Algonquin

Algonquin blanketed in clouds

It would be difficult to leave the Loj after the hearty breakfast of hash browns, scrambled eggs, french toast and oatmeal and great conversation with Matt and Bailey from Montreal and Ian and Sarah from Pennsylvania.  I checked out and arrived at the trail at about 9am with plans to summit both Algonquin and Iroquois.

Like the previous two days, the walking would be quite quick.  I de-layered within a mile.  In another mile I realized I forgot two things: (1) my water; (2) my compass.  This still did not deter me from heading off to Iroquois.  As I ascended there were some views out toward Whiteface and Lake Placid.
I met up with a group of guys from Chester in Orange County.  They woke up at 4am to leave.  I found this amusing, but this happens to be what I usually do when heading up to the Adirondacks.  It's a rare occasion that I stay overnight.  One of the guys spent the past four years in Australia, so this would be his first experience of winter in a long time.  For all of us it would be the first of winter of the year.

Just below the Wright trail junction, I put on my micro spikes.  This wouldn't be necessary, but it was welcomed to have some extra traction.  The trail gets rather steep before reaching timberline, especially the section Caroline and I glissaded down a year ago.

Once above timberline I realized quickly I would not be heading to Iroquois.  The wind blew into my face ferociously.  I left the balaclava at home.  Visibility was near zero.  The past two times I came up here for New Year's, visibility was low, but not this low.

The view!

These guys are about 5 feet in front of me

I struggled to find any cairns.  Someone ahead of me flagged the way up in order to find his way back down.  I met these two guys near the summit.  I found the summit block and quickly turned around.  Despite a lot of people coming up and the assistance of the flags, I had difficulty finding my way down.  I realized again, I need to carry a compass at ALL times!!!