Panther Mountain and the Southern Adirondacks are a relatively short drive (1 hour) from Whitesboro. Especially, when making the choice to head to the High Peaks Region which can take upwards of 2.5 - 3 hours depending on the weather and road conditions or to stay somewhat "local".
Che and I arrived at the Echo Cliff trail-head and I was pleased to see we were the only one there at the parking area. I was even more surprised to see that no one had been up since January 1, three days before. Got the snowshoes on, and together Che and I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasantly gruelling but less than a mile climb up, through the beautiful 12-15 inches of fresh powder. I felt especially refreshed and rejuvenated by the brilliant sunshine and the dose of much needed vitamin D. The exercise (or exorcism if you will) along with the bright sun and brilliant white snows, helped to dissolve a case of SAD I endured(seasonal affliction disorder), due to the weeks of very dark, grey, and bitterly cold weather we have experienced.
Che and I enjoyed a few joy filled and blissful hours together on the mountain. A few hours when cares seemed far away and put in perspective. A few hours when Che was a puppy once more, and I was nine years old again, and exploring the hills near my home in Japan trying to get the best vantage point of Mt Fuji, many miles away across the Kwanto plain.
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