As technology advances, the ways that we appreciate the Adirondacks change. For example, auto-tourists enjoy the park by way of car or RV. Roads allow access to scenic viewpoints and mountain hotels or resorts that would take days to reach by foot. However, even as auto-tourism flourishes, there are still traditions that remain true to the spirit of enjoying the Adirondacks in a most primitive way. Many outdoor enthusiasts still strive to become an Adirondack 46er, a term coined after brothers Robert and George Marshall and friend Herbert Park climbed 46 Adirondack peaks in 1925. Although auto-tourism is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the park, it seems the spirit of raw interaction with nature has lived on. There’s something fulfilling about experiencing and interacting with nature that still exists despite technological advances that make the Adirondack experience “easier”.
When the two brothers and Park tackled the 46 peaks, it was believed that each peak was over 4,000 feet. This has been disproved, yet the title of an Adirondack 46er remains. (“How to Become an Adirondack 46er”). Today, nearly 9,000 individuals have followed the original team’s lead to claim the title. Some treat each peak as a day hike, while others choose to backpack the peaks, or sections of the peaks, in a series. Either way, the end goal is to have conquered the 46-peak challenge, embodying a sense of admiration, adoration and pride for the Adirondacks. There’s even an “ADK46-R” club dedicated to establishing a group of individuals who have completed the challenge. The club creates a sense of connection and community between individuals who have hiked all 46 peaks. It doesn’t matter if the journey was done alone or with a group, the commitment and perseverance of each individual creates a sense of community that is at the heart of the club.
Although the 46-Peak challenge doesn’t align with the end-goal that the brothers and Park first envisioned (to climb 46 peaks over 4,000 feet), I think Adirondack 46ers are proof that a passion and joy of experiencing the Forever Wild Adirondack land persists despite advancing technology. Other similar challenges, such as the Cranberry Lake 50, the Fire Tower Challenge and the Saranac Lake 6er have been added to the agenda of many Adirondack enthusiasts. It’s discouraging to consider that as a society, we may be losing what it truly means to interact with nature, Ebenezer Emmons style (the first to ascend Mount Marcy in 1837). However, those who proudly wear the title of an Adirondack 46er provide hope that the fulfillment of experiencing nature with grit and awe is to some extent inherent and inevitable.
Sources:
"Adirondack 46ers!" ADk46ers. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"The 46 Adirondack High Peaks." The Adirondack High Peaks Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
My highschool Latin teacher was a 46er, and he was going for the winter title next. I have so much respect for people who have the passion and drive to hike all 46 peaks. I would definitely consider doing it, but often my reason to not is that I lack the "time". However, lacking time can be more of a lifestyle flaw, in the sense that if I desired it deeply enough, I bet I could finish work and put aside some responsibilities to make the time to hike some peaks every now and then. I think that's one thing I've realized about college - half the time, when we say we don't have enough time to do something it's because we've failed to manage our time wisely.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great take on 46rs! Both of my parents are 46rs, and my dad recently completed them for a second time with my brother, who finished when he was only 12(!). So I definitely agree, there is a community, heritage-type drive that inspires people to hike the 46. There also seems to be a bit of a growing popularity for pursuing the 46...the challenge attracts young people with a thirst for independence and eager to prove their athletic skill. Summit shots make for impressive Instagram photos, after all. Even if some people start the 46 for the glory, however, I'm convinced that that's not all they'll get out of it. You can't climb the 46 without experiencing, as you put it, "a sense of admiration, adoration and pride for the Adirondacks."
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