September 13, 2009

I didn't get online last week to post an update on our Labor Day trip to the Adirondack's so I'll try to do two this week - that way each one won't be too long.

We took a little time off over Labor Day to enjoy a long weekend (Friday to Tuesday) hiking some of the peaks in the Adirondacks (for those out West, I get that fact that you would probably class them as small hills, but when all you got is 3,000-4,000 foot summits, you call them mountains). We went with our friends Sheri and Bruno who are much more serious hikers/campers than we are and were responsible for the majority of the organization. We started off with a stay Thursday night in Lennox, MA at a bed and breakfast on our way up - that's us enjoying an evening beverage and snacks on the deck - and no, Bruno isn't channeling his inner cheerleader or that excited about what he is reading in the paper. Then Friday it was up early for a small hike in Lennox to start and warm up the legs. Then it was off to Elk Lake Lodge where we spent the remainder of the trip. The lodge sits in the middle of several peaks with good hiking trails all around along with the signature Elk lake to enjoy some canoeing. We decided to tackle our toughest hike the first day and then proceeded out to hike for 11 hours. We managed to hit four summits (Macomb, South Dix, Hough, and Dix) although it required some very strenuous rapid hiking to get back to the lodge in time for dinner and before it got dark. Needless to say, the peaks provided spectacular views over the Adirondack hills and valleys of which only a few photos are provided. We were extremely tired but had many good stories to tell as we scrambled up a slide. did some rock climbing, and were all bit bumped, scratched, and bruised (Jo is still sporting quite a lovely bruise on her leg from sliding down a steep part on her hands and knees). The rest of the time at Elk Lake consisted of less strenuous endeavors as we tackled a hike a day. For those keeping inventory, we hiked to the top of Lightening Hill, went up the Fall's trail (which first consisted of canoeing across the lake and then hiking and finished at the claimed Fall's), and finished up our trip with a walk around Clear Pond and up to the top of Grandpa Pete mountain.

All in all a great weekend with perfect weather - sunny and in the low 70's each day - and we were sad to be coming home to work and house chores. Wednesday found Jo heading off to New York for two days while I tramped back into the office for a couple day's of work. Nothing particularly noteworthy to report on work as most of Pfizer is awaiting, hopefully, the upcoming merger with Wyeth.

Friday we packed up again and headed to New York for a weekend with the Yankees. But that is a story for my next entry.