Mount Van Hovenberg
Along with my sister Erica and my buddies Dan and Jay (with Husky pals Korra and Zuko) we arrived at the Mount Van Hovenberg Olympic Sports Complex before 10:30am. It was a glorious September day. I'd been told many times that Van Ho has arguably the best bang for your buck views in the Adirondack Park and I was keen to see what the mountain had to offer.
The pack was excited to get love and attention from Erica.
Signs pointed us in the direction of the trailhead which was just up a path along the old bobsled track. The Olympic Center was under active renovation, but there were several workers posted at pedestrian crossings to ensure everyone's safety.
We were all in great spirits, humans and canines alike. How could we not be on a day like this?
The trail was even more well-maintained than I'd imagined. The soil was hardened and smooth and the elevation seemed to be entirely managed with meticulously-fitted stone steps.
My left achilles was very tight from a long couple of weeks of desk work with a lot less activity than I was planning to get. I was really hoping the hike would loosen it up, but the steps made the incline so mild that it only loosened the muscle up while we were moving; it would tighten right back up later.
The grade of the elevation gain hardly ever breaks 15% but it's fairly consistent.
Big rocks!
The trail meanders through a peaceful stand of woods at the top of the mountain towards the overlook on the Southern ledge.
The view from Van Hovenberg was more incredible than I had imagined. The mountain looks down on the marshes of South Meadows and Mount Jo beyond. Algonquin dominates the skyline flanked to the West by Wallface and MacNaughton and to the East by Colden and Phelps. Phelps stood closer in the panorama than I'd have expected. It was so cool to see this part of the park from this perspective.
The fall foliage right now is very localized, giving the deciduous trees in this part of the Adirondack Park a baked olive tone.
Sunny was just happy to be in the outdoors with his friends and family.
So was I.
After lunch and a healthy drink of water, the pups decided it was play time. They were ready to get on the road again.
We met up with Charissa and the kids on the way down. They had a blast leading the way back to the trailhead. There was a trailhead steward at the Mountain Pass Lodge and we chatted with them and other passing hikers while everyone took turns in the restroom. I have to say this is a great first mountain for children and adults uninitiated to Adirondack hiking.
I am absolutely certain we'll be back to Mount Van Hovenberg in the future. Quinn will absolutely love this mountain. The bang for your buck isn't just great; it is off the charts. For a 2 hour drive, I think I'd still want a bit more exercise out of a solo trip North, but I'd absolutely add this mountain to another short hike and I'd do it over and over again.
Heart Lake
We arrived at the Heart Lake campground before 2:30.
After setting up in the lean-to, we ordered some food at the Hungry Hiker. The place is a bit pricey, but considering the location and the quality of the burgers, it's worth the cost. We were soon joined by Charissa and her family. We had a lovely dinner and conversation before turning in for the evening.
We were grateful to Dan for having brought a bunch of wood to the party. We relaxed and hydrated for the big day tomorrow.
It was a beautiful night. Just before turning in, I took the opportunity to try a low-light image with my new phone in the direction of the fading twilight.
It wasn't nearly as cold that night as I was worried it might be. It was supposed to get in the mid-40s Farenheit, but there was nearly no wind and the fire helped immensely. Also, 4 humans and 3 dogs in one of the smallish Heart Lake lean-tos made for a cozy night. Erica was in her glory cuddling with Zuko.
Loads of dry wood, down blankets, real pillows, whatever food you want... there sure as hell is something to be said for car camping.
