Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
'You have to go hiking with Gabor! At least once!'
This passionate statement raised my excitement over today's planned hike. Anticipation woke me far too early. I left home at 5 am in pitch darkness, and made my way to our rendezvous point at the metro. The morning air was chilly, and I was grateful to climb into Gabor's warm car when he picked me up.
We drove for more than three hours to Ticonderoga, and spent another hour or so searching for the trail head on Peaked Hill in Hinterland. It turned out that we had to cross private property to reach it, but we were graciously granted permission.
The trail welcomed us with a burst of color. Red and golden leaves twinkled on the morning sun - a truly glorious day of Indian Summer. Luckily the trail led us mostly through leafy woods, and we drank our fill of fall beauty.
It almost came as a surprise when we finally reached the summit and emerged from the woods onto a rock plateau that offered a stunning view. We lingered and shared our lunch.
After descending from Peaked Hill and returning to the car via the same route, Gabor suggested to go for a second smaller hike at nearby Arnold Pond. It was still early in the day, and we eagerly agreed. This second hike was steep and rocky, but offered amazing views at every corner. We climbed high above Arnold Pond. But we could not linger long since dusk was threatening. We raced down the trail and made it back to the car by daylight, but barely.
A beautiful fall color hike ended with much snoring in the car during the drive back. The statement had proven true: Gabor was a great trail leader who knew the Adirondacks inside and out, and never tired to share his expertise.
- comments