Perfect trail conditions and weather made for the most fun adventure out in two of my favorite Adirondack mountain ranges. Day 1 started in the Seward range with headlamps for the first few hours, got to the summit of the first mountain of the day, Donaldson, in time to see the bright crescent moon and some color starting on the horizon. Moved quickly over to Emmons as the sun came up then went back over Donaldson and out to Seward. The long descent off that peak gave your climbing legs just enough time to rest before the wake up again going up to Seymour. After another up and down, just like that the Seward range was complete. The terrain in between the Sewards and the Santanoni's is one of the least traveled trails in the high peaks region, Ward Brook to Bradley Pond, it even takes you on a short section of the Northville Placid trail to the beautiful and remote Duck Hole area. One of my favorite parts of both days was the "break" on this 9ish mile section - so enjoyable! The Santanonis on day 1 went so quick, I think the great weather and beautiful views made the peaks out there that evening just seem to come quickly. The descent off the Santanoni express seemed to take longer than I had wished as I was eager to get to camp for the night and get off my feet and eat some real food. I tagged the cairn marking the express trail then got a few good hours of rest for the night.
Day 2 started with another fist bump with the express trail cairn then a long slog up to the Santanoni summit. As the sun came up the summit fever kicked in and my pace sped up. After the first peak of the day my legs woke up and I was able to cruise out to Couchsachraga and back then up to Panther. I was ready to rock and roll and sent it down the Bradley Pond trail and was ready for my 9 mile "break" again through Duck Hole and Ward Brook trail. I had a good playlist to listen to and again just really enjoying that section made quick work of it. Back in the Seward range the fatigue kicked in a bit but my spirits were high. Had a minor issue with my right ankle on Seymour that unfortunately carried through the rest of the day, it slowed me down a bit but was able to make it through. The climb up Seward was a warm one and seemed to take forever but luckily a very cute 4 legged pacer helped distract me of that daunting climb. The last trip up to Donaldson and Emmons went quickly and my smile on peak #14 of the adventure was genuine and I finally was able to visualize completing the yo-yo, the idea I've had for months. All that was left to do was limp out to the finish line at the trailhead, celebrate & sleep!
I was fortunate to have some help on the Sewards section on day #1 (Bryan), camp the first night & Santas section on day #2 (Keegan), and Sewards section on day #2 (Jay & Rev). This adventure was especially nice to share the experience with the company of good friends, couldn't have done it without them.