Alumni Moonshiner online

Willsboro, NY                     March 3, 2008                      since 1905

   On Sunday, March 2, Pok-O-Alumnus Matt Elliott climbed Phelps Mountain to complete his winter quest of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers. Elliott becomes the 8th Pok-O-MacCready winter Forty-Sixer, joining Sharp Swan, Phil Corell, Ken Ryba, Jim Kobak, Mark Corell, Dan Herbert and Eric Bauer.

   Elliott, the great-grandson of Pok-O-MacCready founder Charles A. Robinson, attended Pok-O-Moonshine from 1985-2000, as a camper, counselor and section head. He finished his 46ers at the age of 13 (see full camp 46er list) and climbed his first winter peak in 2002, aged 24. “I probably wanted to become a winter 46er by the end of the 2003 hiking season. However, I was still quite intimidated by some of the peaks I had left, so I didn't feel 100% committed at first. Once I got the Sewards out of the way though, I knew I would follow-through and finish them all.” 

   A large group of camp friends and family members joined Elliott for the winter finish.“The finish consisted of 2-3 groups depending on how you look at it. Once everyone was gathered together at the top, I was forced to wait near the summit for a little while some preparations were made. It mostly consisted of getting the beer, food, and more beer out of everyone's packs. They also created an arch of poles for me to walk through to the summit. In anticipation I ran to make it to the summit. Of course I ended up tripping on a snowshoe and then face planting right before I got the arch. It was very funny. Anyway, we partied up there for about an hour to an hour and a half, and then headed down to meet the rest of the group who was around for the weekend.” In addition to the summit celebration, a large contingent gathered at Steak and Seafood in Lake Placid for dinner. 

   “This has been a fun and exciting journey to finish the Winter 46.  I’m very excited to get to this point, and it will always be a strong area of personal pride.  Like most accomplishments, I have many people to thank for their help along the way.  My wife Jenn has always been very understanding and supportive of my weekend adventures.  Dan Herbert and Eric Bauer were my usual climbing partners, and this accomplishment is very much theirs as it is mine.  Phil Corell has invited me to Camp Peggy O’Brien the last few years for his annual trip, which is always a great time for all.  There are so many other people that have helped along the way as well, and for that I am extremely appreciative.  Although this major goal is completed, I am looking forward to continue my winter hiking experiences.  I suspect I will be splitting my time a little more between the Adirondacks and the White Mountains (which is a little closer to my home in Boston.)  No matter what, I will continue to enjoy my opportunities to spend a day outdoors.”