Ampersand Mountain Hike September 1, 2022



 Getting up at 4:30 am to hike, is something I swore off doing, but for Ampersand it was worth it. The wide open summit with 360 degree views of the Adirondacks is worth a little pain.

I joined Jim's Hiking Mates group of 12 and knew everyone on the hike. The weather was very chilly, but it turned out to be great hiking weather for a 2.7 mile climb, 5.4 miles total. 52 F to start and 50 F at the top but with a very strong wind.

The group: Jim C., Ron, Esther S., Mary Margaret B., Kurt K., Denise, Diane A., Rich, Robby, Ann Marie I, Susan L., me

On the way up. The first mile is relatively gentle, but then the climbing begins.

Taking a breather after an intense rock scramble.

Susan too!

Rock climbing up the last bit. The temp drop and the wind caused me to start layering up.

Almost there!

We reached the summit!

Photo op.

North view, overlooking Middle Saranac Lake; lunching out of the wind!

South view, overlooking Ampersand Lake. 

The wide, expansive summit.

So much laughter on the way down. My favorite Jim quote:
"You may have lost an eye, but at least you have all your sex organs!"

















Comments

  1. MargaretSeptember 7, 2022 at 3:09 PM

    The views are incredible but I doubt my vertigo would have allowed me to climb or scramble. What a lovely trip though. 4:30-ouch!!

    ReplyDelete

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