News
Successful 46 Peaks weekend for HOC
By Dillon Kelly ’18
October 1, 2015
Each year, the Hamilton Outing Club (HOC), starts off their strong annual programming with one of their largest and most successful hiking trips: the 46 Peaks Weekend. The 46 Peaks trip is a weekend-long trip that hopes to successfully place at least one Hamilton student on all 46 peaks across the Adirondacks. In years past, Hamilton has come close to achieving this feat, but it wasn’t until 2014 that Hamilton students successfully summited all 46 peaks. This year, HOC has done it again.
The history of the trip goes back to 1995, when three HOC officers came up with this seemingly crazy idea. The goal then was the same now -- to place at the very least one student on all of the 46 peaks of the Adirondacks on a weekend in October. This task is easier said than done; each peak across the Adirondacks is 4,000 feet or taller. Prior to last year, 20 to 30 peaks were usually summited per year, the largest number in 2008 with 41.
The successes of the past two years are largely due to an increased interest from the student body and positive attitudes of the trip leaders. This year over 150 students came together in a combination of day, overnight, and double overnight trips ranging from easy to hard hikes to achieve the trip’s intended goal. Lindsay Pattison ’16, a HOC officer and trip leader stated, “The trips this year went incredibly smoothly! The weather was beautiful, every trip went out and returned on schedule and there were no injuries!” The stars had aligned for a rewarding weekend.
This year’s trips were very similar to last year’s, following the same model to achieve success. Pattison attributed this triumph to the HOC leaders, saying, “They worked hard to make really specific itineraries, making this year’s trips go even smoother and without kinks.” Attendance and the trips themselves were comparable to last year, but this year boasted especially excited leaders, organized trips and effortless execution.
Lily Capstick ’18, who led a trip this year, remarked how close she got with her group of five during her hike. “What I absolutely love about these trips is how close you can get to a small group of people over such a short amount of time simply due to the shared experience,” Captstick said.
Although the task might be difficult and seem impossible, coming together with other students to accomplish the goal of the weekend creates camaraderie, a push to keep moving forward.
When asked about her specific 46 Peaks trip, Annie Berman ’18 spoke very fondly of her hike and the effect it left on her. Berman was impressed by the views and what she had accomplished, saying, “Once we finally got to the summit of Phelps Mountain, I was in awe of the amazing panoramic view on the high peak.” While Berman did not deny that the trip consisted of difficult hiking across grueling terrain, the outcome and feeling of accomplishment left her inspired.
A new tradition was started last year to celebrate the success of the weekend and to share with the Hamilton student body what had been accomplished: 46 Cheeses. This party offers multiple cheeses, a keg of Saranac Root Beer and a slideshow of pictures students took on their trips. The party will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Glen House, and all are welcome to attend to enjoy the cheese and slideshow.
The history and growth of the 46 Peaks Trip is truly remarkable. What started out as a simple, intimidating dream has expanded into a prosperous tradition for all to enjoy. It took passionate students ready to take on the daunting task of climbing all 46 peaks of the Adirondacks.