This was the second in our 'Kili Prep Hike' series, and we were constrained by bad weather to doing a short 1/2 day Adirondack hike. I'd done pitchoff ridge once with Lorraine years ago, but the visibility was bad. Today we are going to do it as a car shuttle from the east end to the west end (both trailheads are on Route 73). The weather was partly cloudy (a little faint sun) but the visibility was perfect. And not too cold, either. Along for the hike were: myself (Andrew), Markus, Caroline, Jenn, Yi, Pu, and Peter K. Ewart was also along, except hiking the porter-cascade traverse. We were in radio contact the whole way.

The ascent was steep, but overall, pretty short. Total elevation gain is about 2000 feet. short, stiff, but a good climb. near the end, where it tops out, the trail goes through a nice little rocky defile, with smooth slabs on each side, before winding around and reaching the first open crag.