Hoffman Mountain in 2001 for my ADK Top 100 list, near the summit we encountered a wall of impenetrable blowdown. Tony stayed behind with me to be a medic and clean my bloody wounds. Every organization needs Historian’s Correspondence Assistants in the PostGrace Transitional Years Bruce Anderson #4980 Christine Bourjade #4967W Ken Clayton #4234 Marilyn Corson #2686, caretaker of trailless peak canisters until they were removed. Daniel #4666 and Melissa Eagan #4667V, former PEEKS editors. Tom Faulkner #3299W Mike Gebhard #3633 Millie Gittinger #3331V Jean-René Hickey #3824V, Francophonic correspondent for Quebecois members and aspirants Brian Hoody #4410WV Mindaugas (Mindy) Jatulis #2383V Mike McLean #3869W, a winter correspondent Marty Precheur #3316 Carol Reese #4196 John Rutledge #3553WV Patti Schwankert #4445W Ben Tennyson #2180W, a winter correspondent Barbara Traver #2241 * The list does not include the hundreds of volunteers who helped briefly, some coming from far away. SUMMER 2026 | 13
a historian, but the 46ers are unique with the letter-writing involved. I don’t think any other hiking club requires a little history of our climbs toward becoming a 46er. And, if we didn’t have a historian to record the 46ers, no one could achieve the Northeast 111! PHIL CORELL # 224WV: Tony and Jane’s lifelong dedication and commitment to the 46ers and to Grace’s legacy has set a standard for all volunteers to emulate. Jane had some physical limitations as she grew older, which restricted her hiking and climbing, but she was still out regularly doing what she could. Tony became a Winter 46er and we shared many hikes together. He was steady and dependable, and added to the group’s camaraderie. It was always enjoyable to share stories with him out on the trail. SUZANNE LANCE # 1802WV: Tony and Jane were a lovely, kind, welcoming couple, always ready to lend a hand, take on a challenge, and have fun while accomplishing the task. They both loved Grace TALKING POINTS and were eager to help her in any way they could. They were also devoted to maintaining the long tradition of corresponding with hikers. Tony and Jane adopted Grace’s Himalayan cat, K-Tu (named after the mountain although spelled differently), when Grace moved into a nursing home. They brought K-Tu with them whenever they went to visit Grace. It was always a happy reunion. Those two were always ready for a good time. A birthday celebration at Camp Peggy O’Brien in the winter involved bunny ears and cigars. Enough said on that one…. GARY KOCH 1137WV: Tony and Jane were very sweet people. They became close to Grace and gradually assumed more and more of her duties. When Grace went into a nursing home, Tony essentially became her successor, although he steadfastly refused to use her title. He would always say, “there has been only one 46er historian: Grace Hudowalski.” I believe he took the title of manager of the historian’s office. He and Jane spent MANY hours every week handling the responsibilities of the office, all volunteer. The pair were both fond of fire-tower mountains. I climbed with them many times. Just a couple of years ago, Tony and I and a couple of others climbed Cascade. Tony was 80 or 81 at the time. And I was with Tony when he finished his Winter 46 on Seymour in March 2004. Jane was a very generous soul. She and Tony would have Thanksgiving dinner at “ We must understand how similar all of our journeys have been, how only this small group of people have shared that experience.” 2007 season’s greetings card from Jane Nye and Tony Solomon 14 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
and making them feel valued. All I had to do as president was run two meetings a year and put out small fires. This was also the famous Weekend of the Potato Gun. I remember a length of PVC pipe and a good-sized potato. Tony and I went outside, where Tony loaded the potato into the PVC “barrel” and launched it skyward. Jane, having many times witnessed the firing, wisely stayed indoors. Fortunately, no one was injured. Long after my term as president expired, we exchanged Christmas cards, theirs being the first I received every year. Tony always photoshopped their faces onto Christmas-themed scenes, such as Tony and Jane bundled up in the back of a sleigh, or Tony their home and invite everyone they could think of, usually about 50 relatives, friends, and neighbors. LAURIE RANKIN #5525WV: The first time I met Tony and Jane was at the annual banquet for my finish of the 46. They constantly had a smile on their faces; they were as filled with joy about my finish as they were about everyone’s. I felt so welcomed into this group because of the two of them that night. I never hiked with them, but I met Tony on a bushwhack in the middle of the Catskill woods one day. He just loved being out there! As to the historian’s position, our history is part of the importance of the organization, its care and concern for its beginnings and for all who went before us. We must understand how similar all of our journeys have been, how only this small group of people have shared that experience, and how they overcame obstacles. Perhaps most important is the generosity that those who came before us had for their fellow 46ers and these mountains. We should all follow their example! MARY LOU RECOR #2214WV: I got to know Tony and Jane when, as the new 46er president in 2004, I spent two days with them learning what exactly the volunteers of the Office of the Historian did. I went home feeling grateful that I was president and not historian! Their tasks included picking up mail, sorting it, sending it to correspondents, and advising correspondents and Jane skating in Victorian-era costumes. They always made me laugh! I passed many nights at their home during my quest to climb the Catskill high peaks. They were always gracious hosts as we reminisced about our times climbing the Adirondack High Peaks and serving the organization. Tony joined me on my last 3,500-foot peak, Doubletop, in winter 2020. [Note: Doubletop Mountain is currently closed to the public.] I sat next to Tony on Memorial Day Weekend 2025 when I attended the 46er spring meeting. We were at a table with other old-time 46er volunteers, talking about the good old days when we were still climbing every weekend. He still has his dry sense of humor. 46ers climb Hoffman Mountain in solidarity post-9/11 SUMMER 2026 | 15
LEE NESBITT #5931WV, CURRENT 46ERS CO-HISTORIAN WITH SIOBHAN NESBITT #5930WV: For 18 years, Tony, Jane, and the Office of the Historian existed as one, so tightly intertwined that it was hard to imagine how it would be possible to go on without them. Very few individuals could rival their commitment to the 46ers. Tony and Jane breathed life into the organization, and in return were much adored. The hard work that they put into running the office looked effortless. It was not, and even with streamlining the process, it’s still a labor of love. More than merely keeping the records of all the finishers, Tony and Jane taught us, [as Grace taught them], that foremost is to be there for aspiring climbers and to welcome new finishers. They cared deeply about the 46er organization and about each individual climber. They made you feel like a part of their family, always with a smile on their faces, always kind and humble. They were always excited to talk with a recent finisher about his or her journey. It was always about making new finishers feel welcomed, about seeing people’s faces light up as they talked about their accomplishment of hiking the 46. “Ever since I was a very small boy, mountains have fascinated me,” Tony told George. “I found them to be all things. They gave me solace, companionship, beauty, peace, and tranquility, and on occasion they gave me fear and turmoil.” That’s something we can all say. The author — a proud 37er who lives in Shelburne, Vermont — expresses his appreciation to all who contributed to this article, especially George Sloan, who interviewed Tony Solomon at length. That interview is heavily edited for inclusion here. Those who wish to read the entire interview, verbatim, may apply to nealburdick@gmail.com TALKING POINTS “Tony and Jane taught us that foremost is to be there for aspiring climbers and to welcome new finishers.” From left: Don McMullen, past president Tom Wheller, Tony Solomon Jane Nye at 90 16 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
FROM THE VAULT TWICE TOLD TALES How We Survived the Loss of Grace Hudowalski Internal Organizational Change / Suzanne Lance # 1802WV Y THE END OF 1990 there were 2,859 registered 46ers, an increase of more than 1,200 over the previous decade. The historian’s correspondence files were bursting at the seams as hikers continued writing in to register their climbs. During the fall 1990 meeting, the executive committee decided that it was time for the club to enter the computer age and purchase a computer for Executive Secretary/Treasurer Ditt Dittmar. A computer would facilitate Ditt’s work with such tasks as maintaining the roster of hikers and climbing numbers, organizing the club’s mailing list, generating mailing labels, and recording dues payments. While Ditt was not wildly enthusiastic about computerizing his records, he was excited about the possibility of streamlining a number of his responsibilities. In the spring of 1991, the club received an IBM PC and printer donated from IBM’s Fund for Community Service with the help of recording secretary Mark Turner (#2024), an IBM employee. So, at the age of 76, Ditt embraced the world of computers with the same vigor as he had hiking. With an introductory computer course and some additional assistance to set up a menu-driven system, he quickly made good use of his new electronic assistant. Providing appropriate assistance for Club Historian Grace Hudowalski presented a different set of challenges. She was not interested in entering the computer age. In 1991, Grace wrote 1,600 individual letters to climbers on her portable electric typewriter. Despite the volume, she did not want to learn how to use a computer, nor did she want to upgrade her typewriter. She also rejected the notion of using form letters to reduce the strain, preferring instead to maintain her personal touch. Her single-minded dedication to her responsibilities did not alter the fact that the workload for the position of club historian had reached a level beyond the capability of one person. In addition to recognizing the work overload, several members of the executive committee began to realize that no one had enough knowledge of what Grace actually did and how she did it to assume the role if she were suddenly unable to REPRINTED FROM THE BOOK HEAVEN UP-H’ISTED-NESS! SUMMER 2026 | 17 Photograph by Sherry Roulston #12512
FROM THE VAULT carry out her work. Ditt had prepared his own manual that outlined 37 separate duties and the procedures to accomplish them. That document provided the bulk of the information necessary for someone to take over his responsibilities, but Grace’s organizational structure was known only to her. With a sense of deep reluctance and anxiety, members of the executive committee slowly began to discuss not only ways to ease Grace’s workload but also the need to document the duties of her position. Out of respect for all that she had done for the club, members of the executive committee were hesitant to suggest the notion of “retirement” to Grace or the need to plan for an eventual transition. Maintaining the records of those climbing the Forty-six had been as vital to her life as eating and breathing. Many felt that it was, in fact, her focus on the mountains that was responsible for her longevity and mental acuity. Grace approached the inevitability of change with quiet ambivalence. On the one hand, she was loath to admit that quite apart from her advancing years, she was no longer able to handle the workload by herself. On the other hand, she recognized that she would not be the club historian forever. To ensure that the long tradition of registering those who had climbed the 46 continued, she knew that it was in the best interest of the club for her to document her duties to provide a compass for her eventual successors. In his President’s Message in the Fall/ Winter 1992-93 issue of Peeks, Tim Teft solicited help for Grace. He first asked for volunteers who would be willing to meet with her “to see and experience firsthand what it is she does and then to recommend to the officers and directors what can be done to relieve or assuage her burdens ... without the disrupting or upsetting of her routines.” In response to that request, five volunteers – Michael Becker, Suzanne Lance, Tom Lee, George Sloan, and Devon Taylor – came forward to form the “Grace Committee.” Committee members met with Grace on several occasions to document her responsibilities and assess her need. The Grace Committee’s report came as no surprise when the group presented its findings and recommendations at the 1993 spring executive committee meeting. The committee concluded that because of the growth of the club over the years and the increase in the numbers of people climbing the 46, the duties of the Historian could no longer be managed by one person – regardless of age. The committee suggested that the club adopt a team approach to the Office of the Historian, regarding it as a department with the position of Historian at its head and a staff of volunteers, each of whom would take over a small portion of the job. Several 46ers were already assisting Grace with various tasks. Edward Bunk (#3052W) maintained and replaced the summit canisters and Marilyn Corson (#2686) coordinated the replacement of the log books. For years Helen Menz (#42) had helped Grace assign climbing numbers for those who had finished the 46 each year. Michael Becker prepared the “Peeks Sketches” report for Peeks, which provided a statistical summary along with some interesting tidbits from each year’s finishers. Grace often called upon Fred Johnson, Edythe Robbins (#2197) and Charles “Chuck” Bennett (#1934) for help on individual projects such as researching answers to hikers’ questions and compiling trailless peak usage numbers. Beyond those jobs, the Grace Committee identified several additional tasks that could be managed by one or more volunteers. Those included preparing the agendas and Vesper services for the annual meetings, printing the Certificates of Accomplishment, providing general office assistance, and answering correspondence during the peak hiking/reporting seasons. They also recommended that the executive committee appoint an Assistant Historian to work closely with Grace to learn the duties and procedures of the office. With specific tasks identified, the club solicited volunteers to assist with the duties. As volunteers came forward to fill the “staff” positions for the Office of the Historian, George Sloan coordinated their work schedules and matched skills and time commitments with various tasks so Grace wouldn’t be bogged down with yet another responsibility. As part of their work the Grace Committee had created an 11-page office procedure reference manual which proved to be a very valuable resource for the volunteers. A number of 46ers answered the call to ease Grace’s workload. Marilee Urbanczyk (#3530) and George Sloan prepared the Certificates of Accomplishment for new 46ers. Marilee, along with her husband Joe Urbanczyk, also prepared the Vesper services for the annual meetings. Mindaugus “Mindy” Jatulis (#2383) and his wife Linnea N. Clark and Mildred “Millie” Gittinger (#3331), Anton “Tony” Solomon (#3626W), and Jane Nye (#4142) provided general office assistance. Joseph Busch (#3814) prepared a database to manage the assigning of climbing numbers, and Michael Gebhard (#3633) and Mindy Jatulis began answering the bulk of hiker correspondence. Mindy also accepted the responsibility of heading the Office of the Historian. Grace continued to write to young climbers and to send the congratulatory letters to hikers when they reported finishing the 46. The most time consuming and labor intensive aspect of the job of historian was answering climber correspondence. It was also universally recognized by the Grace Committee and the executive committee to be the most important. When looking for ways to reduce Grace’s workload, the club discussed minimizing the personal contact Grace Hudowalski on the porch of her beloved camp for which the Boulder Report is named f 18 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
with those climbing the 46 by de-emphasizing letter writing. However, the executive committee, like Grace, believed that it was the correspondence that made the 46ers unique among hiking clubs. The personal contact added to the sense of community among 46ers and offered opportunities to educate hikers and share club news. It also provided a mechanism to monitor hiker activity and trail conditions. Everyone was committed to continuing the tradition of personal correspondence with hikers. As George Sloan, vice president of the club at the time, said regarding the overwhelming number of letters sent in by aspiring hikers: “We could do what other clubs do – create form letters, or maybe just write back to the climber when he or she is finished…. What makes this club different and better is the personal correspondence. The aspiring climber connects with someone who wants to listen and who is willing to give advice and encouragement for the achievement of the 46 peaks.” Many hikers expressed the same sentiment. Alan Robert Kapitzke (#4197) of Higganum, CT, noted in one of his letters: “Writing is something I do not do often but I’m glad the club asks this of people. Many memories fade but now I have (my own and your) letters to reflect on.” It turned out that the 46ers were not the only ones interested in the tradition of hiker correspondence.The sheer volume of climbers’ folders was becoming a storage dilemma for Grace, who had maintained and safeguarded the 46er records in her home for more than 60 years. She contacted James Corsaro, the associate librarian at the New York State Library in Albany, to ask if the library would be interested in being a repository for the 46ers’ files. Corsaro was eager to add all of the hiker files and climbing folders to the archives. The library viewed the collection as offering unique historical and personal perspectives on the Adirondack High Peaks. The files, which were transferred to the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collection in the spring of 1997, filled 65 boxes, or 30 cubic feet, and the individual questionnaires filled an additional 17 boxes. The climber folders of new Forty-Sixers are now transferred to the State Library annually and are available for researchers and the general public to view. With arrangements made for the disposition of the 46er files and an initial group of volunteers assuming many of her responsibilities, Grace announced her plan to give herself a 90th birthday present by officially retiring as club Historian in 1996. Her announcement had the unforeseen effect of actually increasing her workload. Hikers working on the 46 accelerated their climbing in order to finish while Grace was still Historian. Additional volunteers were sought to assist with the correspondence to aspiring hikers. As of spring 1997 the mailing address for the 46ers changed from Grace’s personal residences to P. O. Box 9046 in Schenectady, NY, symbolizing the operational transition in the Office of the Historian. When Grace’s declining health forced her to move into an assisted living residence, the club lost its unofficial “office.” L. John VanNorden offered the club space in his law office in Schenectady. All of the current files and equipment were moved there, and volunteers established the space as the 46ers’ official headquarters. For the first time since it appeared in the Fall/Winter 1981-82 issue of Peeks, the “Boulder Report” in the Spring/Summer 1997 issue was not penned by Grace, as her retirement was all but complete. L. John Van Norden composed the report for several issues before Mindy Jatulis took on the task of compiling the popular summary of hikers’ adventures. In the summer of 1998 Mindy turned over the administrative duties of the Office of the Historian to Tony Solomon and Jane Nye, but he remained as one of the main correspondents. In addition to the personnel and organizational changes within the Office of the Historian, the club also initiated an effort in the fall of 1995 to computerize all 46er records so they could be shared with various club officials. Jan Cofin (#4383), Adella Lamb (#4384), and Barbara Relles (#3745) formulated a database for club records. Jan tackled the enormous task of inputting all of the data from the climbing folders of the more than 3,800 recorded 46ers. Technological initiatives continued with the development of a website – http:// www.adk46r.org – which went online in the spring of 1997. Designed and maintained by Alan Ratcliff (#1129) the website contains information on club history, photos of the High Peaks, notices of club events, and links to other hiking-related sites. Section from HUH, © Suzanne E. Lance “The executive committee, like Grace, believed that it was the correspondence that made the 46ers unique among hiking clubs.” On Cascade in 1934, Helen Colyer Menz #42, left, and Mary Colyer Dittmar #29 SUMMER 2026 | 19
4620 4607 4606 4580 4515 4442 4427 4420 4405 4400 4400 4361 1. Mount Marcy 2. Algonquin Peak 3. Mount Haystack 4. Mount Skylight 5. Whiteface Mountain 6. Dix Mountain 7. Gray Peak 8. Iroquois Peak 9. Basin Mountain 10. Gothics 11. Mount Colden 12. Giant Mountain 13. Nippletop 14. Santanoni Peak 15. Mount Redfield 16. Wright Peak 17. Saddleback Mountain 18.Panther Peak 19. Table Top Mountain 20. Rocky Peak 21. Macomb Mountain 22. Armstrong Mountain 23. Hough Peak 24. Seward Mountain Mount Marcy Algonquin Peak . Mount Skylight Whiteface Mountain Dix Mountain Nippletop 4. Santanoni Peak Mount Redfield Wright Peak Saddleback Mountain 8.Panther Peak GrayPeak able Top Mountain Macomb Mountain Hough Peak RockyPeak Armstrong Mountain Seward Mountain Mount Colden Giant Mountain 0. Gothics Basin Mountain MEET THE NEWEST 46ERS, PROFILED AND PICTURED IN 5344 5114 4960 4926 4867 4857 4840 4840 4827 4736 4714 4627 THE BOULDER REPORT 20 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
4360 4340 4240 4240 4185 4175 4166 4161 4140 4120 4100 4098 4060 4059 4057 4040 4020 4012 3960 3960 3895 3820 4000 25. Mount Marshall 26. Allen Mountain 27. Big Slide Mountain 28. Esther Mountain 29. Upper Wolf Jaw Mtn. 30. Lower Wolf Jaw Mtn. 31. Street Mountain 32. Phelps Mountain 33. Donaldson Mountain 34. Seymour Mountain 35. Sawteeth 36. Cascade Mountain 37. South Dix 38. Porter Mountain 39. Mount Colvin 40. Mount Emmons 41. Dial Mountain 42. Grace Peak 43. Blake Peak 44. Cliff Mountain 45. Nye Mountain 46. Couchsachraga Peak *MacNaughton Mountain 5. Mount Marshall South Dix 40 orter Mountain Mount Colvin Mount Emmons Dial Mountain Big Slide Mountain 434 Allen Mountain sther Mountain Upper Wolf Jaw Mtn. Lower Wolf Jaw Mtn. GracePeak . Street Mountain BlakePeak Couchsachraga Peak Nye Mountain liff Mountain 3. Donaldson Mountain Cascade Mountain Seymour Mountain 5 Sawteeth Phelps Mountain ALL THEIR GLORY — INTERVIEWS BY DAVE PAWLICK #12803 SUMMER 2026 | 21
Michael Steinberg #16876 said, “The Adirondack High Peaks are a beautiful obsession, and a test of will and relationship.” For Michael, they also became a chronicle of love. Michael had completed 21 peaks when he met Shirley Chan #16877. They hiked their first high peak together in September 2021, and Shirley accompanied Michael on his next 20 peaks. When Michael got to peak number 43, he stopped working on his list and switched to helping Shirley catch up to him. The final hike for them to reach 46 was Gray, Skylight and Marcy. The weather gods rewarded them with a gorgeous day for that hike, and on the summit of Marcy, Michael dropped to one knee and proposed to Shirley. She said “yes”! Michael Steinberg Shirley Chan In 2025, we welcomed 763 new members to the list of Adirondack 46ers. Congratulations to all of you! It’s always fun to see the stories and pictures that are submitted with the registration information. While there can be significant differences in the ages, demographic background, geographic proximity to the High Peaks, and motivation for climbing those 46 High Peaks, there are also some common threads, such as family, love of the outdoors, and finding a place to heal. Below are some of the stories shared by members of the class of 2025. The Boulder Report #16876 & 16877 22 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
Brian Riese #16668 was hiking the Upper Great Range with his dog, Penny. Brian said that Penny bounded up the mountains with great enthusiasm, and she managed pretty well when he had to carry her up the ladder toward Armstrong. But, as they descended Gothics, Penny froze at the open rock face. Brian said, “With no better option, I ended up scooting down the slabs, dog in my lap, inch by inch. The rock was rough, and after a few sections, I realized both my shorts and underwear had worn through, leaving my backside exposed for every lucky hiker behind me. Penny, of course, was perfectly content in my lap, completely unaware of the dignity I was sacrificing. After what felt like hours, we finally made it down to the Orebed Brook Trail. Just when I thought the drama was over, I spotted a black bear off the trail. This was the one and only time I saw a bear in all of my hikes. Thankfully, it didn’t follow but it sure left me with one final reminder that the Adirondacks always keep you humble.” Angela Grau #16739 said, “As a parent, I feel there are so many memories you create with your children, but the adventure of hiking the 46 high peaks with my daughter is one I will never forget and one that I treasure deeply. Angela and daughter Kylee #16744 started their journey in August 2019 hiking Cascade and Porter, and Angela didn’t know if Kylee would enjoy hiking. Angela said, “To my surprise it was a great day and she loved it. This began our adventure of hiking as many high peaks as we could each year … the thrill of accomplishment and the love of an extreme challenge … does it get any better than that?” Anna Ka #16452 finished her 46er journey with a trip that is exhausting just to read. With 22 peaks to go, she climbed on her bike in Rochester and spent 16 days riding 308 miles to and from trailheads, and hiking 117 miles to get those 22 peaks. Wow. Anna Ka Angela Grau Kylee # Brian Riese #16739 & 16744 #16668 SUMMER 2026 | 23
The Boulder Report Ken Mincar #16840 began his 46er journey in 1994 at age 27 when a friend invited him for a Memorial Day trip to the High Peaks. He hiked Phelps that weekend and, immediately after, he stocked up on hiking gear. He was hooked. Living in central Vermont, he did most of his hiking in the Green Mountains but always cherished the opportunities to get back to High Peaks. In 2012, he and his dog Barney camped at Bushnell Falls, with the plan to hike Marcy the next day. When they got to the Marcy summit and saw how close (cough, cough) Skylight was, he decided to tag that one also. Ah, yes … those Adirondack miles. During the hike out, Barney’s paws started hurting, so Ken carried his 50-pound best friend the last mile or so of a very long day. Due to various reasons, Ken didn’t make it back to the Adirondacks for seven years and then he started working on the list again, but Father Time was looming. At age 55, he still had 27 peaks to do. Ken adopted the mantra, #46by60! Finally, in October 2025, Ken finished on Tabletop, accompanied by his wife Maggie, brother Rick, daughter Kira, and other hiking friends. Ken says that his hiking and time in the woods has been a grounding experience for him and he is grateful for having met so many wonderful people out on the trails. Matthew Medeiros #16564 started his 46er journey in 2012 by climbing Mount Marcy, and a couple weeks later, he climbed Algonquin. He made a decision at that point to climb all 46 mountains in order of elevation and, in each case, without crossing over a lower mountain first. At the same time he was working on his list of mountains, he was pursuing the Six Star marathon challenge, which is running the following marathons: New York, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin and London. The quest for both was interrupted by COVID and a stress fracture, but Matthew was undeterred. In 2025, he completed both of the challenges. In April, he completed the Six Star Challenge by running the London Marathon and, in August, his brother and sister joined him on his hike to Couchsachraga. Brad Galton #16827 and his son Will #16835 started hiking the High Peaks together in 2017. They had reached about 10 of the summits when younger son Daniel wanted to join in on the fun. Brad and Will enjoyed helping Daniel #16834 catch up so that they could finish in the same year, and Daniel had the enviable joy of finishing his 46er quest on Cascade. Ken Mincar Brad Galton Daniel # Will Matthew Medeiros #16564 #16840 24 | ADIRONDACK PEEKS
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