Pillsbury Mountain - August 6, 2011

We hiked our 20th mountain today. What we found on top was the highlight of our day, and an excellent example of an active American Family. At the 3597 foot summit we met the Sundeen Family from Voorheesville, NY, outside of Albany. Each year they take vacation time to climb 2 or 3 of the firetower mountains in the ADK Firetower Challenge. They started the boys out when they were 3 and 5. Today they are 10 and 12, and still hiking their way up the Challenge ladder. We met them on top of their 18th mountain completed. Before the week is out, they hope to be up to #20. Great parents with a great idea. We applaude them!

Owls Head Mountain - August 4, 2011

We climbed up to this firetower today at 2780 feet, sometimes looking funny climbing on our hands and knees. But that's not as funny as a story we found about an Owls Head Fire Observer and his wife, who lived here for many years. One very hot day the observer sent his wife down the mountain to get some groceries and beer. When she got back, the wife began her trek back up the mountain with her supplies in her pack basket. Well, along the way she got thirsty so she put the pack basket down and drank a beer. She then threw the can off to the side and continued her journey up the mountain. It was a VERY hot day, and she had to take a few more breaks along the way and proceeded to drink a beer with every break. A trail of empty cans marked her path to the tower.

When she finally reached the cabin, her husband looked inside the pack basket to retrieve a beer to quench his thirst from a long hot day in the tower. He searched and searched but could not find a single beer. He yelled, " Hey, I thought I told you to get some beer!"

His wife replied, " You did, it is very hot, and I got thirsty along the way!"

Here is a picture of the firetower at the top of Owls Head Mountain, and that pink dot at the base of it is Kate. She managed to make it all the way to the top with enough beer for us each to enjoy one to celebrate our climb. That makes 19 of 28 mountains done to date!

Blue Mountain - August 2, 2011

"Boulders and bedrock" describe this strenuous trail to the top. That "climb" was more than 1500 feet in elevation change. But we were certainly not alone, even on a Tuesday afternoon. More than 15,000 people climb this firetower mountain every year. And we think most of them were on the trail this day. :-) We earned that beer at the top! It was a GREAT day with GREAT views and a real sense of accomplishment. Thanks for checking in.

Mt. Arab - July 28, 2011

Okay. We were hiking the fourth mountain in four days. We were tired and pretty much worn out. But, we wanted to do Mt. Arab as long as we were in the Tupper Lake area. So we did it. It was well worth the trek. We met Janelle, our "Summit Guide" at the top. She answered all of our questions and it was a great trek to great views. Life is good! At the top we wondered how a giant boulder could hve been set on this mountain top summit. Y'all draw your own conclusions. Thanks for checking in. Roger

Azure Mountain - July 27, 2011

This was supposed to be an "easy" trail. It would be - for a MOUNTAIN GOAT!!! :-) It was a nearly 900 foot ascent over just .8 miles. That's steep by most people's standard. But it was well worth the climb when we reached the top with fantastic views of the Adirondack Mountains. After three mountains in three days - we're beat! One more tomoorow before a few days of rest.

St. Regis Mountain - July 26, 2011

We hiked up 3 miles on a strenuous climb. 4 1/2 hours round trip. Lightning and thunder actually drove us off the summit. Great day, great climb, great views. But this tower has not yet been renovated so this sign was a bummer. However there is hope. There is a Friends of St. Regis Firetower. They could use some financial and volunteer help. http://www.friendsofstregis.org/

Cathedral Rock - July 25, 2011

It only took us 6 miles of hiking to do this less than 2 mile trail. Along the way we survived incredibly bad directions, torrential downpours, mud and cloudy views, but we conquered the Latham Trail up to Cathedral Rock. It's an easy trail - once you find it - (Now you can with OUR directions). The trail is easy, but not without its hazards as exhibited by this warning sign. Maybe we should apply for combat pay from my publisher.