Phelps Mountain, December 7, 2024

8:15am — Started from Adirondack Loj trailhead

• Started in snowshoes, and glad we did

9:30am — Ascended to Marcy Dam

• Overtook a (more experienced?) group, great for morale!

• Frozen coverage made it possible to cross Marcy Brook at the Dam

10:15am — Ascended to Phelps junction

• Very smooth and easy, crossing Phelps Brook was a non-issue with ice coverage

11:15am — Ascended to Phelps summit

• Much faster and easier than most recent (icy) ascent due to deep snow (~2 feet)

• Skies opened up at just the right time for us to enjoy the vast and spectacular views of the Great Range, Colden, and Algonquin

11:30am — Departed Phelps summit

• Didn't stay on top for much longer than it took to take pictures, eat a quick lunch, and marvel at the views in order to retain heat and momentum

12:45pm — Descended to Phelps junction

• Descending in snowshoes took some getting used to for Petra. She toppled over a few times, but always pulled herself back up with a smile. The soft snow helped!

1:30pm — Descended to Marcy Dam

• Skies still mostly clear, though starting to sock back in

• Still able to cross at the Dam rather than the lower bridge

2:30pm — Ended at Adirondack Loj trailhead

• Petra was tired after her longest ever day in snowshoes, but ecstatic about how well she handled the terrain and temperatures, as well as getting to see the view. Her first mountain of the 46!