I climbed my first 46er when I was 8 years old. It was on a mountain called Cascade in Lake Placid, New York, and I was full of anticipation because I did not know what to expect. I felt energized and excited at the beginning, and thought it would be a slow steady uphill. I quickly learned that I had underestimated the hike, and that it felt much harder on the hill than when you were sitting in your hotel room waiting for the day to come! I didn’t let the exhaustion get the best of me, though. I kept trekking through the dense forest until I reached the summit, and at that point I realized that I absolutely loved hiking, however exhausting it might be. That was the beginning of me becoming a 46er. 

Being a 46er means climbing the summits of all 46 peaks that are at least 4000 feet or above in the Adirondacks. Every summer and fall my family and I choose two-five peaks that are close together and we plan to climb those peaks. We make a list of supplies to bring, including food, water, extra layers, and emergency supplies. To plan the routes we use the AllTrails app to look at various reviews and approaches, then select the most efficient route. All of this preparation helps me understand exactly how difficult a climb might be, potentially dangerous terrain, how much elevation we will gain, and reminders to look for unmarked trails. 

The most difficult moment I had while hiking was Mount Marshall - it was rugged, unmarked terrain where we were climbing an almost 40 degree incline. I was incredibly tired, and the steepness of the hill was draining me. My shoulders were slouched and my eyes were drooping because I was that tired. My feet ached like they had been walking on sharp rocks in bare feet for the last 5 hours. When I finally finished that hike I was completely exhausted, but I was also incredibly proud of what I accomplished. I was also grateful to have a soft bed and a shower waiting for me back at the hotel. Aspiring to become a 46er has taught me that I have to plan ahead, only go hiking with appropriate supplies, and when the voice inside tells me “I can’t take another step” I have to quiet that voice and remind myself that I can accomplish what I put my mind into, and no one is going to walk it for me.