M O U N T   M A R C Y

Adirondack State Park
Upstate New York

Despite all their stupid rules I start my hike in earnest. The Park Service erected this gate to keep all vehicles off the road. Looking at the room around the gate I think I could sneak a riding lawn mower past it if I wanted to. It's always good to think about beating the system. It keeps one on their toes.

Time is of the essence however, I have no time for riding lawnmowers. I have a sinking feeling it's going to be a close one in terms of finishing the hike before dusk. I figure it'll take me about 4 hours to reach the summit then another 3 hours to get back. Putting my completion time around 7pm which is when the sun will start to set.

I take a little time to register. It's always a good idea to register if you hike high up in the mountains, especially if you're alone like I am. If you don't come back for whatever reason, the registration will direct a search party to where you might be. As I insert my slip into the box I notice it's jammed full of other registrations. I have to fold my slip in half so I can shove it in. Apparently my information will be used to locate my -dead- body since no one has emptied the box in quite a while. So much for feeling like someone's watching my back. More likely, I'll start getting junk mail from outdoor recreation companies since I supplied my name and home address on the registration form.

It's always good to know where you are. Where are you right now? Do you know? If you don't then let me assist you. You are on my website right now. You are welcome.

A fellow hiker's addition to this official looking warning sign that's posted at the registration hut makes me laugh out loud. Well done.

After registering I cross over the West Branch Ausable River and head to Marcy Dam. It looks more like a brook than a river. I wonder, is there some official standardization somewhere that provides guidelines for distinguishing and classifying waterways?