Jay Morrison Outdoors

02/01/2024

I hope your 2024 is amazing!

(Image credit: Celia Binder, 2021)

31/12/2023

First hike up Slide Mtn (4,190') in the Catskills to check the box on a winter ascent, and gets us moving ahead on our 3500 Club (3 of 37) AND NE115 (47 of 115) hiking challenges!

Thankfully, the rain changed over to snow about 10 minutes before we reached the trailhead this morning, so we didn't get soaked. A beautiful layer of snow covered everything once we hit 2900' and made the woods look stunning! Unfortunately, the summit was completely socked in, so there were no views at all, but it was still a great day in the woods with some excellent friends! I couldn't ask for a better way to end the year 🏔❄️💪❤️

I hope you get outside and do something awesome!

20/11/2023

Another amazing day in the woods with a great group of friends puts me in the mood for the holidays! As always, I'm grateful for days like today, amazing people like these, fantastic trails, and all of you!

15/11/2023

Sporting the new Adirondack 46ers jacket at work today and loving it! Not only is it the best possible color (black, obviously), it's also comfortable, warm, and super stylish too! Plus, it's a great conversation starter ❤️

08/11/2023

From my very first Adirondack High Peak summit (Porter) on November 7, 2015 to my 46er finish (Dix) on October 1, 2022, and back around again to my most recently revisited peak (Big Slide) on November 4, 2023 - these mountains have dramatically altered my whole self in ways I never imagined possible!

I'm forever grateful to my very good friend, Andrew, for introducing me to the person I am meant to be ❤️

Happy High Peaks-aversary to me!

06/11/2023

Another amazing weekend adventure in trail therapy! This weekend, and I took up to the summit of Big Slide (4,232') with the help and company of and Sunny!

This was the first big mountain I've climbed in about a year, and my body was yelling at me, but it's 100% worth it to be out in the Adirondack air with a couple great friends. The body may be sore, but the brain feels better than it has in a while ❤️

James is still early in his 46er journey, but our mosey this weekend reignited his passion to complete the quest. Don't be surprised if we hit a few more High Peaks with him before he's done ... but only the good ones ... and definitely not the Sewards 😉

It was a bit drizzly all morning, the trail had some sketchy/icy patches, and there were no views, but it was a great hike. Please do yourself a favor and pack your spikes - we ran into more than 1 group of hikers that didn't have proper traction devices for this season. As a general rule, I always have spikes in my pack between October 1st and May 1st. This really isn't a suggestion, but more of a warning.

02/11/2023

Flashy, obnoxious graphics aside, I truly want to thank you all so much for your part in helping us reach our 2023 fundraiser goal!

Since I'm a big nerd who loves numbers, here's some fun stats for you:
• 2019 - $275 raised - 62 miles hiked
• 2020 - $1,103 raised - 87 miles hiked
• 2021 - $2,214 raised - 101 miles hiked
• 2022 - $1,395 raised - 181 miles hiked
• 2023 - $1,000 raised - 76 miles hiked

This means that our small band of woods walking outdoor adventurers have raised $5,987 for the Hike for Mental Health organization and hiked 507 miles while doing it -- and all that has been done (technically) in only 5 months!

This is not something I could have dreamed of accomplishing on my own, and I struggle to find the right words to be able to share my appreciation with you all. "THANK YOU" doesn't seem big enough to encompass how much gratitude I feel towards each and every one of you who have donated money, shared our posts with your friends and family, or messaged us with words of encouragement these last 5 years.

You all have inspired and motivated me, and I just can't believe what we've accomplished together. Much like our community, "THANK YOU" may be small, but it is mighty!

31/10/2023

This is the final call for any donations! We have less than $100 to go to reach our 2023 fundraising goals to support the Hike for Mental Health organization! Can you help us?

https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

31/10/2023

Are you a Sasquatch believer or a skeptic? I'm not sure myself, but there's a lot of unexplained and mysterious sightings and situations that really make it seem like there's something out there ...

Have an excellent Samhain, Halloween, All Saints Day or whatever else you may celebrate this spooky season!

👣 Happy Halloween! What’s your favorite Adirondack legend?

The Abair Sasquatch Incident

Whitehall, nestled in the Adirondack Region, has gained fame due to its history of Sasquatch sightings. The town's lush forests, winding trails, and proximity to Lake Champlain have made it an ideal setting for the elusive creature known as Sasquatch to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Early Encounters (Late 1800s - Early 1900s):

The first recorded Sasquatch sighting in Whitehall dates back to the late 1800s when loggers and hunters reported encountering a large, ape-like creature in the dense wilderness. These early accounts were often shared around campfires and in hushed tones, becoming part of the town's oral tradition.

Flurry of Sightings (1960s-1970s):

Whitehall gained widespread attention in the 1960s and 1970s when a series of Sasquatch sightings occurred in the area. Numerous locals claimed to have seen a tall, hairy creature roaming the forests, leaving behind inexplicable footprints and stirring the curiosity of researchers and skeptics alike.

The Abair Incident (1976):

In the annals of cryptozoology, one incident stands out as a defining moment: the Abair Incident of 1976 in Whitehall, New York. Whitehall became the epicenter of Sasquatch lore due to a series of encounters that left both witnesses and skeptics astounded. The Abair Incident, in particular, not only put Whitehall on the map but also added a layer of credibility to the longstanding legends of Sasquatch in the region.

The Encounter:

In the early hours of a chilly fall night on August 25, 1976, police officers patrolling near Abair Road reported a sighting that would reverberate through the town and beyond. Two officers, Kevin Girard and Paul Luckman, witnessed a massive, ape-like creature standing near a gravel pit. Their detailed descriptions painted a vivid picture: a tall figure covered in hair, walking upright on two legs, and emitting a pungent, foul odor. This encounter, witnessed by trained law enforcement officers, lent an air of credibility to the Sasquatch legend that had long circulated in Whitehall.

Media Frenzy:

News of the Abair Incident spread like wildfire, capturing the imagination of the public. Media outlets from across the country descended upon Whitehall, eager to report on this extraordinary event. The incident was extensively covered by newspapers, television, and radio, thrusting the town into the spotlight and sparking intense debates about the existence of Sasquatch.

Impact on the Community:

The Abair Incident left an indelible mark on Whitehall and its residents. While some embraced the encounter as evidence of Sasquatch's existence, others remained skeptical, leading to passionate discussions within the community. Local businesses capitalized on the newfound fame, incorporating Sasquatch-themed merchandise and events into the town's culture. The incident became a source of pride for Whitehall, shaping its identity and attracting tourists intrigued by the mysterious and unexplained.

Legacy and Ongoing Interest:

Decades after the Abair Incident, the Sasquatch legend in Whitehall endures. The encounter has been analyzed, dissected, and discussed by researchers and enthusiasts, contributing to the broader conversation about cryptids and the unknown. The incident continues to inspire documentaries, books, and investigations, ensuring that the story remains alive in the annals of cryptozoological history.

The Abair Incident speaks to the unknown and the mysteries that lie within the depths of the Adirondacks. Whether one believes in the existence of Sasquatch or remains a skeptic, the incident remains an intriguing chapter in Whitehall's folklore, reminding us of the fascinating enigmas that persist in the heart of small-town America.

Continued Sightings and Investigations (1980s - Present):

Since the 1970s, Whitehall has continued to be a hotspot for Sasquatch sightings. Locals and tourists have reported glimpses of the creature, leading to ongoing investigations by cryptozoologists and Sasquatch enthusiasts. Expeditions, interviews, and footprint analyses have contributed to the town's reputation as a Sasquatch hub.

The Sasquatch sightings in Whitehall have become an integral part of the town's identity. The legend has inspired books, documentaries, and local festivals celebrating the mysterious creature. The town's residents embrace the Sasquatch lore, making it a unique aspect of Whitehall's cultural heritage.

The history of Sasquatch sightings in Whitehall continues to captivate the imagination, reminding us of the enduring allure of the unknown in the heart of the . 🎃

28/10/2023

Our 2nd annual Costumed Adirondack Adventure was a wet and windy success today!

This year's group ventured forth from the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex outside of Lake Placid, NY and climbed to the beautiful summit of Mt. Van Hoevenberg with fun costumes, great conversations, and a large dose of fresh Adirondack mountain air! We decided that these were the things we needed to help improve our own mental health! Other folks we met on the trail love the idea of a costume hike, but they appreciated the cause even more when we told them about the fundraiser we're doing for Hike for Mental Health ... something tells me that next year's group may be much, much larger ;)

This trek put us very close to our mileage goals for the month, and we are now less than $200 away from our fundraising goals, so let's get the word out and share the donation link -- there's only 4 days left to collect donations, and I know we can do it together!!!

https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

27/10/2023

The best fluffy butt adventure buddies ❤️

22/10/2023

Getting ready for our upcoming backpacking trip by wearing a loaded pack during our mosey through the local preserve ... was pretty happy she got to hike with just a harness ;)

Z and I are heading out this week for a few days solo through the backcountry, and I can't wait ❤️🍁🍂⛺️🥾🐺

Our
fundraiser is still going on, and we have a little less than $500 left to reach our 2023 goal. That means you still have time to click the link below and make your donation to gelp support brain and behavior research AND trail conservation efforts across the country.

https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

19/10/2023

On October 1, 2022 I became ADK46er #14566 ... today, I got my patch! Sarah at came through with another epic tattoo session ❤️⛰️

06/10/2023

Thanks to all of our early donations, we're already more than 25% of the way to our goal of raising at least $1,000 for the 2023 fundraiser! Your donations help fund the Brain and Behavior Research foundation's work, as well as trail conservation efforts across the country ... what more could any avid hiker and outdoor adventure want!?!

There's still time to make a donation, and it's very easy - just go to this link, and enter whatever you can afford. Remember, every single dollar helps!
https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

01/10/2023

October 1st is an epic day for 2 reasons:

1.) Today is the anniversary of Mark and I finishing our 46er journey on Dix Mountain (happy 1 year anniversry, my dude)!

2.) Today is the official start of the Hike for Mental Health annual fundraiser to help raise money for the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation and trail conservation efforts across the country. We're joining forces again this year, so if you can donate, hit that link!
http://hikeformentalhealth.com/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

21/09/2023

2023 is our 5th year participating in the Hike for Mental Health organization’s annual fundraising event, and we couldn’t be more excited!!! It was especially important for me to participate in the fundraiser this year because the last 12 months I have been dealing with a lot of stress, anxiety, and minor depression in my own life, and the one thing that seems to have helped get me through it all is spending time on the trail. I imagine I'm not the only person that feels this way, so let's share the campaign far and wide, and bring awareness to the great things that the Hike for Mental Health organization can accomplish with our help!!

If you are able to spare any money, you can donate via this link:
https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/get-outside-do-something-awesome/

Every donation helps us reach our goal of $1,000! Thank you in advance.
❤ Jay

15/09/2023

I only needed one last piece of gear to complete my insulation bingo card, and now I got it! Let's give a warm welcome (see what I did there?) to my new 20-degree top quilt from ... This completes my set for 0, 20, and 40-degree insualtion kits for camping and backpacking.

I've got some pretty sweet trips coming up this Fall, so I'm super excited about this! Previously, I was using my 40-degree top quilt with a liner and some extra thick/warm sleeping clothes, or carrying the way too warm 0-degree quilt for trips inFall/Spring, but now time to sleep soundly and super comfortably without needing anything "extra"!

14/09/2023

How about a Throwback Thursday post?

Picture #1 is from a 3-day backpacking trip in 2017 where Mark and I hiked out to Feldspar lean-to and climbed Gray, Skylight, and Marcy for our "Half-Way Hike" that put us at 23 of 46 High Peaks. This is a 48-liter pack stuffed the brim and a bunch of gear hanging on the outside.

Picture #2 is from a 3-day backpacking trip in 2022 where Mark, Dan, John and I hiked out to Lake Colden and climbed Cliff and Marshall that put us at 44 of 46 High Peaks. This is a 30-liter pack with everything I needed for me and with some room to spare.

The difference? I was packing my fears in 2017! The "half-way hike" was only my 2nd or 3rd time doing an overnight in the wilderness, and that Osprey is jammed packed with gear I never used but carried for all of the "what if" situations that ran through my brain. Sure, gear upgrades help with reducing pack weight; however, more importantly, now I can pack years of experience - which weighs nothing and doesn't take up any space ;)

This is not a post to brag, but to show that the more you "get outside and do something awesome" the better prepared you can become. My 2017 pack weighed in at 43lbs fully loaded; I carried it up and down the trail, and had an incredible and memorable adventure --- one that helped me learn and grow to where I am now: taking a smaller pack weighing a 1/2 as much and *still* learning, growing, and appreciating everything the great outdoors has to teach me about the world and myself.

The moral of the story is to just get out there: have those experiences, learn about yourself, and become the best version of you!

23/08/2023

Lots of different types of trees in the forest - Birch (my absolute favorite), Pine, Maple, Oak, and a brand new one, just discovered today: a "Foedee Tree"! /lolgroan

A lot has happened in the last year, and I really expected that 42 was going to be "the answer to life, the universe and everything else", but it wasn't and I'm definitely leaving 42 with a lot more questions than answers. That's OK though because I'm looking at 43 with hope, excitement, some creativity, and (most of all) a renewed sense of adventure! I plan on spending the next trip around the sun deep within the forest with some awesome trees and people ... I'll probably hug a few of them too (both people AND trees)!

Get outside & do something awesome!

10/08/2023

New cook kit came in and is ready for its maiden voyage. It's amazing how much lighter this is than my old kit - I guess all the hype is the real deal 🤘

My old kit still has a lot of life left in it, and I've passed it along to my very good friend as he continues to build up his backpacking gear closet.

24/07/2023

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Martin and have another amazing conversation on the PapaBear Hikes podcast! In this episode, we talked all about getting into the great outdoors with your favorite 4-legged adventure buddies 🐺

Hiking with dogs does require a lot of work, but I promise that if you put in the effort, it's such a rewarding experience that's very hard to beat.

I hope you'll take the time to check out the episode. I'd be interested in hearing some of your tips & tricks for adventuring with dogs, so leave me a comment to let me know.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1467697/13145332

21/07/2023

I love the explosion of colors that you can find just in your own backyard ❤️

Hope your Summer has been bright and beautiful so far!

12/07/2023

*** Ok friends, I need your help! ***

I'll be taking a trip to California this summer, and will be staying in Anaheim. I would like to spend a day during this trip hiking and exploring some beautiful CA wilderness, but I don't even know where to start researching trails.

Have you been to Orange County, CA? Did you get out and adventure while you were there? If there's nothing super epic nearby, I'd be willing to drive ~2 hours in either direction to find a good place to explore. You all know me, I love amazing water features, big beautiful trees, and stunning views, so let me hear your suggestions!

Thanks in advance!
🌞⛰❤️

06/07/2023

Had to replace my super sun-faded window decal with something, and when I found this design by I knew I had to have it!

"Live like there's no black fly season"

It fits nicely under my Cranberry Lake 50 decal, which is perfect because when I first did that trail in early-June 2017, I was nearly eaten alive LOL!!

16/06/2023

Took out on his very first backpacking trip, and while he has a lot to learn to be as awesome as Korra, he did incredibly well and had a very good time!

This was also a good first backpacking trip for Adam and Sunny to learn some tips & tricks for packing, and get a good understanding of how backpacking is different from day hiking.

20/04/2023

Hello there!