Adirondack Adventures

These past few days have been difficult, since learning of Bill's death. We have been friends for over 35 years. I am amazed just saying that-35 years! I remember Bill coming over to our apartment on Cor Mar Lane to joyfully announce the birth of their first child, Jennet. What a proud father.
We vacationed together in the Adirondacks each fall, renting adjacent cabins on Eagle Craig Lake. Our kids spent many hours together, running full speed off the dock and jumping into the water, or trying to see who could balance the longest on a floating inner tube. And Bill was right there with them. The child in him was alive and well. At night we sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows and singing crazy songs that Jennet and Libby had learned at camp. "I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas" was a favorite. There was always a contest to see who could spot the first bat and the first star. As the sky darkened, and the fire burned low, we searched the sky for shooting stars, while snuggling in wool blankets taken from the cabin, as the night chilled. Only Bill seemed content wearing shorts and tevas.
We climbed a number of high peaks together in the Adirondacks. And when Paul was unable to hike with me, due to an injury, Bill happily accompanied me-even climbing Allen, a dreaded 12 hour trail less hike, with no view on top.
This past Fall, I decided to attempt my 41st-45th peaks, so that I could finish the 46 High Peaks in August of 2009 on our annual vacation. At the last moment, I found myself without a climbing partner for Cliff mountain. I quickly called Bill. He managed to rearrange his schedule, finding substitute instructors for his classes at the YMCA, and accompanied me on a quick two day back packing trip in the Adirondacks. The hike in to the leanto was 7.5 miles, with full packs. Bill carried most of the weight. Temperatures dropped into the 20's over night. There was ice on the trail the next day.
As I attempted to climb a steep rock face, my hand slipped from a tree trunk and I fell backwards off the cliff, landing in a tree. Bill yelled, "Don't move, don't move" and climbed down to help me. I was not seriously injured, just shaken up. I could have fallen much further if the tree hadn't caught me. Bill encouraged me to keep going, that I could still make the top. We found an alternate route up the cliff. Bill carried my day pack for me, and we continued on to the summit.
Bill was always ready to help a friend, and enjoy an adventure in the process. He used to say that scars are just tattoos with better stories. When I finish my 46 peaks this August, Bill will be with me, just as we had planned. Bill always had a little time for each of us, but left us wanting more. We will miss you Bill. Love, Laurie and Paul Eschmann