Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness (New York) Backpacking - June 2020
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- View and purchase all my photos at: davidcgray.smu...
I have wanted to do an Adirondack hike since the 1960's, when we would visit my grandparents in New York. We would talk about how beautiful the area around Lake Placid was, and I always dreamed of getting there someday. I finally got my chance in June 2020 when I joined up with fellow youtubers Jason Wish, All Things Outdoors, The World According to Goat, and It's Good in the Woods. They all made videos of our trip and they're all great - I recommend you take a look because all of our 'styles' are completely different. I've included the links to their channels below:
All Things Outdoors: www.youtube.co....
The World According to Goat: www.youtube.co....
Jason Wish Wishwell Farms: www.youtube.co....
It's Good in the Woods: www.youtube.co...
Having lived through the epic 1980 Winter Olympics that took place in Lake Placid, and also being a big history 'buff', I was anxious to spend some time visiting Lake Placid and the various Olympic sites in and around the city. So this video turns out to be part travel 'vlog' and part backpacking trip. If you want to skip ahead to the start of the hike, it begins at 16:00.
Our plan was to do a 3-day, 2-night variation of the 'Great Range Loop' which would take us over the summit of 7 of the 46 4,000-foot+ mountain peaks in New York. What I didn't know is how difficult the trail conditions were, and how slow our hiking pace would be (about 0.5MPH). In the end I decided to bail out after summiting three peaks in eight+ hours of hiking - Upper Wolf Jaw, Arnstrong, and the Gothics. But even with the shortened hike, what I did experience was spectacular.
For those thinking about doing this hike this video should give you a very good idea of what to expect, and the type of training you should do in preparation for the hike. The stretch of 'trail' along the top is as much rock climbing as it is hiking, and minimizing pack (and body) weight is important (unfortunately, I didn't do either!). In many places upper body strength is just as important as lower body conditioning. In addition, there is no water along the entire stretch along the top, and when combined with the incredibly slow hiking pace it can create a big issue - carry plenty of water!
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - about an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3dHJvni
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: REI Flash 55
Tent: Nemo Meta2P
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
I grew up hiking the ADK! A lot of people don’t know how difficult it is until your out there! Glad you were able to see some of the beautiful views.
Dave,I have been a subscriber since you started your channel. I am so happy you got to visit my back yard!!! I live in Saratoga and went to college in Saranac Lake.My family camped in the ADK`S my ENTIRE life and as you can imagine I have amazing memories. You truly did a FANTASTIC job producing this video, I am going to sub the four J`s. Wish i knew you were in town it would have been nice to meet you. Thanks again Dave,great job!! Joe
I graduated HS in '80 so I remember all of that stuff... FYI the Schill Bros are blaming you for their 'bourbon habit'...lol
Wow! I’m happy that you conveyed so well that beautiful and epic hiking can be found in the east as well.
Really enjoyed the video, David. Not being very familiar with that region, this video gives me a new appreciation for the trails in in northeast. Very admirable and respectable that you knew when to say when. You still accomplished much on this one. Thanks for posting a great trip.
Thank you, Carl. I'd say 'I wish you were there' but I'm not sure that was the type of 'trail' that you, Travis, and I would enjoy. It is an incredibly beautiful and unique area that I would very much love to return to, and I've learned from advice people have left in these RUclips comments that there are many less 'adventurous' trails in the area that would be awesome so I have no doubt we could put together an amazing trip that didn't require the same level of 'hardship'!
Great video. Glad you made it to the northeast! I went to college in upstate New York so I spent a lot of time in the Adirondacks. Drove through Lake Placid countless times to and from school. Tough hiking! You should hit the White Mountains in NH next. If you can hike in the northeast you can hike anywhere!
I've read countless AT books and stories detailing thru-hikes over the years, and all talk about the difficulty of hiking in the northeast (especially NH and ME), but I guess you can't appreciate it until you experience it for yourself. Brutal stuff. I truly have a new-found appreciation for how truly brutal the trails can be in the northeast... but even those it was a total 'smack down' for me, I absolutely loved it an plan to get back (in better shape and much better prepared).
I’m almost halfway to my 46 and this video just makes me smile. The camaraderie and the good time looks so fun! Love this!!
The overlooked gem of the Northeast. The Adirondacks are no joke to hike, but lack nothing in peaceful natural beauty.
As a 46er, I've summited those peaks, some multiple times - never with a full pack though, only a day pack. Nicely done!
Yeah full pack kind of sucks. I did Wright Peak and Algonquin Peak with a full pack and a bear canister and went down the other side of Algonquin through the boulders and spent the night at Lake Colden. Definitely one of the toughest hikes I've done.
Loved the video and scenery out there David. Great group of guys to go backpacking with too. 👍👍
Great to see you out east David! I've hiked out west as well, and pound for pound the northeast has always been the toughest for me too.
Great video David. Loved the 80 Olympic references. That hike would have kicked my butt too!
Such a fantastic video. What an epic job telling a story with epic views! This trip is proof that living your life to the fullest has such great rewards. It was a blessing to get to share the trail with all you guys.
This video was great David. I definitely would've died a million different times on those steep sections though. I live in NYC but have never been to the Adirondacks! Love your videos!
I'm 14 minutes in....You are so good at telling a story Dave ! This is awesome!!!!!
Thank you, Justin. You're just getting to the 'good part' (the hiking!).
Geez that did look tough. I would never have thought anything in the East would be as tough as something in the West. Not sure why but I can’t get any of the links to the other guys’ channels to work.
It's always a great day, when you get notifications David has posted a new video. David this was a awesome video.. epic scenery and hiking. Can't wait to see the next one. Untill then take care.
Great to see hiking some trails in the northeast. Not so easy, eh? Welcome to our hiking world! If you head this way again, I’d suggest hiking in the Pharoah Lakes area, lots of good loop trails with lakes and some Mountain Views. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Nice video. Great memories. Me and my buddy are 46ers 7125 and 7126. Anyone that thinks it's an easy go in the Adirondacks is in for a surprise! Hahaha!
Indeed an Epic hike!!! I enjoy how you apologized to the folk in the lean to!! LOL Good times Dave. A pleasure to meet you and the crew. We will all have to get together again !!! Great job on this video
Whoa, definitely an enduring hike. Tough climbs with big views, always nice to be rewarded for your efforts. Thanks for sharing, always a treat to see your outings.
Awesome hike! Adirondacks were our back yard for years and hiked all over on day hikes and multi-day. Serious mountains. Really making us miss this area. However live near southern terminus of AT Georgia and hike all over from GA to ME. Thank you for sharing
The Adirondacks are a very challenging place to backpack, so you deserve lots of kudos. As someone who hikes extensively in the Whites, I actually found the ADKs more consistently tougher. In the Whites, except perhaps for Garfield, you get ridge lines which are less steep than the sharp peaks of the Adirondacks.
I’ve lived in 19 states over the course of my 63 years on this planet. I still call Upstate NY home. I spent six weeks of every summer between 1965-1975 (when I enlisted in the Navy) in the Adirondacks with my dad at Camp Cherokee on Saranac Lake near Tupper Lake. Every year we went on a week long canoe trip and hiked to the top of Mount Marcy. Thank you for the memories. I miss my dad every single day (he died in 1987); it was a reconnection I didn’t realize I needed so desperately.
Sounds youve lived a fulfilling life
BREATHTAKING BEAUTY COLORS SCENERY VIEWS VIDEO ! I'M SOOOOOOOO GLAD YOU ALL MADE IT BACK SAFELY TO YOUR VEHICLES IN ONE PIECE ! AMAZING VIEWS ! GORGEOUS COLORS SCENERY VIDEO ! YOU'LL BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
Another great piece of storytelling, David. Many thanks for the remarkable work you do.
I showed up at the northern end of Vermont's Long Trail last fall. In terrain similar to this, I too learned about body and pack weight and the importance of keeping both to a minimum. Lack of attention to both forced me to shave a 5-day trip to 3 after a fall and injury. Like you said, like no hiking I've ever done before.
I've cut body and pack bulk by 50 and 20 pounds, respectively, since then. And I'm not done yet. So, hoping for a better outcome when I pick up the Long Trail at Vermont 58 and roll on south in September of 2021.
Thanks for the inspiration to do that, not to mention the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in 6 weeks.
And then a longer walk in 2022, inspired in part by you, Wild on the Trail, and Frozen. At 68, that should be a hoot.
Until your next adventure...
Thank you for that feedback. Right after this hike I had renewed motivation to shed more than a few pounds, both from body and pack, prior to my next adventure. Sounds like you had a similar experience on the Long Trail. At 59 years old now I'm realizing I can't afford any extra weight, especially when I'm trying to keep up with the ultra-fit 30-somethings.
Oh, and best of luck on your 'Bob' hike. That sounds fantastic, especially in these exhausting 'virus' times - I'm envious!
My favorite place in this country. So glad you had the opportunity to hike there. The trails are tough but they reward you with views you can’t get anywhere else. I came into NY yesterday to quarantine 2 weeks before I head there at the beginning of August for a week.
David! Here I sit in mid October awaiting a new video!
I know you mentioned you had a trip planned to the Wind Rivers this Summer. I sure hope you were able to get that trip done. Safe travels.
No Wind River Range trip this year, and no western trips at all - big bummer! I actually ended up injuring my knee in a fall coming down from The Gothics on the Adirondack trip - torn meniscus. That led to a few months of surgeon visits, MRI, scheduling surgery, surgery, and then finally some rehab time. Basically took me out of the entire 'prime time' backpacking season of July-September. But if there was ever a year to go through something like that I'm sure glad it was 2020 - the year of the 'Covid'! All is back to good now and I''ve actually taken a local backpacking trip to test out my knee - that video should be published in the next couple weeks. I'm planning to hit the trails hard in 2021 - assuming things are somewhat back to normal.
I went to the high peaks for the first time with a group last summer. They warned me that the average hiking speed over trails and on ascents would be 1 MPH. I thought that they were out of their minds, until we summited the first peak. You really are in for another type of hiking experience when you go to the Adirondacks....
I would have loved to have averaged 1 MPH! I think we were at about 0.5 MPH, at least over the mountain peak stretch at top. But pretty incredible stuff. Very glad I did it, but quite the eye-opening experience.
Wow, that was beautiful! Always wanted to go there, so thanks for taking us along.
EH! The Daks getting some love. Makes west coasters and flat landers weep :)
Hey, David. Longtime watcher, first time commenter. Your videos have been a great source of enjoyment and inspiration the last couple years (especially in the winter). I have to say though, I had to turn this one off after you made a snide comment about the one dude wearing a mask. As a New Yorker, I’ve seen firsthand how awful the pandemic is and I’m really really shocked to see you and your boys (except the aforementioned dude) traipsing around town without masks on. As for the outdoors, yeah risk of transmission is probably low and when I hike I have a face covering handy for when passing people on our very crowded trails. Maybe it doesn’t make a difference but for the slight inconvenience it poses, it’s worth a shot. NY as you know is doing ok right now with COVID, probably because we had high mask usage but that can change fast with people from out of town coming in. Our mountains are for everybody, we take great pride in them and want the world to experience them so I’d never tell people not to come here but it seems reckless to promote no mask at this time. Again, I love your videos and you seem like a good guy but I feel like that was kinda crappy.
Ok, I get it - sort of. I was only kidding with Jason with that mask comment, and as I was traipsing around Lake Placid that day - prior to everyone arriving - I had my mask on more often than it was off. Every establishment there, and I mean every one, required that you wear a mask to enter and I gladly complied. All data that I have scene suggests the risk of outdoor transmission is very low, and even with that we all tried to keep our distance from each other, though I'm sure there were times we were less than the recommended 2 meters apart. But I also recognize that New York was hit harder by Covid early in the pandemic more than just about any other state, and I can certainly recognize the sensitivity to proper mask wearing and social distancing, and understand that we could have done better.
@@davidgrayin Thank you for the thoughtful reply, David. I wasn't trying to come off as the mask police, I think a lot of us around here are more sensitive than other places in the country. Always dug your easy going vibe in the videos and the positivity you project. Stay safe and thanks for the hours of entertainment and enlightenment.
Man this was sooooo good. Loved reliving the whole journey. Can’t wait to get out with all again. I had a blast. Sorry for breaking the PG rating. The still at the end are absolutely beautiful as well!!!!
Thank you, Jeff. Man, I sure want to do another hike with you - it was a blast, and I sure appreciate you hanging back in the rear with me in some of those stretches (yes, I noticed). That 'butt' scene was barely noticeable, but it sure made me laugh (and I'm guessing even saying that here has a few people going back to check out what I'm talking about! :-). Can't wait to see your video on the trip! (Yep... That's peer pressure to get it finished).
Thanks David...can't wait to watch tonight...u made my day brother!!
Hey Thanks totally agree with you David Epic that's what it's all about fun and friends
What a trip loved the views going to have to rethink about eastern part of the US .Anybody's shoes do any better than the others on the rock especially in the rain?
Lake Placid and the Adirondacks is epic. Been there many times. I remember the Olympics in Lake Placid, hard to believe that was 40 years ago. Amazing how time does fly by so fast or so it seems. Great pics and video David as always!!
Great channel. Please Make More. Also, Let’s build each other Up xD
You have no idea how glad we were to see that you bailed at the Gothics/Saddleback col. Smartest decision you made in your life. Kudos to you for tackling what you tackled.
Awesome to see you out East. I've hiked in a lot of places but the Northeast trails hold a special place in my heart, a rugged beauty unmatched in my opinion. Great video, I've watched a few of the others videos as well. What a unique experience that must have been with 5 RUclipsrs all going at it at the same time.
Mountains of pizza and beer, what a rough start before the hike.
Real nce hike, David. You always have that sport drink mix after hiking. Have you ever given thought to your intake (food and supplements) before a hike? I cannot get away with the things I did when I was younger like poor sleep, hydration subpar, etc.
That's a very good point, and I would have to say I don't pay as much attention to pre-hike preparation (hydration, diet, etc.) as I should, and I really suffered for it on this trip. This trip was a necessary 'eye-opener' for me, and it motivated me to get into better shape and be better prepared for future trips.
More of the scenery. Why RUclips(controlled by Big government) always markets videos showing the channel-owner, & people, is very....concerning. Channels that just show scenery & no people, get the least views. Explain that....Google.
Dave I don't know if you know this or not but that ski resort also has over 20 + double Black diamond 30 green trails & just over 60 Blue trail and some white trails for the kids and the beginners
Thank you again David for taking us along on your travels. We always check your channel for that new adventure and as always no disappointments. Thank you again. Mark and Eva from Arizona
Love this video, I spent many summers doing a good portion of the 46 with my four children. The memories were so impacting, that my oldest son proposed to his wife on Algonquin three years ago. The wilderness, alpine zones, Olympic and local history are priceless. I hope the area isn't becoming overrun, I haven't been since 2006. My children learned to ice skate in the Lussi rink, lots of memories; wow I'm in tears. It's time to make a family pilgrimage soon. Hey next time you travel that direction and drive through NE Ohio, give me a holler.
Good to see you out and about Dave... fast becoming my favourite you-tuber :)
Great video. Those rocks/hills look daunting. Thanks for pointing out that it's ok to adjust plans and not always necessary to "push through".
Dear Mr. Gray, you can do this! Now that you know how it is going to go, you can train, get down to a good weight, and pack light and do it. You can do this next year.
Absolutely, and I plan to get back. Having done it and now knowing what to expect, it makes it easier to prepare physically and mentally for the next trip. It's a really fun hike... just hard!
Hey david glad to see you posting a video thank you i love your videos wow that was a awesome awesome video with the 4 J's i cant believe that hike the views were breath taking and the water flows wow the land slides cute mouse wouldnt want to do that hike in the rain or fog. Those cliffs if anyone slipped could be deadly you and the group were great you all made a great video thanks again so much you all should hike again this was a 10 on my video watch i will recommend everyone to see your pics and music at the end were great good job guys
I love your video!!! I am from Watertown, NY and lived in Henderson Harbor for a long time before moving to New Jersey where I am now. I have been to Lake Placed and surrounding areas well over 100 times, and never get tired of it, and have spent many vacations staying at Art Devlin's Olympic Motor Inn in the Gold Room as well, with that view of the great range. This makes me want to head up there like, now? !! The views never ever get old 😍!
Watching from Huaraz, Peru. 10,000 ft. I have lived here for 17 yrs now with my family.
From Hamilton, NY. originally. I am not retired but when I can I enjoy hiking mountains Highest in this area Huazcaran which peaks out at 22,200 ft.I run every morning right out from our house up to a Cross which is a 1000 ft. gain. Most hikes we do with visitor range from 12,000-15,000 ft. You are welcome to come and stay some time.
I love the Adirondacks. St. Regis, Lake Champlain,Lake Saranac, Sacandaga. All beautiful.I used to do do quite a bit of paddling of Canoe and Sea Kayak. Both of which have been loaned to friends to use and store as they wish. Unfortunately the government of NY and taxes have killed the farmers and drove many businesses out. Depressed area sadly.
Great video as always and enjoyed the content! I would like to hike in that area and maybe next spring or fall I will. Plus, I pick up some good tips from you on filming. Thx
Thank you for the video. I enjoy the trip every time. Come to Steamboat Springs and I can get to the top of our local ski jumps as well las the place where we honor the 89 olympians that come from here.
What a beautiful place!!! Looked like a ton of fun!!! I was wondering if y’all lost Jason somewhere!!! Lol Thanks for sharing!!!
David I live two and a half hours south of the Adirondacks and have been up to Lake Placcid many times. I'm not much younger than you and I remember watching the 1980 Olympics on TV very well! They have minor league hockey games on the ice where the miracle on ice occurred and you can go in there and watch them for free, it was great! Another thing worth doing is they have the Empire State winter games up there and you can watch amateur hockey, figure skating, skiing etc.. all at the former Olympic sites. Once covid-19 is gone of course. I haven't done the Gothics yet, my son did a couple weeks ago and he said you did the hardest trail!, I've done a lot of them and I'll get up there eventually! Great footage!!
Great video! Hi 5 👋 on a very difficult hike! Thanks for sharing and capturing your ADK hike! Love your calming voice- remind me of Bob Ross! 😆👍🥰
I enjoyed seeing the places that were so familiar to me. I've hiked a great deal in the Adirondack High Peaks (all 46, plus the unofficial 47th in the ADK at least once, some many times), yes they are tough. Many rock scrambles and steep open ledges.
Absolutely stunning. I hope that we can continue to protect our national parks so that they can be enjoyed by future generations
Love the music you put with the pictures at the end. The high peaks reminded me of half dome hike in Yosemite.
Another awesome video, I have also decided you remind me of Patrick Warburton (David Puddy from Seinfeld/Joe from Family Guy) LOL
Met you at the Ohio RUclipsrs meetup last year...love that you show the smaller necessary parts of epic hikes, like sleeping in your car, checking the trailhead for staging sights, and telling us that you fell two times with grace rather than showing us a Hollywood ending...thank you for taking me along. If I hike this route ever it will be b/c David Gray showed me the way. Terence
Hey Terence! That RUclipsrs meetup was a blast. I hope we're able to do it again in 2020, and I plan to be there - we can swap some stories. Thank you for your feedback. My videos are a little 'different' that way, I think, but I'm trying to allow people to feel like they were along on the trip with me - even the little details. Either live the trip and hike vicariously or, if you'd like to do the hike yourself, to get as many 'lessons' from me to make your own preparation and hike easier.
What a wonderful video. I so enjoyed watching it all. Thank you for posting your adventure with us. Happy Trails.
you might still find my name carved in there somewhere. From 1972. Wow this brings back so many fine memories.
Was here last summer and hiked Giant the hike was wonderful but the bugs were intense! Nice video David!
great trail views haven,t ben to new york where i grew up in years , i will write more later god bless you .
Thank you for sharing your hikes. Love the idea that the hubby and I are not the only ones that get hit with rain and put on the gear and it stops. Lol. We are usually on the trike when this happens so it is a bit more complicated to put on and take off.
Well Dave since I'm at work
I will be watching this when I get home
Have a great photography day
I really enjoyed your adventure. Beautiful area. Hello from Brooklyn, NYC
That looked like a but kicker. Great views though.
Loved it! Although I felt sorry all along for the state of your health. Take good care!
I would have hated the scrambling, and it’s hard to call what you did a trail. Haha. It was pretty but it seems a bit too risky for my liking. I’m impressed you did it. I’ll stick with the trails out west that don’t require scrambling and still provide great views. Excellent video as always. You’re the king of backpacking! How many more trips do you have planned for 2020?
I agree with your comment about western trails (or any 'real' trail for that matter) - this hike gave me a whole new appreciation about how nice 'normal' tread is, and I don't think I will ever complain about trail conditions again, at least on a 'normal' trail. Sort of the way the 2018 Wind River hike made me never complain about mosquitoes again! And I agree that there were sections where I was a bit uncomfortable, and was really glad we were hiking in a group where we could help each other. No plans yet for future hikes in 2020, but I'm sure hoping/planning to get at least a couple more in. I was hoping to do a Wind River Range trip with Carl and Travis in July, but those plans had to change and we scrapped it. And I'm also concerned about the outcome of that little 'wrenched knee' fall I mentioned on the descent from the Gothics - it may be a little more serious than I thought (likely torn meniscus). I'm waiting to hear back from the ortho doctor to get in this week - hoping no 'carving' is required and it just heals with a little more time.
I’m really really sorry to hear about the knee. I tore my meniscus in my early 30s. I had a “clicking” in my knee for 6 months to a year. But it must have healed by itself because luckily I’ve been fine for the last 10 years. Please rest up and take care because your fans need more videos.
If i am not mistaken these are the same peaks I did a mountan training execise in my early years , it was during the winter months and i had gotten injured and ended in the hospital
Is David Gray transforming into a "Groupie" RUclipsr?
Omg I just day hiked Wittenberg in the Catskills and it reminds me of this trail - rock scrambles the whole way up 😩 I surely thought I wasn’t going to make it.. I can’t imagine waking up the next day and doing it all over.. I couldn’t walk for 2 days after Wittenberg lol! Also, out of curiosity, would you recommend trekking poles for this area? It seems it’s so steep and rocky at some points it might be better to have free hands.. I currently don’t use trekking poles but always hear hikers say they wished they started using them sooner.. curious about your thoughts on this because the ADKs are my backyard and primarily where I go hiking... awesome vid of showing what NY really has to offer ☺️
And did any of y’all carry a bear canister? Sorry for all the questions! I don’t have many friends who hike and it’s hard to get real information about the ADK region online
Thank you for watching and the comments. Yes, I carry trekking poles. I have Black Diamond carbon-fiber Ultra Distance poles. I don't think they make that style anymore but their current Carbon-Z poles seem to be identical. They're very expensive ($190) but incredibly light weight and rugged. They've bailed me out of more bad spots (i.e. falls) then I can count, plus for the downhills especially they are great for taking a little bit of the strain off my aging knees. There are many lower cost alternatives out there (e.g. Zpacks sells a nice carbon fiber pole for $59) but whatever you get I would spend a little extra money to get something as lightweight as possible.
Yes, bear canisters were required and we all carried them. In fact, they're actually pretty particular about what type of canister you use, and specifically the very-popular Bearvaults are one of the brands they specifically say you're not supposed to use because it is transparent and apparently fairly easy for 'educated' bears to get in to (by sitting on them, as I understand it!). I own two Bearvaults but I rented a Wild Ideas Bearikade for this trip (Wild Ideas has a fantastic rental program, which I would check out if you don't use bear canisters often). Unfortunately, the Bearikade didn't arrive in time so I had to use my Bearvault BV450 for this trip.
Thanks you so much for your reply!
Where was the cheddar cheese spread? Did I miss it?
No, you didn't miss it. I (gasp) skipped the cheese spread on this trip. I actually had one package with me, but it didn't work either night to pull it out. The first night there were other people in the shelter with us, and I just decided to keep it for night #2. The second night we got in late, and I was pretty gassed.
Okay
Mr. Gray
Let’s watch.
Another great video, as usual, David. I could feel your pain and exhaustion as I watched you talk about how difficult this trail was. I know the feeling very well because several years ago my buddy and I attempted the Pemi Loop ( ruclips.net/video/CioLv3jcQYY/видео.html ) in New Hampshire's White Mountains. That trip was the most physically demanding thing I have ever done.
Our first day we spent about 11 hours hiking before we reached our campsite. The trail started off fairly flat, but once it began to climb, it was uphill ALL THE WAY and never seemed to let up. On top of that it was like someone decided to create the trail by parking a dump truck full of three and four-foot boulders at the top of the mountain and allowing them to tumble downhill. It seemed like that is all we walked over for most of the day.
When we stopped for lunch on the second day we listened to a bunch of AT thru hikers who were talking about how difficult the White Mountains are... that the Whites are no joke. That made me feel not quite so bad that the trail was beating me up.
Keep those videos coming, I always enjoy them.
Thank you soo much for teaching me where the Gothics cables are!
Listened to you on the backpacking podcast. How is the knee? I recently had a knee scope(3months ago) How did you end up coming out? Full recovery?
The knee is fine (-ish...). It was a meniscus tear on the inside of my left knee that occurred when I slipped on the steep rock face coming down from the Gothics. My front leg slipped out and went straight down into a sort of 'hurdler's stretch', but with the full weight on my pack making for quite an impact to my bent rear knee. At the time I was sure something really 'bad' had happened - like an ACL tear - but when I stood up I was surprised that I could walk without any issues (or much pain) and it didn't swell up. That was good because we were still a day+ hiking away from the car and if I couldn't walk it would have probably meant a helicopter ride or long hike in a stretcher out. Turns out it was a 'bucket handle' tear of the meniscus, and the handle of the bucket (torn meniscus chunk) had generally stayed in place and not caused a big problem. That is, until two weeks later when I turned funny and the torn portion went straight into the center of my knee effectively mechanically preventing my leg from straightening out all the way... and it hurt... bad! It was in the midst of Covid so it took close to two months to work through all the doctor/MRI visits and get the surgery. The surgery was a miracle cure - I was walking normally and pain free the same day. The 'ish' part of the knee being fine is that during all the probing around they confirmed I have some serious arthritis in both knees. I had known something was going on from all the 'clicking' noises, etc. but somehow having them tell you plus showing you graphic images of bone-on-bone contact made it all the more uncomfortable and painful! But overall, I'm still able to get out and hike but it probably will slow me down a bit and keep the daily miles lower than 10 years ago.
Yet another great video. Hope your knee turns out to not be a problem for you and you an keep those videos flowing! BTW: Your REI pack: is it the Flash55 or what? Thanks & take care--
Thank you for watching, and for the concern about my knee. The knee injury did 'throw a loop' in things, sadly, during the prime-time of hiking in 2020 (July. August, September), but the rehab is going very well. I've been back 'on trail' with the daily doggie walks and I'm hoping to get at least another couple backpacking trips in during 2020 - probably local trips at this point - but I'm planning on an more-than-full 2021 backpacking season! Regarding the pack, yes, the pack I've lately been using an REI Flash 55 pack. It was kind of an 'emergency' replacement after my Zpacks Arc Blast 'broke' (main load bearing strap on right shoulder) just a couple days prior to departure for the June 2019 Yellowstone trip. I love the Flash 55 so much on that trip I decided to just keep using it. But with my recent knee issues, and the 'struggles' I had on the 2020 Adirondack trip, I have realized if I want to keep backpacking for the next 10-20 years (and I REALLY do!) I have to get totally serious about shedding every gram I possibly can from my pack... and body. So, I recently ordered a new Zpacks Arc Blast which will immediately reduce my pack weight by 2.5 pounds+. I love the REI Flash 55 but it's just too heavy for my current needs given my personal situation.
I really enjoyed the video David. I lived in upstate New York after college and it is so beautiful. You video & photos truly captured the beauty of the Adirondacks. As an older hiker with a bad knee, it hurt me watching you guys do this trail! I have to stick with those moderate 10 mile days lol. . You all did a great job hiking and saw some stellar views. Great job.
I was just binge watching David last night. Nice.
Awesome video Dave , great to see you again !
Thanks for an introduction to the scenery of the Adirondacks. I well remember the 1980 winter olympics and Lake Placid It was definitely a change of pace from your usual western adventures but then 2020 has been a year of changed plans for all of us. With apologies to J.B.L. Soule and Horace Greeley, somebody must have whispered to you to "Go East Young Man" this year. P.S.; By all means get a drone to incorporate into your videos! I bought both the Mavic Mini and the Mavic Air 2 hoping I would use them out in Colorado this summer but when those plans got cancelled I've been spending a lot of time learning to fly them and get the most out of their cameras. Next summer for sure!! You might want something more high end but a drone would be well worth adding to your video equipment.
So glad u got out their! Can't wait to watch it!
I lived and hiked many of those mountains growing up. Now I live in Colorado. I can agree with you David. The Adirondacks may not be the tallest, but they are not for the faint of heart. They are every bit as tough to traverse as any area here in Colorado.
Tougher than Colorado from my experience. The toughest I did in Colorado was the Four Pass Loop near Aspen - the constant 11,000-12,500 foot altitude and steepness of the trails near the passes were brutal. On that trail there were sections where we averaged about 3/4 miles per hour. There was a 2.5 mile stretch of the Adirondacks that took us 6 hours! That stretch of the 'dacks was more like a Ninja Warrior course than a trail. I know there are many areas of the Adirondacks that aren't that severe, but that High Peaks Traverse is something else!
when is your next backpacking trip , hope to see you on youtube
I could have done that trail in my youth, but not a chance these days.
Yeah, me too! 20 less years, 20 less body pounds, and 10 less pack pounds would have helped a lot. It was a classic example of 'once you're in it, just keep going'!
This video has me thinking about a future trip to the High Peaks Wilderness. The Olympic history at Lake Placid was cool too. Looking forward to your next trip video!
Thank you for uploading the Ansel Adams video. How did you get your permit - Walk in or apply online?
Well... a bit of both online and walk in, actually. I did get an online permit in advance and had planned one full 'down' day of prep and acclimation in Mammoth Lakes, CA before starting my hike (which is the start date my online permit showed). But when I arrived in Mammoth Lakes I decided I'd like to start my hike the next day rather than taking an off day, so I stopped by the permit office and they were able to make the change for me. It probably helped that I was going in September after Labor Day, and on a weekday - I'm guessing the permits get a lot more filled up in August and on weekends. I was more than willing to stick with my original schedule so it was no big deal either way to me, but it worked out great in the end.
Thank you for another Epic story!
Awesome hike and beautiful area as well! Some cool history on the Olympics too. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Hey David is there a way I could get your email?
David, miss your RUclips adventures. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Both the family and myself are fine. Sadly, had to take a three month 'break' from backpacking in prime-time hiking season in 2020 to deal with an injured knee (torn meniscus), a little 'parting gift' from the late June Adirondack High Peak Wilderness hike - I had knee surgery at the end of August. But, on the bright side, the healing process has gone well and I did my first 'test' overnight backpacking trip the last couple days with my son, Christian, and the dogs. We went to the Peninsula Trail in southern Indiana, which also happens to be the same trail I did my first backpacking trip to in 2010. It was a great trip, though quick, and it should make for a good new video.
Does it rain on all your trips?
Jason Wish posted a video of his trip on Au Sable (please teach him how to pronounce it 😂 awe-saw-bull) River last year. My dad and I also canoed there in 1963-1964 when we lived in Michigan. It’s so cool to see him in another place that I know well and love. The Lake Placid area is beautiful.
Always so peaceful watching your vids, I feel as if I’m there hiking with you! I tried to video my last hike and I just have to give you credit - it’s not as easy as it looks! Extra gear plus extra work setting up, putting the camera away when it rains, pulling it out, charging batteries, etc. and you somehow keep a great composure! Can’t wait to see your vids in 2021 - Happy Trails 👌🏼
Stunning video! Looks like an amazing trip. Looking forward to watching everyone else's. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent video! Lived in Saranac lake for a while,,Hiked,ran many trails there,,Truly "Forest" Such deep woods ! Love it. PS: I ran all the way up Whiteface on a hot August day,not knowing it never really leveled off!!! Ugh !