An Adirondack Adventure I’ll Never Forget
Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York at 5,344 feet (ranked 21st among U.S. state high points), became my 35th state high point — and one I’ll never forget.
Most of my summit stories begin with sweeping views and triumphant moments. This one began with rain sweeping sideways, fog swallowing the treetops, slick boulders running with water, and wind strong enough to push you off balance. And yet, in its own rugged way, it became one of the most meaningful Adirondack climbs I’ve done on this journey.
Marcy gave us no views.
But it gave us a story that will stay with me forever.
And a group of friends who found their way through all of it together.
In terms of sheer intensity, this climb rivaled — and in some ways exceeded — my experience on Mount Katahdin.
Different mountains, different terrain, but the same reminder: when conditions turn, the margin for error disappears fast.