This post is massively overdue, so instead of breaking it down into separate posts like I normally one, it'll be one big post for the entire trip.
In September, I headed up to the Adirondacks to finish up the fire tower patch. Although there are more than 18 towers there, you only need 18 to complete it.
I started with Swede, as it had just opened after restoration, and it was about to close for hunting season. Swede is a very easy hike. It's short, not steep, and not rocky.
On day two I did Hurricane, which was definitely one of my favorites. It has a bald, open top, so the views would be great even without a tower. I had planned to do a second tower that day, but the weather had other ideas.
On day three I had to squeeze two in. First up was Poke-O-Moonshine, which I had intended as a chaser to Hurricane. I've never seen a fire tower hike with so many steps and even ladders along the way. This made for a hike with a very different feel.
After that I did Black. I wasn't wild about this one. The hike was fine, but the fire tower has had a weird radio tower built over it, and you can't climb it. The view from the near the top are decent, though.
Finally, I finished the challenge on Kane. It wouldn't have been my ideal choice for a finale, as its location in the central southern Adirondacks means the views aren't as fabulous, but the location made it ideal for breaking up the drive home. I managed to time it just right - it started raining just as I got into my car.
So that was the fire tower challenge! I would love the visit the other towers I didn't complete, but - I was about to move out of New York, putting them further out of reach. It's a great challenge, and it's a wonderful way to get terrific views.
