"Does this bib make my Ass lookl fat ?  be honest !"

Darrell Neff starting one of his many impressive leads !

There is plenty of Ice here !  now put the camera down and put me on belay   Chapel Canyon,  Andy Coutant

Although this was supposed to be a four person NH climbing weekend,  it turned into a Daks Trip for two 

Darrell found a new place to stay 'THE HOSTEL" forget the camping crap this place sleeps many with a shared full kitchen and showers but here is the great part, it is clean and cheap $18.00 a night you can't beat that !!

The Hostel

Rt. 73 Box 541

Keene Valley, NY. 12943

518-576-2030

The building directly above is where we stayed

Darrell Neff making easy work of Happy Hour

this tree is not in a convenient place for someone 6' 5"

Darrell breezin up Positive Rienforcement

Later that night hanging with some of the good folks that were sharing the Hostel   

These two guys were Dave and Dave or 'the Daves'  for short. Two nice fellas who climbed a number of routes up in the Daks that weekend. One of them the Dave on the left works at W.L.Gore or GORTEX  so when your Gortex keeps you dry this is one of the guys putting it togher for you.  

This is Doreen and Arlene two friends who are part of the "46 ers club"  They pick off the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondaks.  They have already accomplished the task in spring/ summer conditions and are now working on doing all the peaks in Winter !!  Although a  very serious undertaking these two ladies have fun !!  When ever we saw them they were smiling and laughing and most importantly quick to make us laugh with a story about their funny mishaps during the days hike.  "Nothing better than a person that dosen't take themselves too seriously"   

Good Luck, Hope you accomplish the winter 46'  

Darrell getting suited up on the roadside at Cascade Pass near Pitchoff and Sisters

Below me happy as a pig in shit to be out Climbing

me (Andy) preparing to lead Bruiser or Buster or Bowser one of those climbs ?   "don't bother me with details"

Wait, Wait, Wait How the hell do these leshes work again ?

Finally on my way

I am Darrell the Terminator "I Vill Clime anyting not like you, you girly man"

Looking goofy Arriving at the Belay,

that's right my helmet says LIFE IS GOOD

Me second pitch of some route that turned into a rotten alpine snow filled gully

fun though!

Darrell following that same pitch.   hey, hey, that tree may be  bomber but it is off route

Lets get down and hit Pitchoff before it melts out 

Well there are no real good pics of Pitchoff it was runing like a river and I helled my breathe a few times waiting for a house size chunk to crash down but alas it never happened.    Pitchoff was not leadable so we top roped a bit before packing up and heading back to Jersey.  

This was a great trip and it proved that as long as everyone else thinks the ice stinks it will keep down the crowds.  there was plenty of stuff to climb mostly moderate routes which was right up our alley so we had a great time the area is very diverse and there are numerous areas to explore.  Finding the Hostel was a score I will be sure to post the phone number for the Place the owner Dave is a nice guy and very accomidating    

We are out of here but we will deffinately be back !

The Hostel

Rt. 73 Box 541

Keene Valley, NY.

518-576-2030