A lap up Empress and an excursion to Jewels & Gems on a gorgeous Saturday in the ADKs! Thanks to Gabriel and Rachael for the delightful company. We got to introduce them to removable trad protection and multipitch technique. A great day!

Climbers ascend a rocky incline using ropes one in a red jacket ahead while another follows Both are surrounded by dense green forest under a clear sky A person climbs a rocky cliff using a blue rope wearing a red jacket and yellow backpack surrounded by trees and overcast sky. Climber ascends a steep rock face using ropes while a person wearing a helmet supports from below in a sunlit forest with tall green trees surrounding the area. Person climbing a steep rock face wearing climbing gear surrounded by leafy trees casting shadows with a bright blue sky above. Two climbers wearing helmets and harnesses sit against a large rock face surrounded by sunlight and trees. The woman’s shirt reads Superior Attitude Optimistic. The man’s helmet has Black Diamond Half Dome text.

Another awesome family climbing day at King Philips Spring Wall! It’s incredible what you can do when you set your mind to it. The whole family climbed out the cliff on their first day of outdoor rock, culminating in the 5.8 gem, Springtime!

A child wearing a helmet and harness climbs a gray rock face while holding a blue rope in an outdoor setting. A climber ascends a steep gray rock face using a rope under a cloudy sky with surrounding green trees. A climber wearing a helmet peers over a rock face edge while a climbing rope stretches downwards anchoring their position against a clear blue sky with surrounding trees visible. A climber wearing a helmet ascends a steep rocky cliff, secured by a rope. The surrounding context includes a clear blue sky with scattered tree branches framing the scene. A climber ascends a rocky cliff using a rope beneath a canopy of green leaves and a clear blue sky. Shadows of leaves create patterns on the rock surface. Five people wearing helmets sit on a large rock smiling in a forested area beneath a sky with scattered clouds. A smiling man with a backpack leads four children along a forest trail surrounded by tall green trees and natural foliage. The children appear to be enjoying the hike.

John Gruber with a spot-on factoid:

HOMES is the longstanding mnemonicfor recalling the five Great Lake names: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. “Hames”, technically, is a playable Scrabble/Wordle word (“a part of a horse collar”), but it’s far too obscure to serve as a mnemonic. That leaves one word in the English language consisting of the five necessary letters: SHAME.

Another superb day hiking through the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, this time exploring with Eric on some lesser known paths. We loved spending time on the Gill Brook Trail up to Indian Head, then to Rainbow Falls and the West River Trail. If you like chasing waterfalls, this 10-mile route is for you!

Michael and Lynn had to cancel their trip out to Glacier National Park due to wildfire smoke and decided to come check out Lake Placid instead. Of course I had to show them one of the Adirondack’s very best views! We got to see lots of wildlife along the way while swapping hiking stories. 🥾

Three people pose on a rocky mountain ledge with one smiling into the camera overlooking a forested valley and river under a cloudy sky. Two hikers stand smiling with trekking poles in a forest near a tree with a sign reading Indian Head indicating direction with an arrow amidst dense green foliage. A deer grazes on lush green grass beside a dirt path in a dense forest surrounded by tall trees and shrubs. A person with a blue backpack hikes uphill using trekking poles in a forested area with tall trees and green foliage. Another person is visible walking ahead. Two hikers descend a rocky forest path using trekking poles surrounded by lush green trees and roots. A white mushroom stands upright amid green moss and fallen pine needles, surrounded by scattered branches in a dense forest setting.

Seeing kids (and their parents) progress year after year is so rewarding. Can’t wait for our next time! 🫶

A man and child wearing helmets smile while hugging amid a lush green forest a climbing review reads We have been climbing with Jarrod for years. He offers the best service and keeps everyone safe! My kids have so much fun with him and he knows the best swimming spots. We look forward to many more adventures with him.

He did it! 32 years in the making, Ryan’s the latest to have successfully summited all 46 of the Adirondack high peaks. It’s a massive accomplishment, which he capped off by flying here from his home in London to finally finish the challenge. We set a superb pace up Allen Mountain — 4.5 hours from trailhead to summit! Stoke was high. Congrats, Ryan! ⛰️

A man stands holding a sign with “Ryan Kaskel 46/46 4340 ft” beside an “Allen Mountain” sign on a tree in a forest. Two hikers smiling in a forest clearing with backpacks next to a tree sign reading ALLEN MOUNTAIN The person on the right holds a patch displaying ADK 46R A person wearing a blue shirt points toward distant mountains while standing on a forested hilltop under an overcast sky. A person wearing a blue shirt and backpack steps across rocks in a shallow stream surrounded by a forest with green trees and rocky banks. A wooden sign reading Allen Mtn Herd Path with a yellow arrow nailed to a tree in a dense forest environment. A man stands on wet rocks holding hiking poles near fallen trees and a small waterfall surrounded by lush green forest. Hiker with backpack crossing a shallow stream in a forested area surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. A person ascends a rocky forest trail using hiking poles surrounded by dense evergreen trees on a mountainous path. A man wearing a blue shirt holds a patch and a Mountain Dew bottle triumphantly. He stands among evergreen trees and rocks in a forested mountain setting. The patch reads ADK 46er.

After a 30-year hiatus, Ryan is back in the Adirondacks to finish up his three remaining high peaks! He did the rest as youth at summer camp, but that passion for the peaks never faded. With our summits on Colvin and Blake today (so fun!), he’s only got one left: Allen, which is tomorrow’s objective. Wish us luck!

A person stands holding a hiking pole wearing a blue shirt and black pants in front of a rustic wooden gate framed by lush green trees in a forest setting. Mountains are illuminated by soft evening light in the background, framed by silhouetted tree branches, with a grassy field and a few scattered trees in the foreground. A wooden trail sign is attached to a tree, indicating distances to Mt Colvin 1.8 miles and Nippletop Mt 2.4 miles. It’s surrounded by a dense forest. The sign includes a red circle with “Foot Trail” written inside. A person with a backpack ascends a rocky, tree-lined hiking trail. Sunlight filters through green foliage, creating dappled shadows on the path. A person stands on a rocky ledge taking a selfie with a smartphone surrounded by evergreen trees under a partly cloudy blue sky. Two people outdoors in a forest. One person holds a whiteboard with text: BLAKE 3960 ft 45/46. They appear to be hiking and standing on a rock surrounded by trees. A hiker ascends a wooden ladder on a steep rocky mountain slope surrounded by dense green forest carrying a backpack and using trekking poles for support. A young deer stands on a bed of fallen leaves, looking back. It is surrounded by trees and moss in a forest setting.

We LOVE teaching climber independence! Want to move beyond the gym and be able to set up your own top ropes, place trad gear, and move into leading? We can help with personalized instruction. Book your own private session with our licensed guide!

A woman wearing a helmet ties knots on climbing ropes attached to a practice board mounted on a tree. The board features various carabiners. Forest setting. Text reads: Practice board. The practice is what we do after we know it all. Nicole Kaczor 1 review ★★★★★ 17 hours ago My husband and I met Jarrod a year ago when he guided us for beginning ice climbing I reached back out to him this summer for a rock climbing instructional day with the goal of becoming more independent setting up top rope anchors. The day we spent with him exceeded our expectations in terms of the material we covered and how comfortable/practiced we felt at the end of it. Jarrod is a phenomenal (and safe/thorough) guide/instructor and very easy going/fun to hang with for the day. Will probably book with him in the future and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to others.

Tilman’s Arete today with the Kaye family! We got to build upon the skills they learned last summer and deploy them into a real multipitch! And trying all the variations that Tilman’s offers. Great day out that dried up nicely!

Two climbers wearing helmets scale a rock face gripping a rope amidst lush green trees above a large body of water. Person climbing a rocky surface while wearing a red helmet in a forested area with ropes for safety others below stand near trees and rocks observing the ascent. A person wearing an orange helmet and climbing gear ascends a rocky cliff face, secured by a rope. Green foliage partially surrounds the rock, adding a natural backdrop. Three climbers in helmets and harnesses smiling atop a cliff overlooking a forested mountain landscape with a river. Text on helmets reads Adirondack Mountain Guides. A person climbs a steep rock face using safety gear, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. Three people wearing red helmets are preparing for rock climbing, standing on a rocky forested hillside by a lake. Climbing gear and ropes are spread on the ground.

Can’t keep these legs from hiking! 🥾 Today was a perfect day for Haystack with incredible 360° visibility. David knocked it out of the park for his 7th high peak, cruising through the 18 miles. Excited to go back out with him (and the rest of the family) tomorrow for some rock climbing. These late summer days just give and give!

A person stands confidently on a rocky mountain peak holding a hiking pole surrounded by lush greenery with another peak visible in the background under a clear blue sky with clouds. A distant mountain peak is partially obscured by densely packed green trees with a clear blue sky overhead creating a serene natural landscape. A large rock covered with lush green moss sits quietly in a dense forest. Nearby trees tower, their branches forming a canopy. A sign reads “Young Forest." Rocks form a rugged path leading upward through a dense forest of green trees and shrubs under a bright sky creating a natural hiking trail ambiance. Signs hang on trees along a forest trail warning hikers. Text reads You are entering an Arctic-Alpine Plant Zone. The plants are rare fragile and very much endangered. Walking and sitting on them will kill them. Please walk only on the trail or on solid rock. A person holds a sign reading Mt Haystack 4960 ft 7/46 ADK 46R on a mountain summit with lush green hills and blue sky in the background. Mountain peak rises under clear blue sky surrounded by rugged rocky terrain with green vegetation scattered below and fluffy white clouds adding contrast to the background. Clouds hang in the sky above a mountainous landscape, with sunlight peeking through gaps. The foreground features a rocky hillside covered with grass and small shrubs. Two hikers smile and give thumbs up on a rocky mountain peak. One wears a headband and has trekking poles. The other wears a backpack with “SYNAPTIC MOUNTAIN GUIDES” on a cap. A turtle rests on a forest floor covered with dry leaves, twigs, and soil, blending into the earthy and natural surroundings with its textured shell. A man wearing outdoor gear and a headband walks holding trekking poles in a gravel parking area surrounded by parked cars and tall, dense trees.

Cranberry Lake delivered in miles, bugs, more miles, beaver dams, more miles, scenic overlooks, ice cream, and a few more miles! Over the course of 21 hours, we completed the 57 mile loop (with bonus points) in a single push yesterday for our latest Northeast Ultra 8 hike. Todd was especially pleased to hike more miles than his age in years — a super impressive showing! Only two left!!

A round blue sign displays Cranberry Lake 50 Five Ponds Partners. It sits above a black door structure on a grassy area with trees, a house, and picnic tables nearby. A smartwatch displays 3:37:57 duration 10.72 miles distance 1.9 mph speed and 85 heart rate. The watch is worn on an arm above fallen leaves and ferns in dim light. A quiet pond is surrounded by dense forest with pine branches illuminated in the foreground under a twilight sky. A narrow grassy pathway leads towards the water’s edge. Trail signs are attached to a tree indicating directions and distances. Text reads TRAIL TO Dead Creek Flow 1.85 miles Wanakena 4.75 miles NYSDEC and TRAIL TO Cat Mtn 0.7 miles Department Environmental Conservation in a forest setting. A person stands on a rocky hill holding a trekking pole wearing outdoor gear surrounded by a vast green forest under a clear blue sky. A smartwatch displays a hiking summary with stats including 7:09:21 time 20.00 miles distance 0.0 mph speed 98 heart rate while a person stands on a forest trail in the background. A man stands on an old, rusty piece of machinery with tracks in a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and scattered branches. He holds a walking stick, dressed in hiking gear. Person standing with a walking stick observing a small waterfall on a rocky river surrounded by dense forest under a partly cloudy sky. A beaver dam made of branches and logs obstructs a narrow stream. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and tall trees, the dam creates a calm, reflective pond. Two hikers with backpacks walking through a dense forest trail. The foreground hiker wearing a yellow top and hat has a mesh net over his head. The trail is surrounded by tall trees. A smartwatch displays workout data on a wrist reading 10:51:00 30.82 mi 1,558 feet 0.0 mph 92 bpm in a forested area while a hiker stands on a muddy trail. A two-story building with solar panels and hanging clothes stands beside a parking lot bordered by trees Flags and signs adorn the porch with parked vehicles nearby Dog standing alert in a dense forest surrounded by tall trees and leafy underbrush. A smartwatch displaying data is worn on a wrist with a blurred background of a person gesturing thumbs down in a forest. Text reads 14 20 37 40.13 MI 0.0 106.

We take great pride in forming strong partnerships with our guests, and love seeing them excel in going after their objectives. @rhodes_and_trails is the best of the best in making those long days in the mountains safe, educational, and fun!

Three hikers climb a rocky path on a mountain surrounded by dense green forest. A review overlay reads Kathee Tyo 5 reviews 1 photo 5 stars 2 hours ago. A long day made fun because of our guide Katie She is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement Her attention to us as a group was top notch and I felt we were in the best hands as we conquered the Santononi range

Marcy with Leif and Branden on a cloud-filled day. It was their first time in the high peaks, but these guys moved through the muddy, slick, rugged terrain like it was their own backyard!

Two people stand on a wet rocky ledge overlooking a lush forest and distant mountains under a cloudy sky. A person kneels on grass, adjusting a backpack, surrounded by dense evergreen trees with misty mountains in the distance, under an overcast sky. A person hikes up a rocky trail surrounded by dense green pine trees under an overcast sky. A person stands on a rocky, foggy mountain top holding a hiking pole beside a cairn. The sign reads “That Ambitous Climb It Can Be Dangerous Coming Down National Audubon Society Read The Philipps Guide To Birds of New Set Sea Mont Heathrow” Three people wearing hiking gear pose smiling on a rocky surface with a plaque behind them. Plaque text: 1837 Marcy 1937 L’AHAWE A’NEIOHA CLOUD-SPLITTER Utsayantha’s Son of the Forest Heart Giver of the Sacred Waters (remaining text is not fully visible) Two people with backpacks walking on a rocky forest trail surrounded by dense green trees under dappled sunlight. Two people with backpacks stand smiling arm in arm on a forest trail one holding a camera and walking stick. The person on the right wears a shirt reading “Spencerport Soccer”.

Another awesome day at King Philip’s Spring Wall introducing a gym climbing family to the wonders of real rock! The Heyman’s did GREAT facing some fears and doubts, with everyone topping out every climb. We walked out with a real sense of accomplishment. Do rad stuff together as a family — you become a better team. 🤘

Person wearing a helmet climbing a rock face gives a thumbs-up as they ascend with a rope in a wooded area under a blue sky. A climber ascends a large rock face using safety ropes surrounded by lush green trees and a partly cloudy sky overhead. A person wearing climbing gear ascends a steep rock face surrounded by a dense forest with leafy trees and exposed roots on the ground. A person wearing a red helmet belays a climber ascending a rock face. They are in a forested area with trees and scattered boulders. Two children wearing helmets sit on a log in a forest clearing surrounded by lush trees and foliage with climbing shoes placed on the ground in front of them. Four people wearing helmets sit on a large rock. They are surrounded by tall trees and a blue sky with clouds. Two have red helmets with unreadable writing.

The Clark family made a special stop for Day 11 of their road trip to climb in the Adirondacks. They did an amazing job for their first time on real rock, even climbing the 5.8 line ‘Springtime’ at King Philip’s Spring Wall. That crag’s a perfect spot for families and groups! There’s still time for your family to go on an ADK adventure this summer. 🗓️

Four people wearing climbing gear point upwards while smiling beside a rock wall where one person climbs, supported by a rope. They are surrounded by a sunny, wooded area. A child wearing a helmet is climbing a rock face using a rope surrounded by tall green trees under a clear blue sky. Two people wearing red helmets and climbing harnesses stand on rocky ground smiling next to a rock face. Text on helmets reads “Evolution Climbing” and “Mountain Skills Academy." A person wearing a helmet climbs a steep rocky surface outdoors under a clear blue sky. Their red shirt has visible text “Stay Wild”. A safety rope is attached for support. A climber ascends a steep rock face wearing a white helmet and harness surrounded by a forest under a clear blue sky. A person wearing a red helmet labeled “Ontario Mountain Guides” kneels on a forest floor arranging small rocks and sticks with trees surrounding them. Five people wearing helmets look up while standing on a rocky forest floor beneath green leafy trees appearing to be preparing for a climbing activity.

Did you know we rent out crash pads for bouldering? Conveniently located 10 minutes from the Mckenzie Pond boulders, get them for $20/day and keep crushing those problems! Easy rentals via our website (link in bio).

Two crash pads lie beneath a boulder among trees, with two people nearby on a forest floor. Text review by Bonnie Jakobsen-Martin: Rented some crash pads for the day. The arrangements communication and pickup and drop off processes were all smooth. The weather on the rental day ended up being great but ahead of time Jarrod even said we could move the rental date if it had been rainy which was very reassuring. Great experience overall.

The hike isn’t always about reaching a summit. This time it was for slowing down, reflecting, connecting, and noticing all the beauty that nature has to offer. Kudos to Michael for making the most of a rainy ADK getaway, and finding love for every quiet moment — even simply the raindrops on the tent. 🏕️

A person in a green rain jacket is sitting on a mossy rock by a forest stream holding a walking stick. Dense pine trees surround the area with a misty atmosphere. A hiker with a large backpack and trekking pole bends to pet a small spotted dog on a wooded trail alongside another person. Man sits inside a tent inflating an orange sleeping pad surrounded by camping gear such as a water bottle and a hat with colorful tent walls creating a cozy atmosphere Two tents sit on a forest floor surrounded by tall trees and scattered logs providing a serene campsite setting under a leafy canopy. A person smiles on a rocky mountain summit holding a trekking pole with a backpack. Cloudy sky and forested peaks form the backdrop. Water cascades over a cliff, creating a foamy waterfall amidst moss-covered rocks and dense green forest, framed by branches, under an overcast sky. A person sits on a wet metal platform removing a sock next to a flowing creek surrounded by lush green pine trees and rocks. A person sits on a wooden bridge in sunlight beneath tall trees with water bottles camping gear and a pathway in the background. A hiker with a large backpack and walking stick stands on a wooden bridge under a bright sun while two people sit nearby in a forested mountainous area. An orange salamander crawls across a damp soil surface surrounded by scattered twigs and patches of light-colored earth. A narrow wooden boardwalk extends through a lush forest with tall trees and dense green foliage creating a serene natural pathway. Wooden trail sign points right indicating Adirondack Loj 1.0 miles surrounded by a lush green forest. Second sign with faded text is partially visible above. The faint moon rests in a clear blue sky above a line of tall evergreen trees with a leafy tree in the foreground on the left. A grassy field with scattered yellow wildflowers stretches toward distant mountains under a clear blue sky. Trees line the horizon and a dirt path runs along the foreground.

A few shots from a massive day completing the Pemi Loop (32 miles, 10,000+ ft elevation gain, 13 summits, 19.5 hours) with Todd yesterday for the Northeast Ultra 8 challenge. The White Mountains delivered in a spectacular way. Can’t wait to go back! ⛰️

Man stands smiling holding a sign on a rocky mountain overlook with expansive forested hills behind him. The sign reads Northeast Ultra 8 Pemi Loop 5/8 and has two logos. Two individuals wear headlamps and backpacks smiling in a dark outdoor setting suggesting a nighttime hike. They both have devices attached to their backpacks and are dressed for outdoor activity. Rugged rocks rest atop a mountain surrounded by evergreen trees under a dramatic sky with layered clouds. The distant horizon reveals multiple mountain ridges fading into a cloudy atmosphere. A wooden trail sign lists directions and distances to Franconia Ridge Trail Falling Waters Trail Mt Lafayette Greenleaf Hut and Mt Liberty surrounded by a dense forest with ferns and moss. A tall rock formation stands prominently among mossy boulders shrouded in fog overlooking a dense green forested valley and distant mountain slopes. Two hikers stand on large mossy rocks giving thumbs up in a foggy mountainous environment both wearing hiking gear and backpacks. A golden retriever stands on a concrete ledge next to a man looking down wearing a white shirt with orange patterns on a cloudy day in an outdoor setting. A hiker walks down a rocky trail surrounded by dense green trees on a mountainside under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. A man stands on a moss-covered rock holding a walking stick overlooking a vast green mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. Dense green foliage with small round leaves grows intertwined with clusters of narrow pointed leaves. Scattered among the leaves are a few small blueberries, nestled in a natural setting. A person sits on a large rock smiling with a hiking pole beside them surrounded by a lush forest and distant mountains under a cloudy sky. Rays of sunlight stream through thick gray clouds over distant mountains illuminating a rocky foreground with patches of greenery on a rugged terrain.

Watched: Spider-Man: Brand New Day 🍿

Some great web-slinging! And a notable step up in cinematography from the first few of the Tom Holland series. 👍

After starting their climbing journey with ice last winter, Nicole and Dan have expanded into to the rock world and booked an instructional day to learn how to become more independent climbers. We covered building single pitch anchors off bolts and trees, how to evaluate gear placements, cleaning, and more. Jewels & Gems provided a great outdoor classroom, and the rain held off just for us. It’s so cool to see these two progress!

A person wearing a helmet ties a knot on a rope attached to a board on a birch tree trunk surrounded by rock formations. Board text reads Practice Board Use Palms Not Fists Hit Board Only Not Tree. A climber ascends a sheer rocky cliff gripping a rope while surrounded by lush green trees filtering sunlight. A person climbs a large rock face using climbing gear surrounded by a lush green forest with tree leaves framing the top of the scene. A person is kneeling and tying a yellow rope around a tree in a dense forest with several signs mounted on trees. Two people wearing climbing gear stand and talk in a forest clearing surrounded by tall trees and scattered rocks.

Watched: The Dink 🍿

A movie poster for “The Dink” (2026) directed by Josh Greenbaum. The central figure is a man holding a pickleball paddle, surrounded by other characters. The background features a net and numerous green pickleballs. The text reads: “Wasn’t sure I was gonna like this one at first. But I laughed so hard. Everyone was committed to the bit. A fun watch.” There are emoji reactions below with two thumbs up highlighted.

Curious about what specs and number of external monitors that your Mac can support? RetinaDesk has a neat tool for that! Just select your Mac, and it shows you how many displays, at what resolutions and refresh rates, and the capabilities of each port on your Mac. Pretty handy!

Watched: The Odyssey 🍿

A spectacle from start to finish. Quite gripping through the very end as well. Not sure it captured Odysseus' wit or the love between him and his crew as much as I expected, but there were certainly very powerful moments. Another triumph from Nolan and team.

Watched: Star City 📺

Really brought over the drama and tension from For All Mankind, but it’s a very different show. I liked it. I think they captured the paranoia of living under constant surveillance quite well. Hoping for a season two!