Saturday, September 20, 2014

Climbing Mt. Jo

Hi everyone,

I took a few days off from work to enjoy the great outdoors.  One of my adventures was to hike to the top of Mt. Jo in the Adirondacks, near Lake Placid, NY.  This particular mountain has superior views of the high peaks and Heart Lake.  Mt. Jo is on the N shore of Heart Lake rising 710 ft. above the lake.  Peak elevation is 2,876.  I'm so glad it was a beautiful day to do this.

Please join me as we take a climb.

Starting the hike ...


Some rocks along the trail.


So peaceful as there wasn't anyone else on the trail.



Decided to take the Long Trail on the way up.




Excited to see the Summit sign!


Reaching the top.


A little tricky getting up these boulders.


Summit with Mt. Street behind it.


Finally, a view of Heart Lake.


Panning from the left - Mt. Cascade and Porter.


Mt. Big Slide and Yard.


Mt. Phelps and friends.


The big one, Mt. Marcy.


Mt. Colden with its slides.


Mt. Algonquin.


Mt. Wallface over Indian Pass.


Daydreaming and happy I made the climb.


Mountains to dream about ...


This little fella stole one of my Club crackers while I was looking at the view!


He was so cute and let me watch him eat it.


Gazing at Mt. Marcy and Colden.


Mt. Colden slides down to Avalance Lake.


Mt. Colden and Algonquin.


Mt. Algonquin with Wright to the left.


Mt. Marcy and Colden Tower over Whale's Tail.


Mt. Marcy close up.


The MacIntyre Range (Wright, Algonquin, Boundary, Iroquois and Marshall).


Farthest view to the Northeast.


View to the Northwest.


I'm still daydreaming as I overlook Heart Lake.


Such a spectacular view.


Mt. Marcy, Colden an Algonquin over Heart Lake.


Mt. Colden over Heart Lake.


Final look at Heart Lake from the summit.


Starting the descent with Mt. Phelps in the background.


Looking down at what's to come.  Yikes!


A steep start ...


Making progress down the Short Trail ...


Looking at Mt. Wallface.


Mt. Wallface again.


Getting closer to Heart Lake.


Postcard worthy!


I thought this tree growing on top of a boulder was rather interesting.


The fall foliage is starting to pop.  In a few weeks it will be peak season.


Pretty reds are starting to show their color.


Taking in the views of Heart Lake.





Enjoying some purple coneflowers while leaving the trail.


Beautiful pink blossoms!


I still can't believe I was able to do the climb.  I'm conditioning myself to be able to hike some of the 46ers.  If you're not familiar with the term, there are 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks that are all 4,000 feet or higher in elevation.  For each mountain you climb you can obtain a patch for your accomplishment.

Here's hoping you have enjoyed the views!

9 comments:

Betty said...

I envy you so much. The pictures are so breathtaking.

Merlesworld said...

Wonderful pictures, I enjoyed taking the hike with you.
Merle.............

KarinsArtScrap said...

wow gorgeous pictures and the vieuw on top is stunning Donna.
Gr Karin

Becky said...

wow Donna, what fabulous photos!

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Donna, long time no visit. Gorgeous scenery, what a beautiful hike. Loved the little chipmunk. Best wishes,
Shaz xx

Kristi said...

Sigh.......what beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing your pics with us. Glad to see Autumn is happening where you are.

Lisa Gordon said...

Good for you (taking some time off work)!!
What a beautiful place this is, Donna. It looks so peaceful.

Thank you for taking us along with you!

Wishing you a bright beginning to your week ahead.

Terry said...

Great job on the climb! I was waving at you in your photo to the northwest. :-)
I love your goal of climbing the 46 mountains. Good luck!

BluMoon said...

Wow Donna, what stunning pictures, that is a steep climb but what a view from the top and how nice to share your lunch with a friend!
Jackie