I hiked Crane Mountain in the Adirondacks on a beautiful sunny afternoon.
A large portion of the hike has you scrambling up rocks; there are short areas of reprieve to catch your breath. Towards the very end of the way up you reach a tall ladder (so beware if you have dogs you will have to take the back way), and at the top you have to shimmy across a ledge to reach ground. Very invigorating, and I was shocked at how many brave parents brought their young kids.
This was a short but strenuous hike with a gorgeous payoff at the summit. We were lucky to have the place to ourselves for some time and we cooled off in the mountain breeze and beautiful sights.
We heard a rattler echo down below from the summit, and when the next group came atop they confirmed that they had seen it. We looped around the summit the back way and after some time made it to Crane Pond. A beautiful scene, and I wished that it was warm enough to swim in.
Great challenging hike, great views, great day!
http://www.adirondack.net/business/crane-mountain-11204/
Beautiful images. I photographed in the Adirondacks last fall and wish I could be there again this year. Your images have taken me back if only for a few moments.