Chapter 3: Phelps Mountain

 

Chapter 3: The third weekend of September I embarked on my next camping adventure. Camping excursion started out with an unexpected upgrade to a large camp site. At first, I was excited to have more at my base camp, but when I arrived at my site, I soon realized why the person that was supposed to be there originally wanted my site instead. Glass bottles in the firepit rendering it unusable, therefore I wasn’t able to start a fire to roast smores. So instead, I sat there for the night until it got chilly knitting a hat for Christmas gift. This hike took me 12 hours to complete as I took my time and really enjoyed myself throughout the hike. I chose not to push myself because I realized from my previous or learned from it that I lost the key component of my adventure which is and always will be to enjoy the hike and just be present in my surroundings. Although towards the end I did have a slight panic attack due to daylight fading, as I didn’t have a flashlight a hard lesson learned(lol) always have a flashlight! Fall days although bring unparalleled scenes due to the color bring shorter day light. Therefore, keep this in mind when planning a hike in the fall especially around leaf peeping season as people flock to the Adirondacks to see the unparalleled fall foliage.

  Reflection: Between the three mountains that I have climbed so far Phelps is by far my favorite for several reasons not the least of which includes the summit views of several other high peaks as well as the great range or the Macintyre range(need to double check which one), but more importantly the family that I met more than a dozen times on  the trials. They were heading to mt Marcy, and I was to climb Phelps Mountain. They ended up given me a ride to my car so that I didn’t have to walk by myself in the dark. They also gave me a plethora of    information on how to climb different peaks, which was extremely helpful and informative. More on that in a few.

Trip #2: My day started way later than I had planned by like an hour. So of course, I was frazzled and rushing, so in my state of semi panic instead of going to the loj I went to south meadow trailhead which is way longer than necessary and then time permitted. Note very important never under any circumstances do you put into your gps via phone the name of the mountain that you want to climb as it will ultimately take you directly to the base or as close to that base as possible. The climb was actually the most enjoyable climb so far as this trailhead to the summit of phelps is not as heavily trafficked so I could really just breathe in the mountain air and enjoy the rush of the different waterfalls as well as get some fantastic pictures on my phone when inspired to do so. I also would encourage those that have a hankering to start on this kind of adventure to think long and hard about bringing along a loved one to share the journey and growth with as I have started out by myself and through the people that I have encountered on each of the peaks found that there is a certain happiness in sharing the venture. I have started by myself and find myself while hiking out and back wishing or even longing for a companion to be at my side enjoying the moment.

Side note: Although it will be my any number of peaks my hope for the next grouping of peaks is to bring along my brother and nephews for the adventure. They are experienced hikers and campers more so than me at this point. I want to do this to strengthen my relationship with them. Besides they are the only members that would truly enjoy the hike. Still planning which peaks we are going to climb. The day hikes or single peaks are starting to become more like backpacking trips or multi day trips due to how deep into the high peak wilderness they are (vast oversight on my part).  Therefore, rendering the potential peaks limited to what we do. At this point in time the options are as follows: Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge, Big Slide, Marcy,

On my trek to the summit of Phelps Mountain; I learned that each high peak has several known trials that you can choose from one that is more challenging and the other less challenging. This tidbit of information is extremely helpful as my current fitness level doesn’t allow for success using the challenging route. So, although south meadow trailhead was entire days hike, I was able to enjoy myself more than I would have had I taken the more direct route to the summit. In short keep in my mind when you are planning the different hikes your journey and what you want to get out of journeys. Maybe to get a different perspective on your life or like me to let go of my past or to just ground yourself. As you can see plenty of ideas for self-improvement or to just enjoy yourself via exercise in the great outdoors. Also, for those that are like me and are on a strict and tight budget; or find yourself needing a mental health break this is perfect as you don't have to do the 46er challenge although that is the ultimate Adirondack challenge. I have found through meeting with other hikers that there are other challenges that you can tackle.

Reflection: I found that because of the pace that I chose to stick with I was actually able to take some amazing pictures. Not only that, but I was able to truly be present in the nature that surrounded me. Phelps Mountain was so far the most healing mountain.