MOUNTAIN VIGNETTES mile. The hike started smoothly, until I attempted a water crossing and slipped off a rock, landing on my back in the water. As I was helped to my feet, I noticed the wooden bridge only a few yards upstream. Lucky, I had enough camping experience to pack everything in plastic bags, and I continued with only wet boots and embarrassment to remind me of my mistake. The beautiful views on the hike quickly made me forget about my wet feet. After hiking 5 miles, we arrived at the Opalescent lean-to at 7:30 p.m. We could not have fires, so my boots remained damp. We quickly set up camp and enjoyed a cold dinner and warm laughs before heading to bed. Most of us slept well, but we learned that ear plugs would be necessary for any future overnight trips. The next morning, we continued our hike to Mount Marcy with our day packs and our Peaks for Pierson flag. The hike started easy but quicky became harder as we ascended. The battle with the sporadic snow-covered trails, postholing, and our general lack of physical condition made this climb slow. We made it to the top of Marcy at 1:20 p.m.; you could see for a hundred miles. I was overcome by the beautiful views and felt like I had completed the greatest physical achievement of any man in history… that moment quickly ended when I saw a 12-year-old boy reach the summit, followed shortly by his family. The Peaks for Pierson team took our pictures with the flag, had lunch, and enjoyed the view. Mike, Jason, and James decided to climb Skylight and Gray. Kirk had previously climbed the peaks while Tom and I had no ambition to be 46ers (yet). Kirk, Tom, and I returned to the lean-to at 6 p.m. and were later joined by the others where we again enjoyed dinner, laughter, and an early bed. The next morning was cool and sunny. After breakfast, we packed up and left camp at 9:15 a.m. It seemed like a longer hike on the way back, but I thankfully remembered to use the bridge and my socks remained dry. We arrived back at the cars at 1:15 p.m., and I returned home with great memories and some aches and pains. During his trip, we all decided to organize another hike on Sept. 3, 2015, with the hope of others participating. I still was not certain that I wanted to climb 45 more peaks at my age, but I enjoyed our first hike and was eager to do it again that fall. Word spread of our “Peaks for Pierson” efforts and our upcoming Sept. 3 hike, and numerous other individuals and groups planned to hike a peak in honor of Officer Pierson. Many had designed their own flag or planned to carry a sign with the number 46. Jason contacted the other groups, and arranged for all to meet after the hikes. I intended to hike with guys closer my age, but due to scheduling conflicts, I joined Jason Leckinger, James Gashlin, and Adam Johnston, all of whom were around two decades younger than myself. On Sept. 2, 2015, we traveled to Lake Placid and stayed at the Hampton Inn; I stayed with Adam. Adam’s father commanded the Major Crimes Unit, so I had briefly met him a few times already, but it was during this hike that I really got to know Adam as a friend. The next day, we arrived at the ADK Loj and prepared for the hike. The weather was cool and cloudy. I forgot my hiking poles at the hotel, but luckily there were several wooden hiking staves left behind at the trail sign-in. We started our hike at 6:45 a.m. and first stopped at a small waterfall to refill our bottles (this was the first time I had used a water filter). When we arrived at the trail junction to Wright, we decided to dump our packs and carry only what we needed for pictures. Later, we realized how lucky we were that we did not accidentally leave behind something we needed, and how lucky we were that local animals left our packs alone and resolved never to leave behind our packs again. We arrived at the summit at 9:30 a.m. It was still cloudy and now warmer. Jason called Bob Lonsberry, a radio talk show host, and talked to him about the Peaks for Pierson challenge. After our break, we continued onward to Algonquin. The climb was hard, and the heat did not help. When we reached the top, it was now clear with beautiful views. I did not plan to climb Iroquois and was going to wait until the others returned, but they talked me into going with them. The mountain was in view and only a mile away, so I decided to go. My left leg began cramping as we approached Iroquois. My water supply was now empty, so Jason gave me some of his water as I ate some salted peanuts. I told Jason to continue but I was going to turn around. However, I started feeling better after my rest and decided to push through, while attempting to climb upon a rock both of my legs started cramping. I was concerned that I was dehydrated and decided to return to Algonquin. I eventually made it to the top of Algonquin and reunited with the group; Adam was the only one with water remaining, so he shared it with all of us. I was told if I had continued a few minutes longer I would have been on top of Iroquois. On the way back down, The goal: Honor the memory of a slain fellow police officer by carrying a banner to every High Peak summit. PIERSON: WWW.ODMP.ORG SUMMER 2026 | 55
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