Mount Adams

Great Range from Adams, Adirondacks, NY
Out of breath, out of shape. I probably would have been better off climbing one of the peaks I came to get a view of than this steep knob, so well situated downrange from them. Once the trail begins to climb, it is an act of faith—no views to orient me, or lookouts to admire from...no excuses to stop the endless up. The fire tower at the top is the only view. I give a silent thanks that it is open and climb the steps against my usual fear of heights. There are few trails on the southern part of the range, so an impressive wilderness spreads out before me. I step to the windows like they are the edge of my future. I wonder, these days, what the plan should be. The way ahead is out there, beyond this range, beyond my sight. I carry maps of trails, but not a map of the way. It’s a journey loosely conceived, swirling in a cloud of fate...I can’t see it and for once I’m not confident. I think a step into the unknown is always less dramatic than you imagine, because there are a thousand more that propel you forward. I wish I had your hand to hold, the reassurance of a strong love and a deep resolve, a home for my heart. But of course I don’t, or I’d never leave.

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Filename: Thoughts On Adams
Image Size: 4251x2048 / 9.7MB; Great Range Mount Adams Adirondacks Adiorondack State Park New York NY New York State ADK mountains Marcy Colde Skylight winter snow peaks mountains wilderness hikimg
Contained in galleries: Adirondack Panoramas

Great Range from Adams, Adirondacks, NY<br />
Out of breath, out of shape. I probably would have been better off climbing one of the peaks I came to get a view of than this steep knob, so well situated downrange from them. Once the trail begins to climb, it is an act of faith—no views to orient me, or lookouts to admire from...no excuses to stop the endless up. The fire tower at the top is the only view. I give a silent thanks that it is open and climb the steps against my usual fear of heights. There are few trails on the southern part of the range, so an impressive wilderness spreads out before me. I step to the windows like they are the edge of my future. I wonder, these days, what the plan should be. The way ahead is out there, beyond this range, beyond my sight. I carry maps of trails, but not a map of the way. It’s a journey loosely conceived, swirling in a cloud of fate...I can’t see it and for once I’m not confident. I think a step into the unknown is always less dramatic than you imagine, because there are a thousand more that propel you forward. I wish I had your hand to hold, the reassurance of a strong love and a deep resolve, a home for my heart. But of course I don’t, or I’d never leave.