Back on the Mainland

The Adirondacks Adventurers have successfully completed the sea kayaking leg of the program. On the final day, they paddled 7 miles all the way back to Cumberland Bay State Park. The guides were fully impressed with the endurance these youngsters displayed. The winds were cooperating this day, and they also benefited from some ingenuity, creating a sail that helped sail them on their way down Lake Champlain. After a few days out on the islands, it was good to get back to the mainland.

Yesterday, the expedition headed to the super-cool Ausable Chasm. While definitely a bit more touristy than we prefer, they group was psyched for a day of tubing and also went on a great little cavernous hike. The kids are apparently craving more rapids and whitewater, which they will soon get on the upcoming white water rafting trip on the Hudson River. The kids will be calling home today so be sure to have your phones handy. We are hoping to get some photos today as well, so please stay tuned!!!

Champlain and Valcour Island!

We heard from the Adirondacks Adventure leaders this morning and the sea kayaking section is going very well.  They were able to call us from their lovely base camp established on Valcour Island. The first day of sea kayaking involved a half day paddle out to Valcour Island. While being introduced to the sport of sea kayaking and taking a couple of practice runs, there were a few students questioning their own abilities and concerned about the sea kayaking leg. The weather that day was windy and the mighty Lake Champlain was choppy and a just a little angry. However, after a short lunch break the kids loaded up into their single kayaks and headed out to "sea". After arriving safely on Valcour Island, those doubter's were the first to point out how much fun it was and that they were so glad that they didn't "Chicken Out". This has been a terrific theme throughout the program, with group challenges first being met with fear and the ultimately overcome with perseverance and determination. On Day 2, the group circumnavigated the entire Valcour Island, paddling 6+ miles and enjoying a terrific day. That evening the campers rewarded their leaders, by preparing dinner that evening, unassisted. The main dish was the always coveted English Muffin Pizza. Both Patrick and Tricia were immensely grateful and note that the food tasted much better when someone else prepares it for you. The weather for the most part has been great, and they have managed to stay dry while avoid a few sprinkling showers. They will be paddling all the way to Cumberland Bay today. Their search for the elusive sea monster "Champ" continues! The leaders were super-pumped about the way the group is coming together and spirits are very high! The kids are all doing a great job out there!

Report from the Field

We received this report from the field this morning, from leader Patrick

"After a long drive north we arrived at the Crown Point campground happy to be away from the cities and out of the van.  Nestled on Lake Champlain Crown Point Campground is a beautiful destination with views of the Adirondack Mountains and Crown Point Bridge, which crosses over to Vermont. Setting up tents and building camp was our first big task and students learned quickly the ins and outs of creating a safe and comfortable camp. Nighttime quickly approached and with no electricity to keep us up we fell to sleeping early.  The next two days were all about the rock! We climbed at Jewels and Gems on the first day. This is an extremely popular climbing destination and we were very lucky to have it all to ourselves. Everyone climbed and with some motivating words from friends almost everyone made it to the top of the climbs.  Our next day was at Owls Head. This is also a popular destination, but a bit less climbed due to its 1-mile hike in from the road. A gorgeous cliff though, with great views in all directions.  We had three ropes set up on three different ‘cracks.’ Crack climbing is a fun form of climbing in which climbers really have to wedge themselves into the rock wall. The views from the climbs were incredible! The hike in gave everyone a good taste of what the backpacking would be like.  Felix and Simon Herron as well as Elizabeth were true ‘Rock Stars.’ They were the first one’s on the rock and the last one’s off.  After climbing on this second day we were treated by a swim in what was agreed upon as the ‘best swimming hole ever!’ With the sun shining the chilly water felt perfect on our sore muscles. This swim also served as our first shower! Later that evening though we had another kind of shower. Torrential downpours and hard winds roared though the campground delaying dinner, soaking everything in site and forcing all of us into the van for cards and conversation. Spirits were high though and the storm was more exciting than anything else. The stew was finished warming everyone up and we were all quick to bed once more. A few hours later we were woken by hair raising thunder and illuminating cracks of lightning. Though difficult in the comfort of the sleeping bag we rallied everyone to wake up and get in the van for safety from the storm.

 Day four was our backpack prep day so after drying off clothes and tents we spent all morning distributing food and gear for the backpacking section. Packs were heavy and the students were doubtful of their ability to hike with such heavy packs.  That afternoon we hiked a little less than a mile to out first campsite at Roaring Brook Falls. The site was located at the top of a beautiful waterfall at the base of Giant Mountain overlooking the Keene Valley. Here we stayed for two nights, lightening our packs and enjoying the solitude of the woods. Day five brought us to the summit of Giant Mountain. A difficult hike to the summit, which sits well over 4,000 ft, tested our abilities and exhausted our legs. The views were magnificent and the weather perfect. Always changing though, we woke the next morning to rain, rain, rain. Due to weather we made changes to our itinerary and sought refuge in a local diner for the rainy morning. That afternoon we got back on the trail and hiked a strong, though wet 4.2 miles to the Bouquet lean-to and campground. Students were hiking much faster than previous days, which was great to see. Unfortunately the rain never quit and by the time we got to camp we were all so wet and tired that setting up camp was a little frantic and stressed. It also did not help that this backcountry campground was the only one in a long stretch of trail so it was full of other backpackers. A late dinner was cooked by the counselors as students stayed warm and dry in their sleeping bags. With hopes of sun in the morning we all slept heavily. Though still cloudy, the morning was filled with rested and cheery campers so we set off with daypacks for the summit of Dix Mountain. Dix is another mountain over 4,000 feet and a very difficult and steep hike. The challenge of the trail brought great reward on the summit. Amazing views spread themselves in all directions as clouds traveled with us, occasionally whitening everything. That night we sat by the comfort of a smoky fire and ate delicious pizza bagels in the same campground as the night before. Yesterday was our last day of backpacking and the students hiked faster than ever! It is amazing how quickly they strengthened to the challenges of the trail. With full expedition packs on we hiked over four miles up and over Noonmark Mountain, which is just below 4,000 ft. Though lower than the other mountains many of us agreed that Noonmark provided the best views.

We are now at Lincoln Pond State Campground, our new home for two days. We will be day hiking today and traveling tomorrow. Students are enjoying the comforts of showers and bathrooms here. Unfortunately we had two students return home from issues around behavior. Overall though students are bonding and excited to move onto the water. I get the feeling that the white water rafting is the most heavily anticipated activity.  Personally for me, a west coaster, I have been blown away by the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and am thrilled to explore Lake Champlain. Photos will be added shortly and you should be expecting phone calls soon…. Take care"

Giant, Dix and Noonmark Conquered!

Greetings Adirondacks families-
Just wanted to let everyone know we heard from the group today and everyone is safe and sound. They are arriving at Lincoln Pond Campground as we speak. They successfully summited Giant, Noonmark and Dix mountain over the course of 3 days. We will give a much more thorough update, once we speak to the leaders later today. Just wanted to share the good news!

Owl's Heads, Giant's and Thunderstorms!

The Adirondacks Adventurers have completed another successful day of rock climbing. The group headed to  always awesome rock known as Owl's Head in the Cascade Lakes region. One of the most popular climbing areas in the state. Fortunately, they had the rock to themselves for most of the day. Climbing specialist, Spencer, and Patrick headed out at dawn to set the ropes up in advance of the students getting there. Fortunately for us, they were able to share the sunrise over Lake Champlain that morning.

That morning, Helena, joined the expedition and everyone got to know her while enjoying some delicious pancakes provided by the cooks for the day. The group hiked 1/2 mile into the approach and Owl's Head and had 3 different climbs to choose from. Elizabeth, Felix and Simon were the most ambitious climbers on this day. Helena jumped right in and quickly ascended her first route, and everyone got multiple climbs in. The group climbed until about 3PM. Below are some photos from yesterday's action.

Last night the group, in the words of the leaders, "Had a lot of fun with thunderstorm that rolled into camp". They had everyone get into the vans for the evening meeting, and returned to their tents as the storm calmed down. The awoke to summer lovely weather complete with sunshine and the sounds of loons.  This morning the had their backpacking prep clinics and leaders & group decided they will be beginning the backpacking section this afternoon with a 1.1 mile hike into a waterfall-based campsite at Roaring Brook Falls. So we will be out of contact with this group for the next 4 days and we need everyone to understand that "No news is good news!". The leaders called in their route to Jason this morning. Looks like they will all be starting there ascent on the Adirondack's 46 High Peaks!

Here  is the Plan:

Day One- Hike to Roaring Brook Falls and Establish Base Camp

Day Two- Summit Giant Mountain (4,627")

Day Three- Summit Noonmark(3,556") and head to Boquet River Shelter

Day Four- Summit Dix Mountain (4,857")

Day Five- Backpack out around noon.

We will update the blog as soon as we hear from them on Saturday the 28th! Stay tuned!

Adirondack Adventure Begins!

The 2012 Adirondacks Adventure has begun. The group made their way to Crown Point Campground on Lake Champlain and set up their first base camp. They were greeted by Windsor's climbing specialist, Spencer, who reviewed the next days climbing protocols and the game plan. After their first night sleeping in tents, the group awoke around 7:00 AM and enjoyed fruit, granola, yogurt, cereal and bagels. They then departed camp and headed out to the rock climbing destination know as Jewels & Gems.  With climbs such as" North Country Club Crack", "Coal Miner's Daughter", "In the Rough" and "Family Jewels", there was a climb for all ability levels. Everyone in the group climbed several times, while the student spectators acted as back-up belayers. Those who were super excited about climbing, climbed until their leaders advised them to save some energy for tomorrow. They climbed until about 3PM and had safely returned to camp when we caught up with them. The were eating burritos and chips and salsa and guacamole, and planned to have their first "Group" this evening.  Tomorrow they will be heading to climb at the legendary Owls Head. They are looking forward to Helena joining the group in the morning, as she was unable to begin with the program on Day One. Below are some photos from rock climbing today. We will be posting more photos on this site: Picasa

We will try to post blogs and photos every 2-3 days, but please note the trip is scheduled to head into the backcountry for backpacking after the rock climbing. In an effort to provide a true wilderness experience, during the backpacking section we will only hear from the group in the event of an emergency, so there will be no Blog updates or photos during this time. Also, please note the scheduled call days of July 30 and August 4th. 

and the adventure continues.....