Height: 5114 Feet
Rank: 2nd Highest
Date Climbed: 6-23-07
Estimated Time For Me To Climb: 8 hours
My Trip: Algonquin was my fifth peak that I climbed. We did not start are hike until 10:30 in the morning because of our long trip getting up to the Adirondacks. The first part of the hike was effortless, as the trail was level and under some beautiful tree cover. There even were some nice bridges to walk over. Once you get to the split, things begin to change. First, this is where William, Brian, Mike and I split from the rest of their family. I am a slow hiker, but I really tried to keep up with the boys and stay in the fast group. On the lower half of the mountain, the rocks were stacked almost like stairs, making the steep climb tolerable. Of course, it did not take long before we had to start hipping and hopping over rocks. Rock wise, Algonquin is similar to Giant Mountain. On the trail, we passed several beautiful waterfalls. One of the waterfalls was breath taking and provided a great and much needed rest spot. Once past the waterfalls, the trail is rocky and wet, and the dampness reminded me of Santanoni (but more wet and less mud). Once we got to the “Do not pass unless prepared with proper equipment” sign, William and his brother’s played on the little side mountain for a bit while I ate some food. From this point on, the mountain really becomes rocky and steep. One passerby told me, “Don’t look down.” I really had to just focus on going up, because long steep rock slabs and me do not get along. Now it was a cool, but comfortable, day to climb until the trees disappeared. The wind was so cold. I never thought about bring my winter hat and gloves, but on this mountain I could have used them. I was just glad to have my bandana tied on my head and a hood on my fleece. Besides the cold, the view was spectacular! We could even see Vermont. The plan was to stay at the top and wait for the rest of William’s family, but because the boys were getting so cold, we started right back down without getting a chance to eat. My stomach was killing me for food so as soon as we reached back down the tree line, I made the boys stop so I could eat (and I ate a lot and felt much better too!). William’s dad and uncle did end up making it to the top, but his mom and aunt never made it all the way up.