Adirondack - Algonquin & Wrights

February 24 2024 ~-15C
13.3 kms - 6h

Total ascent: 1204m
Total descent: 1187m
Max pulse: 149 bpm
Average pulse: 90 bpm
Energy: 1440 kcal

The return to Adirondack.

Went to the apartment the night before to be ready in the morning and cross the border to the U.S and meet up with the Mountain Goat and the rest of the hiking team at Adirondack Loj.

This time was more winter than last time and we almost immediately put on the spikes after one of the guys fell and we got a reality check.

Continued the march and eventually it was time to ascend Algonquin. Very rough climb with ice and snow. As we got to the top it was blue sky and sunny. I was looking forward to finally have my lunch, but due to the wind, it was too cold to eat at the summit. The view was amazing. I had just a few photos including my frozen snot face, but it was too cold to handle the phone without gloves so I just need to remember the gorgeous view from the top.

As we got back down to the tree line it suddenly felt super warm even though it wasn't.

We continued back to junction and went for Wrights. At the beginning of the path leading up to the summit we finally had lunch!

As we started the ascent it felt like I was going to have cramps in my thigh. I told the Mountain Goat to continue and I'll come if I come. Seems it was a false alarm and I managed to continue slowly but steady. I was running on discipline and fumes. As we got past the tree line a gorgeous rocky environment showed up. The rocks were covered in green moss, very strange to see in this environment at this time of the year. Some snow and and ice here and there but mostly plain rocks. I prefer this summit to Algonquin, the environment and the view was awesome. We could see Algonquin from here and I was surprised that I had managed to get up there.

As the cold and wind was kicking in it was time to get back down. As we got back to the junction the focus was just to get back to the Loj. I was definitely the slow Monsieur Branleux. The thighs were under pressure as we descended. As the ground got more flat I managed to speed up a bit and finally we got back to the parking.

I said goodbye to my hiking team and went for a coffee and some souvenirs. Got back into the car and drove back up to Canada for 2h. Had a quick breath at the apartment and continued to Estrie for another 2h. That night I slept very very good, and woke up with a very sore body...

Great Team, Great Day!

I'd definitely do it again.

All in all not too much unnecessary stuff but some room for improvements to down size for lighter packing.

The clothing fit very well. Could handle the the summits. Maybe the face cover or neck warmer should have been used at the top due to the cold and wind.

Had maybe a little more than half of the water and tea. Not too hungry during the hike but you need to fill up the energy reserves. The big sandwich was good fit for lunch. Maybe a bit more breakfast next time.

The snacks were good during the breaks.

Layer 0

• Knee pad

Layer 1

• Underpants
• Undershirt
• Socks

Layer 2

• T-shirt
• Sweatpants

Layer 3

• Winter hoodie
• Hiking pants

Layer 4

• Winter jacket
• Gloves
• Beanie

Feet

• Hiking shoes
• Leg covers

Extras

• Wind resistant hiking pants
• Long sleeve
• Face cover
• Neck warmer
• Socks
• Gloves

I did not use any of the extras. Just unnecessary weight.

Gear

• Snowshoes/Poles
• Spikes
• GPS watch
• GPS device

I had no use for the snowshoes, but it was mandatory in order to be allowed to go out. The spikes worked very well. Tracked health data with the watch and collected GPS data with the GPS device to use in Basecamp for tracking purposes.

Food & Drinks

• Hot tea
• Cold water
• Snacks
• Snus
• Lunch sandwich & Backup Sandwich

Had one of the big egg sandwiches I made the day before. Tasted wonderful on the hiking path.

Packing Gear

• Backpack
• Notebook
• Toiletpaper
• First aid kit
• Warmers
• Matches
• Straps
• Pocket knife

Missing

• Head lamp

It's mandatory to bring a head lamp when hiking the Adirondack. I put mine on charging before I left. Then I left it there to charge.  Don't do that!