Training Log Archive: IronDan

Whiteface Mountain via Connery Pond and Whiteface Landing. I was surprised to learn that the road to the trailhead had been blocked due to deteriorating bridge conditions. So that added about an extra km to my hike. This hike involves walking by a scenic mountain stream before hitting the steep stuff. That's where I met and passed two guys (who appeared to have no map) who were trying to consider whether to go on or turn back. They estimated they were 2/3 done, I thought at least 3/4, although the toughest climbing clearly lay ahead. When they caught up to me later on the summit, one of the guys told me this was his first hike ever. What a hike to start with!

The interesting thing about Whiteface is that you can drive almost all of the way to the summit. Through the 30s to the 50s private and public backers worked to build a road, along with a summit castle, and a fantastic tunnel and elevator to connect the two. The tunnel and elevator are carved out of the mountain--it looks like something out of a movie:
http://www.superstock.com/ImagePreview/655-810
http://www.whiteface.com/newsite/groups/groupsumme...

I probably spent about an hour wondering around the summit and the weather station there. Then I headed back down, stopping at Whiteface Landing (beautiful views of Lake Placid (I'm talking about the actual lake here)) and the Whiteface Leanto.

I read the register in the lean-to...one of the latest entries was by Ranger Julie, who was looking for two lost hikers...spooky!