(Carson Sorrell, one of our Shatagee Woods ADK members, recently sent us this autobiographical account of his efforts to achieve a challenging and admirable goal……to become a 46’er. Here, in his own words, is Carson’s Story. )
I feel truly blessed for doing something that I never thought I would have the chance to do. By all means, I’m glad to share my not so typical story. Here’s a little background.
When I was younger, I was into all kinds of outdoor activities including some limited hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks.
I had hiked Algonquin and Marcy with my son when he was in high school, but work and family commitments never allowed time to really get serious about doing all 46.
A few years after I retired, I was talking with a friend, and we both got excited about giving the 46 a try. Unfortunately, my friend was still working and just couldn’t break away to the extent we had hoped. But I started hiking that fall with his brother who was already a 46er.
We did Giant on Nov. 12, 2020 about a month after my 71st birthday. Over the next 20 months, David was my mentor. I learned a lot quickly and got 5 peaks in that fall.
At my age, I knew I didn’t have a lot of time to get this done so the next year was important. We did 16 hikes and completed 29 peaks in 2021. Besides the strenuous climbs, I typically had to add 2.5 to 3 hours of driving at each end of a hike.
With David’s help, we did 7 peaks last winter, leaving me within striking distance this spring. I did Haystack solo then David, Mark and I knocked off Skylight, Gray, Redfield and Cliff in 2 days.That was a memorable hike with an overnight at Uphill lean-to.
We had saved Mt. Colden to finish on, and it all worked out. The weather was great and the views fantastic.
I don’t want to see it end. I’ll do more hikes with David as he works on his Winter 46. But I also plan to get in some non-46 peaks, hopefully with my daughter.
Carson
Shatagee Woods ADK 