Kevin BMacKenzie
Panther Gorge captures the adventure of one of the most remote, enigmatic regions of the Adirondack High Peaks. Two thousand feet deep and lined with sheer cliffs, the rugged chasm sits between Mts. Marcy and Haystack, New York’s first and third highest mountains. In between the jaws of the peaks sits an intriguing set of natural curiosities: spires, talus mazes, glacial erratics, ponds, rills, and forest. Panther Gorge begins with a detailed description of the area’s topography followed by a rich history.Step back into the 1800’s and walk in the footsteps of author Alfred B. Street, surveyor Verplanck Colvin, and guides Orson “Old Mountain” Phelps and Jim Goodwin. Jump forward a century and read about the modern day pioneers of rock and ice climbing. Part two of Panther Gorge chronicles the author’s decade-long journey with other local mountaineers to develop new rock climbing and ice climbing routes . Vicariously experience a blustery winter ascent up blue ice or enjoy the serenity of exploring on a temperate summer morning. If you are a hiker, climber, adventurer, or someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, Panther Gorge is a key addition for your collection and the only book dedicated to the subject.Other content:• Complete history of first ascents from 1965-2019.• 37 firsthand accounts from 2009 through the winter of 2018. • Foreword by Don Mellor, climber and author.• Illustrations by Nolan Huther.• Over 170 color photographs, maps, and route plates. What others are saying:Panther Gorge is one of our great unexplored frontiers, shrouded by myth and impenetrable krummholz. Kevin has done an outstanding job chronicling this remote wilderness, not only with exhaustive research, but with extensive, first-hand accounts and photography. The sheer number of climbing successes revealed in these pages leaves one slack-jawed. Panther Gorge is a culmination of Kevin’s climbing skill and tireless thirst for discovery. ~Jim Lawyer, Guidebook Author and ClimberA great contribution from one of our finest local mountaineers. Kevin’s work has been useful to me on multiple levels. I have thoroughly enjoyed following his expeditions both on foot and paper. As a search and rescue professional, I’ve relied on his skills and knowledge several times during crucial situations. As an outdoor adventurist, he has taken exploration to new heights in an old landscape. ~Scott van Laer, Forest Ranger (PBA of NYS)
