2026-06-19

With our rugged terrain and option of unrelenting trails, the Adirondacks make a superb training ground for big mountain goals, both foreign and domestic. We’re proud to have helped clients prepare for their treks across the globe — and that our high peaks keep them coming back. 💪 Can’t wait to hit the trails with you again, @sekoshan!

Review text from S Seko giving five stars to Onward Mountain Guides praising Jarrod for excellent communication and guidance for a South American hiking trip. Smiling hiker posing on rocky terrain amid a forest backdrop. A hiker wearing a green backpack stands on a rocky trail overlooking a dense forest. Text above reads: Before each hike he communicated the night before and in the morning to confirm meeting places and routes. During the trip he set a perfect pace for me and my friend and had perfectly scheduled snack break stops. Jarrod was never concerned about additional stops if we needed to layer up or down stop for pictures get something out of our bags etc. Overall Jarrod was incredibly organized supportive knowledgeable patient and communicative. I honestly had a blast with Jarrod and it won’t be my last time hiking with him

2026-06-19

Reflecting one week later on our Presidential Traverse and I’m struck by the drive that Todd has shown in this Northeast Ultra 8 challenge. We’re 3 hikes in, with 66 miles and nearly 30,000 feet of elevation gain under our feet, and there’s no slowing this man down. Very proud to be on his team as he takes on the hardest hikes of the northeast. Our 10 summits last Friday gifted us stunning views with perfect weather. Can’t wait to get back to NH to see more of the White Mountains!

Person wearing a headlamp stands next to a trail sign reading USFS AMC RMC Appalachia Valley Way Airline and Diverging Trails holding paper with text Miles 66-88 The Presidential Traverse Northeast Ultra 8 Hike 3/8 logo for North East Ultra 8 and Forward Mountain Guides surrounded by greenery at night Two men stand on a rocky mountain peak smiling. One gives a thumbs up wearing a blue cap and beige jacket holding a hiking pole. The sky is overcast with distant mountains. Two hikers smile and gesture with peace signs on a rocky mountain summit. One stands holding trekking poles. A wooden sign reads Lowe’s Path Gulfside Trail Gray Knob Cabin. A person wearing outdoor clothing and a blue cap is sitting atop a large rugged boulder, surrounded by a rocky terrain under a clear blue sky. A person wearing hiking gear walks with trekking poles on a snow-covered mountain slope surrounded by rocky terrain under a cloudy sky. A person with a backpack sits on rocky terrain, displaying a hand gesture. They are wearing a blue cap and sunglasses. The surrounding environment includes mountains under a cloudy sky. Two individuals in hiking gear rest on a rocky mountain top with a vast hilly landscape behind them. One person holds a trekking pole. The cap text says Saddle Up And Hike. A person wearing a blue cap and sunglasses stands beside a sign at Mt Washington Summit in Mt Washington State Park 6288 FT 1917 M surrounded by rocky terrain. Two hikers smiling on a rocky mountain summit with expansive views of distant mountains. One wears a beige shirt and blue cap showing hand gestures. The other in red holds trekking poles. Two hikers stand on a rocky mountain summit smiling. One gives a thumbs-up while holding trekking poles. Text on the hat reads KIRKLAND & ELLIS and ONWARD MOUNTAIN GUIDES. A person stands on rocky terrain raising both hands displaying hand signals surrounded by a mountainous landscape wearing hiking gear and a blue cap with text saying Mount Washington Observatory. Two hikers wearing outdoor clothing and sunglasses stand on a rocky trail surrounded by trees. One shows ten fingers indicating a count. The cap reads Kirkland & Ellis. Two people wearing outdoor gear standing on rocky terrain smiling with one giving a thumbs-up and the other holding up hands. They are surrounded by trees and distant mountains. Mountains rise in the distance under a cloudy sky while a rocky terrain with sparse vegetation fills the foreground leading to a green valley in a vast landscape.

2026-06-19

A few shots from a week of excellent hikes with Tom. Even though he’s already a 46er, there’s something about these mountains that keeps him coming back. Must be those amazing views! 😍 ☑️Phelps ☑️Giant ☑️Wright ☑️Algonquin ☑️Pitchoff ☑️Indian Head ☑️Colvin

Two people standing on a rocky mountaintop gesture peace signs wearing outdoorsy clothing surrounded by a scenic view of forested mountains and a partly cloudy sky. Man wearing a red shirt and green cap holding a hiking pole stands on a rocky ledge in a lush green mountainous area with a lake in the distance under a blue sky. White flowers bloom with green leaves growing under moss-covered fallen branches in a dense forest setting filled with lush foliage. Hiker wearing a yellow jacket and backpack walking with trekking poles on a rocky mountain summit surrounded by distant peaks under a cloudy sky. Two pairs of feet in hiking boots stand on a rocky surface near a metal survey marker. One pair of legs wears blue pants, the other yellow. Trekking poles are visible to the side. A person wearing a blue cap and green shirt photographs distant forested hills with a smartphone while standing on a rocky outcrop under a cloudy sky. A person in a yellow jacket stands between two large boulders on a rocky surface beneath a cloudy sky. A winding road traverses a lush, green landscape surrounded by dense trees. Mist hovers over a distant mountain, partially obscuring it. The atmosphere is tranquil and overcast. A person stands on a large rock formation wearing hiking gear under a clear blue sky surrounded by lush green mountains and scattered evergreen trees. River flows through a lush green valley flanked by tree-covered mountains under a bright blue sky with clouds. Two people wearing bright jackets stand smiling on a cliff overlooking a lush valley with a winding river under a clear blue sky scattered with clouds. A metal survey marker is embedded in a weathered concrete surface. It is circular with engraved text reading County of Santa Cruz. Pine needles and dirt are scattered on the surface. A person wearing a cap and jacket points at a distant mountain from a viewpoint surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

2026-06-19

Exciting news! We are thrilled to welcome Katie Rhodes (@rhodes_and_trails) to our guiding team! Katie brings her extensive experience guiding in the high peaks, as well as expertise as a professional ecologist and competitive trail runner. We couldn’t be happier to have her on board to lead hiking and backpacking trips for our clients. We know you’ll enjoy her infectious love for the natural world.

Katie will be leading a group hike up Mt. Marcy on June 13 with a focus on alpine plant life. As you hike, you’ll explore why the mountains look the way they do, what makes these alpine ‘islands in the sky’ so special, and discover some of the state’s rarest plants in bloom!

Register — and see the rest of our group hiking schedule — on our website (link in bio). Spots are limited!

A person wearing a blue shirt and purple pants is crouching on a rock smiling. The background features a colorful autumn forest with vibrant orange and red foliage. Text boxes overlay a landscape with mountains, a clear sky, and close-up foliage with white flowers. Text: Hi, I’m Katie! My journey building outdoor skills started in college where I spent two years learning land navigation, wilderness leadership skills, and outdoor program management — eventually earning my Outdoor Education Association Outdoor Leader accreditation. Since then, I’ve earned my New York State Guide License (#8363) for hiking and camping, my Leave No Trace (LNT) Instructor certification. I’ve also spent time leading a volunteer search and rescue organization, and instructing Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Leadership, and Adirondack Ecology courses. I recognize that I guide on the stolen lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) & Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) people. A portion of all guiding payments I accept are donated back to the tribes from whose lands we all benefit. I’m passionate about building a relationship with the trails, land, and mountains I’m lucky enough to access, and love empowering others to experience the magic and healing of the wilderness. I spend my days as a conservation ecologist and alpine researcher, and my free time as an avid trail runner. These give me the unique opportunity to share my knowledge of both the trails and the ecosystems around them. While I feel a deep connection to all wild places, the Adirondack High Peaks are my home away from home, and I am currently working to publish my research on temporal changes in Adirondack alpine vegetation in order to further our understanding of this special place. Purple flowers bloom vibrantly atop a lush mountain ridge under a cloudy blue sky. Text reads Alpine Ecology Group Hike with Katie Limited spots Mt. Marcy June 13. Pink flowers bloom among dense green foliage and intertwined branches on a forest floor scattered with dry twigs and moss. A bee lands on a cluster of white flowers amid a lush green garden setting. A person wearing a knitted hat and backpack smiles in a mountainous landscape with snow caps. In the top corner, text reads ONWARD MOUNTAIN GUIDES.

2026-06-19

✅ Our second trail of the Northeast Ultra 8: The Devil’s Path. 28 miles and nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain made for an intense day. But the dry conditions, good scenery, and great company were all wonderful. It’s so cool to see Todd attack this challenge with gusto, and walk away having learned new lessons to apply each time.

A person wearing a headlamp holds a sign reading Mile 38 Elka Park NY Prediger Trailhead The Devil’s Path Northeast Ultra 8 Hike 2/8 in a dimly lit outdoor area near an information board. Trees stand tall against a vibrant sunset sky with hues of orange and pink filtering through dense forest foliage creating a serene natural atmosphere. Person lying horizontally inside a narrow rock crevice, wearing a red cap and blue jacket, surrounded by a forest floor with scattered stones and foliage. A person stands holding hiking poles silhouetted against a vibrant sunset on a mountain trail surrounded by lush trees and overlooking an expansive landscape. A densely forested hill sits under a vibrant evening sky with scattered clouds and a fading sunset casting a warm glow across the landscape. Two hikers smiling in the forest while one holds a hiking pole and the other makes a peace sign wearing colorful jackets and backpacks surrounded by trees and rocks. White flowers with pink centers bloom among green leaves and a fallen branch in a forest setting, surrounded by dried leaves on the ground. A winding tree root grows over moss-covered rocks, partially obscuring a path through a dense forest. A pink item is visible among the rocks, adding color to the scene. A dense forest covers a hilly landscape with evergreens and deciduous trees at dusk. The sky above displays soft pastel hues from the setting sun, adding warmth to the scene. A hiker wearing a red cap and blue long-sleeve shirt stands on a rocky forest trail holding a hiking pole surrounded by green trees with mountains visible in the background. A person stands on a rocky ledge holding a trekking pole amidst lush green forest with branches overhead. They wear a red cap and hiking attire. A large rock formation with moss and lichen creates a narrow passage beneath. A small red disc with unreadable text is attached to a rock. Surrounding tall trees provide a green canopy. A person in outdoor attire points at a tree marked with a red circular sign reading “Private” while hiking in a dense forest. A tall metal fire lookout tower stands on a grassy hill beside a small brown wooden cabin surrounded by dense evergreen trees under an overcast sky.

2026-04-28

I love the new goal arc in Pedometer++. It’s a good reference to the Apple Watch’s fitness rings, but distinct and easier to fit onscreen. But what I like most is the visual of effort required to complete your goal. It’s hard to get started (going “uphill” on the arc) but once you get halfway, you might as well ride the downhill to the finish!

To start with the home screen has been clarified to be more legible at a glance. With some incredibly fun (to use and to make) animations to celebrate when you reach your goal.

2026-04-17

Love opening the ADK rock season with the classic Pete’s Farewell. Great day out with @bbrianandersonn!

A person wearing a helmet and red jacket is climbing a rock face, holding onto ropes. They are positioned on a steep cliff with a scenic river and forest view. A climber ascends a steep rock face wearing a red helmet and gear. The rocky terrain features rugged textures with sparse vegetation. A climber scales a steep rock face using ropes. Trees and a river below wind alongside a road, framed by distant green mountains under a clear blue sky.

Kicking off the NEU8 with the Taconic Crest Trail

2026-04-17

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of starting a new journey with Todd: the Northeast Ultra 8. After completing his winter 46ers, Todd wanted a new challenge, and the @northeast_ultra8 is it. 8 of the most challenging through hikes in the Northeast, each done within 24 hours. Our first, the Taconic Crest Trail, stretches ~38 miles across New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont with ~8000 feet of elevation gain (depending on who you ask) and we got it done in 16.5 hours.

We encountered rain, wind, fog, sun, porcupine, cow, deer, mouse, bear(!), countless PUDs (pointless ups and downs), and (still) some snow. 😅 We even got some views since the tree cover hasn’t come in yet! It was a grand day covering tons of terrain with a good friend, and it clued us into what we’re up against with the rest of the hikes.

The Devil’s Path is up next in May! Can’t wait. 💪

2026-04-08

This episode of The Good News Podcast about hyper-detailed instructions and AI-powered solutions to help people with low/no vision to enjoy building LEGO sets is so very cool. 🎧

2026-04-02

Great cold open for @siracusa@mastodon.social’s guest spot on The Talk Show. Love the stark honesty, and I’ve never heard @gruber@mastodon.social giggle quite like this before. Gonna be a good one. 🤣 🎧

2026-04-01

Love this.

If you reverse the new Apple video that plays in "rewind," it's the Think Different ad music, pitched up.

2026-04-01

This week’s Upgrade was a ton of fun as @jsnell@zeppelin.flights and @imyke@myke.social recounted the tale of Apple’s beginning, 50 years ago.* 🎧

*Except, fun fact, I learned that it was only 49 years ago! 😱

2026-03-31

Amazing. You can tell they sweat the details.

We're testing this new intro to play when you first launch Retro ✨

The idea is to "set the mood", communicate what Retro is about, and slow you down:

• Plays haptics on every photo beat, decreasing in intensity and sharpness, so you "feel" it calm down.
• The script is dynamic, it adapts to the apps that you have installed on your device.
• The soundtrack starts with noise that we turn down to focus on what matters.
• We're gonna ask for some iOS permissions, hopefully this creates some trust

2026-03-30

Managed to squeeze in my 37th (maybe last?) ice day of the season on Central Pillar, NSOP — what a delight, and so many options to climb! I led two new lines, including a thrilling thin overhanging pillar. Perfect weather and awesome company with Don Mellor. If this is it, the cup is full!

Two climbers ascend an icy, frozen waterfall using ice axes, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse trees. A person in climbing gear ascends an icy cliff on a mountain surrounded by dense evergreen forest under an overcast sky with the sun visible. A person climbs an icy waterfall using ropes on a rocky cliff. Surrounding the climber are bare trees and a partly cloudy blue sky. Person wearing climbing gear ascends a frozen waterfall using ropes. They are surrounded by ice formations and trees in a natural setting. Ropes hang on a steep ice-covered cliff while bare branches extend from the top against a partly cloudy sky. A person wearing ice climbing gear smiles while holding an ice tool against a frozen waterfall in a snowy, forested area. The jacket displays the text Mountain Equipment.

2026-03-28

Puppy’s first protest attending Saranac Lake’s No Kings rally today. A great event filled with people who still have hope. 🤞 Bella did very well with it being her first time around a crowd and among the noise and cars. She brought lots of joy herself. 🐾 🇺🇸

Protesters standing on a sidewalk holding various signs with messages such as NO WAR HONK FOR DEMOCRACY. They are near a road, trees, and signs for East 3 to 86 bike route. A black dog is held on a leash by a person in a green coat, surrounded by people wearing colorful jackets on a snowy sidewalk with a blue recycling bin nearby.

2026-03-27

If it actually works as advertised this time — a big if — Gurman’s predictions for Siri sound like exactly what I want out of it. From Connected 🎧:

Other potential features of note:

  • Merging Siri and Spotlight under Siri brand
  • Completing tasks within apps
  • Integrating web search within queries

2026-03-27

🆕📝 RIP Mac Pro

I guess they were just waiting for permission from @siracusa@mastodon.social. 😆

2026-03-16

She did it! Three years in the making and after thwarted winter attempts, Karen summited Catamount Mountain to complete her winter round of the @lakeplacid9er challenge! 🥳 🏔️ Fresh snow helped a ton to cover the glare ice underneath, but our spikes were definitely needed from bottom to top. We lucked out with great views, sun, and no wind! The clouds held off until we were descending. Well done, Karen, your joyful outlook made the day great!

Snow-covered rocks form a rugged cliff face bordered by trees under a clear sky suggesting a mountainous winter landscape. A person stands on a snowy mountain ledge smiling in winter gear with snowy trees below and forested mountains in the background under a bright sky. Snow covers the ground and trees, creating a serene winter scene on a mountain slope surrounded by forested hills under a clear blue sky. Animal tracks crossing fresh snow beside thin branches and trees in a forested area. A person holds a sign reading Catamount Mountain 3173 ft #9/9 LP Winter on a snowy mountaintop with trekking poles surrounded by snow-covered trees and distant mountain peaks. Two people are on a snowy mountain one smiling and giving a thumbs-up another holding a sign reading Catamount Mountain 3173 ft 109 LP HMK surrounded by snow and trees. Snow-capped mountain peaks rise serenely under a cloudy sky surrounded by evergreen trees dusted with snow in a tranquil winter landscape. Snow-dusted evergreen trees stand in the foreground overlooking a vast valley and distant rolling hills under a cloudy sky in a winter landscape. Two people smiling stand on a snowy trail surrounded by trees while wearing backpacks and winter gear. The woman wears a pink hat with text Stewart’s Shops.

2026-03-14

Kudos to Anthony and Alex who seized the day to get in a session of ice climbing when we feared the season may be over. Crystal Ice Tower and Harlot were both in excellent shape, and we had a ton of fun on them. Even some new formations I’ve never seen on Harlot that I just had to try!

Climber ascends icy waterfall using crampons and ice axe wearing a brown jacket and helmet with a camera in a snowy mountainous environment. A person climbs a frozen ice formation using ice climbing gear in a snow-covered forest with bare trees and cloudy sky overhead. Climber ascending icy cliff face secured with a green rope surrounded by sparse snow-covered trees on a cloudy day. A person with a backpack uses trekking poles to navigate a steep snowy hillside surrounded by trees in a wintry forest. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cold, cloudy day. Snow covers a flat landscape with scattered tree stumps and dry grass surrounded by a dense forest at the base of misty mountains under an overcast sky. A climber ascends a frozen waterfall with ice axes and crampons amidst a snow-dusted, tree-lined landscape. A person climbs a steep frozen ice wall using climbing gear on a snowy day surrounded by leafless trees. Three people dressed in outdoor gear smile at the camera while standing on a snowy roadside with a forested hillside in the background.

2026-03-13

I fancied myself a Text Replacement afficiando, but after this segment in the @mpu@relayfm.social interview of @davidpogue.com, I realize I’ve been an imposter this whole time. He’s reducing whole words and phrases down to single keystrokes! You can hear @stephenrobles@mastodon.social’s disbelief. 🤯 🎙️

2026-03-12

Matt Birchler blew my mind when he noted (in his new A Better Computer solo podcast) that the MacBook Neo would have cost $399 in 2010 dollars. Why is that so significant? The original iPad, released that year, was $499. The sheer value in the Neo is astounding. 🎙️

2026-03-12

Ever need to prevent your phone from going to sleep while you’re monitoring something onscreen? Just add this shortcut as button in Control Center. With one tap, it’ll bring you straight to the Auto-Lock pane in Settings where you can set it to never sleep, and then back to the previous app.

2026-03-11

It’s not lost on me that if you plug a MacBook Neo into a new Studio Display, your monitor will have more CPU oomf and RAM than the computer plugged into it. 🙃

But @siracusa@mastodon.social also notes that the A18 Pro powered more pixels when in the iPhone 16 Pro Max than it does in the Neo. 😳 🎙️

2026-02-25

Zachary and I braved the frigid blast for an alpine adventure on Algonquin today! Hardly anyone else out there in the high peaks.

It was a beautiful way to end a looong stretch of work since the start of February. Looking forward to a few days off and out of the cold for a quick trip down to Florida!

2026-02-23

Julie and I spent an awesome day on the remote Allen Mountain yesterday. We were the only ones out there, which meant we had the pleasure of breaking trail the whole way. Though we didn’t quite make it to the summit, we still had a lovely time and know it’ll still be there for us next time! 17.5mi, 13hr