LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1063241
Winter 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 55 LOCALadk a mountain where I could start my 46er journey, but I decid- ed to use the opportunity to learn and practice as much as possible, while I was with the school's instructors. I was glad, because even though Mount Hurricane's trails are consid- ered gentle or moderate, they were pretty glazed over and slipper y, allowing us to get more practice with our crampons and ice axes. Around late afternoon to early evening, each of the respec- tive groups returned to the Loj. Ever yone was exhausted, but we also felt refreshed and energized. All of the groups suc- cessfully summited, and came back to the Loj safely. That night in the communal dining room at the Loj, we felt a deeper sense of camaraderie. After dinner there was an- other workshop, followed by the distribution of our certifi- cates of completion. I couldn't contain my happiness when I received my Win- ter Mountaineering Certificate. Originally from the tropical countr y of Indonesia, to be able to climb up a mountain in winter was a dream come true. All of us alumni still keep in touch through a Facebook page dedicated to the students and instructors of the Winter School. We share stories of hiking and climbing trips some of us have done since the program ended. It's also a place to ask specific technical questions of other students and in- structors. I have seen beautiful photos and wonderful stories from friends who have climbed Denali and Kilimanjaro. I have also started taking more hiking trips myself, and have even started rock climbing lessons. I still consider myself a beginner, but for someone who by nature is afraid of heights, and grew up in big, metropolitan cities, I found—to my pleasant surprise —that I feel most like myself when I can be in nature, or when learning to overcome fear, challenging myself, and pushing my limits (in a safe manner, of course). The Winter School program has deepened my love of the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains. I have since become a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club, and a volunteer in various environmental and outdoor-related nonprofits where I live. I am still a city girl, but I know that I can always find my sense of self, and enjoy friendships with the people I met during the Winter School program, when I venture out in all seasons, including when the conditions are at their most exquisite in my opinion, which is in the winter.