High Peaks Adirondacks, March 5 - 7, 2005

 
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March 5th Jeff and I headed to the High Peaks region of the Adrindacks for a 3 day winter camping trip.
The High Peaks region is within 20 minutes of Lake Placid, NY.  Here's a picture of the region as we head
down the access road.

The region is very popular for cross country skiing. As you can see the parking lots were quite full at 10am
when we got there. Most of the skiiers head out for the day and leave by nightfall. That's me at the car 
finishing the packing of my 55lb. pack for the trip.  GPS coordinates: N44*11.001 W73*57.782 2202ft.   

Marcy Dam is the most popular winter destination for skiiers and campers. Most will picnic here and turn
back. Campers will set up base camps here, then head to places like Avalanche pass for ice climbing.
Marcy Dam is about 2 miles from the parking lot. GPS coordinates: N44*09.525 W73*57.100 2408ft.


Here's a shot across Marcy lake toward the high peaks. In winter most people simply ski/walk across the
frozen lakes.


Jeff and I were camping a mile beyond Marcy dam at a series of lean-tos known as the Avalanche camps.


We had to break trail to the lean-to we were staying in. The snow was at least 2ft. deep. Here's Jeff
climbing through a gully leading up to our lean-to . 


In winter you're allowed to setup your tent inside the lean-tos for extra protection. My tent doesn't really
require any extra protection, but it was nicer to get around.  The lean-to we stayed in was known as the
Kagel lean-to erected in July 1969.

There are many chores to get done in winter camping. Here Jeff packs down a trail to the letrine. Without
snowshoes, you couldn't get around in the deep soft snow. By packing it all down, it freezes over night, so
you don't need the snowshoes to get around the areas you need to get to at camp.

Obviously setting up the tent and sleeping arrangements is a required chore .





 
 

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