Summer 2016 LOCALadk Magazine 24
LOCALadk
elevation growth and extreme weather it literally can create a
crippling wall. Standing only a couple feet tall these trees make
deep matting that we needed to step over the limbs; pushing
through was not an option.
When we broke free of the trees in growls of delight, we must
have sounded like wounded bruins. A young couple was relaxing
by the massive cairn that marks the summit. The look of wonder
on their faces said it all, but as we explained our madness they
became much more intrigued, and doubted they would follow
suit. I am not sure if it was the spruce needles in our hair or the
blood streaming down our forearms that gave them the notion
to use the trail, but I am sure they made the right choice.
We snacked on trail food and walked barefoot about the cool,
rocky summit for half an hour, and resisted lying down to take
a nap. Legs stiffened by relaxation, we started to saunter down
the trail toward Four-Corners.
We didn't even consider climbing Marcy or Gray. As we descend-
ed, our legs quickly warmed up, and we made short work of the
trail. It felt like a highway in comparison. Our exit from adventure
would lead us to one possible conclusion: Liquids and Solids in
Lake Placid for a celebratory dinner and drinks to numb the pain.
