Adirondack’s climb: Nipple Top (4620’) & Dial Mt. (4020’)

11-19-10 Saint Hubert’s lake road trail parking lot right at sunrise. Temps were in the mid 20’s and snow was falling adding to the already 3-5 inches on the ground. Reamer (Stan McCue) and I decided to do the loop, Nipple Top first via Elk Pass, then return, climbing Dial to Bear Den Mt. Other than getting turned around a bit at Indian Head, the 15 mile round trip climb was strait forward albeit quite steep in spots. Dropping our packs for the final accent of Nipple Top felt great, and reaching the top we were treated to a wonderful view from an intimate defined summit. With our sun on it’s way down, we started for Dial, where we ran into a climber doing the loop in the opposite direction. With only a large rock distinguishing Dial’s summit we almost missed it. Only 3 hours of daylight left, I had to start pushing Reamer, to avoid getting caught in the woods at night. Feelings from the year before when we lost Seth on Blackhead Mt. (Catskills), sent a chill through my spine. The descent was slow, down a steep rocky trail. The terrain changed considerably as the trail joggled over Noonmark Mt’s. shoulder, revealing a large blow down of trees. Reaching the Lake Road right at sunset was a relief as we reveled in our accomplishment. This would be our 19^th and 20^th peaks on our way to climbing the 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks.