We like to hike, if I can kick the old lady's ass into getting out there. I took last year off for the most part to focus on fixing up my house and that was a mistake. I'm trying to implement a plan to get her back into shape (she thinks she's become totally out of shape in a year
) and get back on some mountains. So this year won't be exciting at best, probably something like Rondaxe. I'm much more vertical friendly than she is, when we were getting out a lot, Blue Mt would be about her limit (I had to coax her the last few hundred yards). At some point I'd like to get into some high peaks, but it'll be a couple years even if I get her going now.
There are quite a few smaller peaks that are quite nice, and won't eat up an entire day to climb. Check out the Willsboro area, about 40 minutes or so from Lake Placid. Pok-o-Moonshine has a campsite (and a fair amount of rock climbing available) near the Northway. About a mile up, but steep, on the main trail or 2-3 miles by a more gentle former jeep trail just down the road.
Rattlesnake, which is just down the road towards Willsboro, is a pretty easy climb. Great views of Lake Champlain from the top, and the flat top is covered with blueberry bushes.
You could then head down the road a bit for dinner at the Old Dock in Essex, right next to the ferry. The food is generally meh, but I've had quite a few great nights sitting out on the old stone dock and looking out on Lake Champlain while I drink far too much.
My folks summer cabin is actually right near the base of Rattlesnake on Long Pond, with a great view of Pok-o-Moonshine.
Porter and Cascade, near Placid, are 46ers but not too difficult a climb. Pretty good day trip. Giant and Rocky in Keene Valley are also pretty good, though tougher.
Author
