Esther & Whiteface 2,
Tanner’s 46er Finish
Esther & Whiteface 2,
Tanner’s 46er Finish
This trip, we got to help our hiking buddy Tanner finish his quest to be a 46er. We left from the trailhead at the Atmospheric Research Center at the site of the old Marble Mountain Ski Area in Wilmington on a brisk early fall day.
We first tackled Esther, and then finished up on Whiteface, where Tanner’s wife, parents and aunt & uncle were waiting for us, courtesy of the newly repaved Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway.
The weather was cool, but sunny, and perfect for hiking. It was a “Montreal” day, meaning it was clear enough to see all the way to the Canadian city of Montreal.
We had a great celebration for Tanner up on top, but our work wasn’t quite done until we got back down to the cars. We went out to the Big Slide Brewery in Lake Placid that night to celebrate with Tanner his official finishing of his epic quest. Congratulations, Tanner!
Topographic map courtesy of Topozone.com
September 2016
Whiteface Mountain, as seen from the entrance to the downhill ski area
WHITEFACE
ESTHER
TRAILHEAD
Marble Mountain
Enjoying a nice break from hiking with some beers.
Putting on our daypacks in the cold morning air. We’re dressed in layers, and not 10 minutes later, we’re removing layers, because we start hiking up an old lift hill from Marble Mountain Ski Area.
Into the woods, and up the old lift hill.
We fill up on some food before moving on to Whiteface, off in the distance.
The view eastward.
On our way to Whiteface now.
Tanner meets up with “The Wall”, the base of one of the turns of the highway.
The ChaseDesign guys pose with our newest 46er.
Pausing on the trail to remove layers. This trail is dirt, with small rocks strewn about randomly. You can’t be on “cruise control” here; one mis-step, and you’re going to twist your ankle...
We verbally abuse Tanner until he gets into the tiny shed which at one time housed a rescue sled for the ski area.
We finally reach the cairn and sign at the intersection for Esther. Time to hang a right and tackle Esther.
Tanner has an angelic gleam, and sort of resembles a tougher, more “mountain-man” version of Mr. Clean.
On our way to the summit of Esther.
The obligatory foot shot at Esther’s summit plaque.
Tanner poses at the plaque.
The banner comes out, (of course). It won’t be the last time it gets unrolled today...
A close-up of the plaque commemorating Esther McComb’s accomplishment.
A zoomed-in view of Whiteface. You can clearly see the weather observatory at the summit, and the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway, leading from left to right, to the “castle” and parking lot.
At the chairlift on Lookout Mountain, part of the Whiteface Ski Area’s more recent trail expansions. The summit is in the far background.
Tanner takes a rest.
We head left, towards where the trail will meet up with the road.
Looking back over the road, and where we came from. You can see Esther’s summit on the far left.
The trail to the summit takes us near the precarious drop-off, overlooking the ski area.
Tanner, Pete and Chris arrive at the summit!
Laughing it up on Whiteface’s summit.
I welcome Tanner into the 46er club.
Tanner soaks in this moment with his parents, his wife Kara, and his in-laws.
We have some refreshments at the top, courtesy of everyone who drove to the summit! Thanks guys!
The obligatory boot shot on Whiteface.
Kara made the BEST blueberry pie, EVER!
Great views this day! Here’s Lake Placid.
The view off toward the rest of the high peaks.
A zoomed-in shot of the distant high peaks. You can see Marcy, Colden and the MacIntyre Range, among others.
You can also see the Olympic combined luge and bobsled track in the middle, as well.
The weathered trail sign at the summit.
Tanner with his wife Kara and parents.
Later that same day, we help Tanner celebrate at the Big Slide Brewery.
Posing in front of the barrels.
Our excellent accomodations; Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn in Lake Placid. We highly recommend it. (They also allow dogs to stay, which is nice).
The view from Art Devlin’s of the MacIntyre Range.
The plaque I made for Tanner’s big finish.
The End.