An embodiment of the Adirondack
attitude, the 46er’s club serves the region through conservation and
stewardship while simultaneously enjoying the mountains. In order to be
eligible for club membership, a candidate must have summited all 46 of the
Adirondack high peaks. As I’m sure the members can attest, this task is no
small feat and thus results in a significant relationship between the climber
and the park. It’s this relationship that stands at the core of the 46er mission.
Despite having a name that suggests a
slight bit of pride and exclusivity, the 46ers exist primarily to help the
region they enjoy stay beautiful and pristine. The club prides itself on
founding sustainable recreation principles such as “If you carry it in, carry
it out,” and “Leave no trace,” (Hoody). Additionally, members log hundreds of
hours volunteering on various trail crews. These trail crews are responsible
for maintaining and bettering the hiking trails of the park. They clear blow
downs, plow out trails, build and repair lean-tos, and ensure that trail
markers are clear. So, while the club inherently attracts veteran hikers due to
its prerequisite, it enables hikers of all levels to enjoy the park.
The coveted 46-R patch
http://www.wanderingwool.com/?paged=3
For
all the work the club takes care of, the only congratulations they receive is a
small patch that members earn the right to wear. It’s this essentially
thankless dynamic that turns the organization into something beautiful, much
like the region that inspired it. I guess involvement in a club that enables
the frequent visitation to and immersion in the Adirondacks is payment enough.
In a sense, members have already received their real reward through the process
of gaining admission into the club.
Works Cited
Hoody, Brian. "ADK 46-R."
ADK 46-R. 2015.Web. <http://adk46er.org/>.
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