|
In two separate trips, and with their closest hiking companions by their side, senior section campers Jack Kinney (aged 14) and Eleanor Roberts, (13) became the first two Adirondack Forty Sixers of the 2005 camp season. Kinney took less than two summers (10 1/2 weeks) to achieve the feat; Roberts becomes one of the youngest ever girl campers to finish. To become a forty-sixer, one must climb the highest peaks in New York state, first achieved at camp in 1955.
|
|
Big Slide Mountain, 10:14am- “It doesn’t feel much different but I’m happy I finished,” stated an always calm, yet clearly proud Jack Kinney.
The accomplishment is extraordinary; Kinney’s first 46er peak was just over 13 months ago. “Jack is insane!” voiced fellow hiker Peter Breiding. Added Benn Singer, the only other 46er on the trip, “He’s definitely worthy.”
The climbing party was just that: a party with summit treats including Italian sausage, corn bread, chips, cream pies, smoked mussels and the obligatory baby food (vegetarian beef). “Thanks to (trip leader Andy) Reithal,” said Kinney. “His pack weighed a ton!”
The assault on the 46 was fast and furious. Kinney went on over 20 wilderness trips during the past two summers. “I’ll keep hiking at this pace, maybe a bit slower. Hiking is one of the best things I’ve ever done!”
|
|
Mt. Skylight, 12:50pm- In keeping with camp tradition, Eleanor Roberts waited behind while her counselors and friends reached the top. Then it was time for her glory. “They made me wait but then I ran to the top. I was tired, but they were singing the Rocky theme song. It was awesome!”
Many hugs, and lots of food was, of course, the order of the day. “We partied like it was 1999. I had soda, lots of junk food and baby food (chicken and sweet potato).
Roberts is in her fifth year at camp, her fourth hiking. She gets a gleam in her eye when reminded that she finished her 46 ahead of her two older brothers, both of whom have over 40 peaks. “It was always something I wanted to do. Last year was the first time I really started thinking seriously about it.”
Has the honor sunk in yet? According to several other members of the hiking group, “All the way out, Eleonor kept saying, ‘Oh my God, I’m a forty-sixer!’”
|
