Genesee Valley Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club

Grace Peak Committee Report Fall 2003

The Grace Peak committee has been quietly working away thoroughly educating ourselves. We are learning the history which leads up to our effort. We are contacting the families who are effected by the renaming and asking for their support. We are working with the US Board of Geographic Naming to properly achieve our goal. We want to reassure everyone that what we are doing is right. We do not want to give the impression, we are forcing the renaming on anyone. We would like people to agree with us. To agree that our cause is so important, so correct that we will flood the Naming Board with an overwhelming tide of support. Not because 46ers want it . . . .but because it is the right thing to do.

In the last six months the committee has had some awesome fun. We have also had some success toward our goal.

First, We contacted the US Board. They urged us to begin gathering local support. At the spring meeting I announced the beginning of that campaign. I described how the first 46ers of Troy had tirelessly laid sticks onto a fire so that we could enjoy the warmth of these mountains. I then told you it is now our turn to stoke the fire. Well, you have begun to do just that. We have noticed the reports on the 46er list server and on Views from the Top that refer to East Dix as Grace Peak and South Dix as Carson Peak. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Second, we climbed Mt. Marshall with the Great Grandchildren of Herbert Clark. They had concerns that we had forgotten our number #1 guide. We reassured them, that was not true. We took them to the "Flowed Lands" and allowed Herbert Brook to guide us to the summit of Mt. Marshall. Herb was there . . . doing what he loved to do . . . .guiding. We had one of those great climbs that will not be forgotten.

I recited one of Herb's favorite ditties. One day, while attacking the crumpholtz above Bob and George Marshall, on the side of Colden Mountain, Herb joyously delivered;

Don't let the golden moments go.
Like the sunbeams passing by.
You'll nar miss the cripple brush.
Til ten years after you die.

I swear I could hear the Marshall's laughing. They were with us there, sporting a big grin, and shaking their heads in disbelief.

Third, We had a fantastic fall dinner at "The Boulders". L. John had smartly invited many people dear to us and our beloved Adirondacks. Amongst them, was Phil Brown, editor of the Adirondack Explorer. He enjoyed our 46er family and interviewed Grace. The next day Phil and Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman climbed with us to Grace Peek via Spotted and E4. Again we were blessed with an unforgettable hike and I"ve been told to watch for a full article with panoramic photos in the next Explorer issue. If you don't already have a subscription to this fine magazine, now is a good time to get one. It is an awesome magazine that is chuck full of great articles and ADK issues that we embrace.

Forth, We are asking the ADK to mention our effort in their soon to be published guide book. This important issue is multifaceted and sensitive. We have some alternatives on the floor. ADK President Tom Wheeler, Editor Tony Goodwin and Neil Burdick, attorney Neil Woodworth, board members Jo Benton, and Alan Via are working through the issues. We will respect their wisdom and trust they will join us in our effort.

Next, I would like to discuss what you can do for the Grace Peak Committee. We believe that the best way to summit this peak is to make consistent progress on the trail, work hard and follow an honest bearing. Sound familiar? It aught to . . . it's how you all became 46ers!

What I mean is that when someone asks about our project we will be best served if we are consistent in our answers and be respectful of all opinions.

An example of what I"m talking about happened to me the other day. Phil Brown of the Adirondack Explorer asked me, "Why do you want to rename East Dix for Grace #9. Sorrowfully, I admit I was not prepared for his question. Truth be known, my understanding of what Grace has done for us can't be answered in a book, let alone in a paragraph or sentence. So I struggled trying to paraphrase my feelings. After attempting to answer him, off the cuff, I decided that wouldn't happen again. So I"ve come up with a pat answer that I will use from now on.

From now on my answer will be, "It's not important whether you make the summit, it's how you make the climb."

It's not important whether you achieve grand titles, wealth or power. It how you live your day to day life.

Every so often you meet a living example of what we should all strive to be. A true good Samaritan. Grace has spent her life helping people meet the mountains and the mountains meet the people. Her kindness should be held up . . . . High . . . . as an example of how to live each day honorably, graciously giving to all, humbly.

When discussing Carson Peak I am so often asked, "Russ Carson, who was he?" This just reinforces my belief that what we are doing is right.

First, Russ "Little Mac" Carson urged the Marshall's to complete their quest. He wanted them to climb a couple additional peaks that had been determined to be over 4000 feet. He then wrote a book. Peaks and People of the Adirondacks. That book and Bob Marshall's pamphlet became the guiding light to the 46 for all of us. Prior to these two books, venturing into the Adirondacks was mostly a guided foray that only the affluent could afford.

Russ Carson's leadership at the Adirondack Mountain Club should not be forgotten either. He donated his book and it's proceeds to the Club. His decades of ADK leadership is as important today as it was in 1928. "To quote Russ Carson, " It is our responsibility to continuously educate our community in the proper use of our forest." I can assure you that both the ADK and 46ers will continue to work together toward this common goal. We all want our grandchildren to enjoy this forest as we do.

Our peaks carry names of people who are known for great accomplishments. We remember several Governors; Marcy, Seymour, Seward, Wright and Dix. We honor scientists; Emmons, Redfield and Grey. Donaldson, a historian. Street, an Author. The famous guides are represented by Phelps and Nye. Colvin and Blake spent their lives surveying the land and defending the "blue line". The native Americans are represented, Iroquois, Couchacraga, Algonquin. A number of peaks carry the natural names that "Old Mountain Phelps" favored. Then there is a story about a young girl who's desire overcame her. A desire that we are all very familiar with. Cold and tired, Esther spent the night on the slope of a mountain that is now named for her.

Isn't it time the great mountain stewards are recognized? So that we never forget to take care of our mountains? This our opportunity to thank two great stewards. Grace Peak and Carson Peak will represent the efforts all mountain stewards. The Clarence Pettys, the Goodwins, the Wheelers, the Ditmars, the Ryders, the Correls, the Barb Harris", the Recors". All our past presidents. The Johnsons, the Len Grubbs, the Hickeys. Especially, all the nameless trail work volunteers. Countless unnamed people, who like our grandmothers and grandfathers live their lives working humbly. We go unrecognized. Isn't it time we all are represented. These two mountains when renamed will represent all of our stewardship efforts.

Today, we work in the shadow of a mountain. Her name is Grace.

One last request, we have had good success with the Letters of Grace Campaign. You have sent us a hundred or so of the letters Grace wrote to you. I did not correspond with Grace during my 46 and getting a belated opportunity to read those letters and find out what I missed is special to me. Imagine how they will color the adventures of future 46ers who like I, will not have the opportunity to meet our Grace . . . so please if you are holding on to those dear letters . . . send us copies of them. Our address can be found on our website or just contact me.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Doug Arnold #4693
Chair, Grace Peak Committee