How the Adirondacks Changed My Life | Short Film | The Guide Book

Let this video be a testament to my enduring love and passion for these mountains. May it never dwindle.
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[@reptilianwild]

I know exactly why this place is so beautiful: the mountains reflect the beauty of their creator.

[@Lance101]

Amen!

[@psemilanceata]

you don’t know what the beauty of the creator looks like you only know what the forest and mountains looks like

[@keeghanmurray]

Created by Science not Christ

[@vinnyg.8170]

I recently retired off Long Island NY to Pottersville NY. I 1st came here with my parents as a 9 yr old. Like you; I have been totally captivated by this place all my life. I am older now, but still feel the beauty of this area. I feel it brings me closer the Lord's amazing Creation. Keep these vids coming. I love them.

[@ChrisRicciardi-j7s]

Your video on the winter marcy summit sunrise inspired me to go to those mountains. Those mountains led me to appreciate beauty as evidence of a loving Creator, and that fact led me to love God more deeply. So by extension, my reversion to Christianity was in part aided by you. Ive only been to the high peaks 7 times but I also have a deep and personal love of those mountains, and although I now live very far away from them, I feel the same pull you have felt to return. God bless!

[@joanlajara3939]

Just got my signed copy of your high peaks guide! So excited to start reading and hiking! Thanks for your wisdom at such a young age! Can’t wait for the rest of my hiking journey! And yes, you do inspire!! Thx!❤️

[@MariaPerez-ly8sf]

I just ordered the guidebook. I’m looking forward to getting back to the ADK. Car accident stopped my journey for a year and now I live in Panama City Beach. The emerald coast and sugar white sand is great but doesn’t compare to the ADK. Still looking for property to build there so hopefully all the stars align for when I return in June for a bit. The mountains are most certainly calling and I can’t wait to go! Great video!

[@derek_boen]

Just ordered a signed copy. Can’t wait to explore some mountains!🌄Great video as always.

[@kenkaplan3654]

How fitting the thumbnail and opening view is Algonquin or some part of the MacIntyre Range. Thanks for all you have given everyone. You have made my life richer.

[@Curtis.-fisher]

I’ve lived in these forests my entire life and no matter how many times I climb the mountains and look at the views I always find it more beautiful than the last and when I was younger I took the views and the mountains as a background that’s how used to seeing them was but as I got older I started to appreciate them a lot more and hope you visit here again because your right this place will always have an impact on our lives

[@stevelinskens8416]

Jonathan, a hearty congratulations on authoring the Hiking the Adirondacks 46 High Peaks. I'm sure that must feel like a tremendous accomplishment! Godspeed on your future endeavors, brother. I did Algonquin Peak with a small crew of guys for the second time this past winter, and every time I'm up there or anywhere else in the High Peaks, it never ceases to amaze me.

[@amerphoto1]

The Unknown why...I have been asking that question for 51 years of hiking, climbing, camping, skiing, canoeing, SCUBA diving and countless campfires in the Adirondacks. From my first trip in 1973 to Raquette Lake to present day, the unknown why and the unknown draw of the relentless love for the Adirondacks. I have been to every corner of the Adirondacks, mostly the southwestern section as it is the closest for us to get to for an adventure. And the emptiness in my heart when we are not there. We had planned on retiring in Saranac Lake, but the cold is like a cold nowhere else on earth and my wife cannot take the cold any longer. If I ever figure out the unknown why...I will let you know. I have a feeling that it is the same answer to both our questions.

[@kenkaplan3654]

I Spent 11 summers in the Adirondacks and for another 15 in proximity to the High Peaks (Paradox Lake) at a week long camp for adults and families. Aside from the great beauty of the region, mountains, lakes, forests, I think part of the great inner draw is the commitment of NY state to keep the park "forever wild." The Adirondacks are the greatest expanse of unbroken forest in the United States. There is very little development outside of Placid in the Northern part, and even that is limited. I think this allows an unprecedented bond to nature and to grandeur, a feeling that one belongs to the lakes and mountains and they belong to us in a spiritual sense. Although the Whites are higher, the great Adirondack peaks are more remote. In order to climb them requires some resoluteness and drive. Marcy or Haystack are both 20 miles or close round trip. None of them are easy. Algonquin and Cascade are the most accessible. (And one can drive up Whiteface, no easy climb) I climbed Noonmark and it was a bear. That one can get that deep into pristine wilderness is precious in this era. The Rockies are higher and stunning but the forests and peaks of the Adirondacks are beyond compelling, and remote yet accessible in that you don't need to acclimatize to climb them, and you don't need to be adroit enough to scale a knife ridge at 14,000 feet. Yet once one summits, it is breathtaking and spectacular. One never tires of it. I think hidden in the mountains is the key to eternity. It changed my life forever also. I don't think I would have survived childhood without it.

[@amerphoto1]

@@kenkaplan3654 You are absolutely right about the Adirondacks being just as special in its own rights as the Whites and the Rockies. I just love to tell people when we are in a National Park I live in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. They automatically assume NYC. Then I amaze them (educate them) with stories of the Adirondacks and the immense size of it compared to many of the national parks combined. All ways proud of our Adirondacks,

[@robinsavard84]

I remember your very first video, gosh how you have grown! There are a lot of really great places in Ohio, as I'm sure you know and will look forward to your new adventures. Best wishes in your time in Ohio. I think you have shown us all how you have worshipped in Adirondacks.

[@JonathanZaharek]

Hey Robin! The theme of the video was depicting my temporary move back in 2022, and my return now in 2024. My time in Ohio concluded about a year ago and now I am back in the Adirondacks!

[@gigih.2169]

I live just south of ADK and have just recently gotten into hiking. I've dabbled and tagged along, but now I'm really wanting to get serious with the 46 as a goal. I'm a newbie and literally have to learn everything, from how to pack, what kind of pack, what the mountains are and where to go to train. Lived here my whole life and I'm not even familiar with the names of the hikes and mountains around me. I see God in the beauty of nature and I want to experience it all. I feel closer to Him in His creation. I just purchased your book on the recommendation of a hiking group I joined. Can't wait to get it.

[@JonathanZaharek]

Thanks so much for getting one of my books! I think it’s gonna greatly help you with your journey and help you answer all the questions that you might have.

[@JonathanZaharek]

Thanks for getting the guidebook! I think that’s a wise choice for your situation and it will help you answer all the questions you might have!

[@David-e6d6n]

I’ve been trying to move there for 24 years I fell in love with the adk on my first trip to Stillwater Reservoir in 2000 been going twice a year for ten days ever since no retired searching for my last home for my wife and myself your love of the adk is how I feel my first trip to whiteface was an absolute eye opening experience I’ll be ordering your book now.

[@JAdams-qy7ii]

I'm a subscriber and a fan of both you and our beloved ADKs. I share your love, admiration and your passion for this incredibly magic place. Thank you for your gorgeous vids.

[@mikestevenson4101]

People always ask me why I drive down to the ADK to hike, camp and just breathe the air. Now I will just send this this! Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@kevinhikes3132]

Congrats on the guide book That's really great

[@jjmcwill2007]

Stunning video of the high peaks.

[@db.mc2]

Thank you Jonathan 🫶🏻 God Bless you my friend 🙏🏻 Appreciate you!

[@peterjudson8599]

Absolutely impressed by this video-hands down your best yet. Your growth as a film maker is truly inspiring, evident in every frame. Keep pushing the trails and telling captivating stories.

[@stevep7785]

Nice work on this!

[@jeffleahey5956]

Great stuff, you do inspire! And I get it and know how you feel. You take it to a level that is so impressive. I am looking forward to your future. Good luck Jonathan.

[@yvettejones4249]

The beauty is that they are created by the most high God. So it's a wonderful feeling to breath in fresh air, the foliage, flowers, grass, go fishing in the lakes, swim in the streams. Thank you for sharing your journey and your passion. God bless.

[@nicholasgroves2126]

Great vid brother. Always look forward to peeping them. See ya in a few weeks brother

[@winter46ercmart]

Great video. Really well done. Looking forward to the guidebook.

[@Neoutdoorfamily]

Your filmmaking and cinematography continues to blow me away and inspire me. I’m really digging your drone content recently as well. What drone are you shooting with these days? Thanks again for all the inspiration! 🙏

[@WildRoseWanders]

Amazing video! Congrats on the book!

[@darenroth7390]

love your videos

[@terryolmsted]

Beautiful

[@kevintaylor99]

Me and my wife watched a few videos last night about bushwacking the sawtooth mts....awesome stuff!!!

[@jakemedeiros4571]

Well said

[@peyton9230]

Sensational

[@quietrevelry]

Anytime I hear a white-throated sparrow, I think of the cool, misty mountain cols of the Adirondacks.

[@meljane8339]

Your adoration for the Adirondacks is reminiscent, to me, of the Pyrénées side of French Mountaineers.

[@martyfries]

Hi Johnathan. I purchased a guidebook a while back during pre-order and I’m just wondering when it will ship out. Thanks!

[@JonathanZaharek]

Hey Marty, all guidebook orders are on a pre-order basis for May 7 release! So you won’t get it until then!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Will the book be available in stores in Lake Placid? If so, I'll pick it up this summer.

[@joanlajara3939]

Why? Cause it’s God’s country!! ❤️❤️great job writing it and explaining it! Many of us feel like you do!! You can’t ever not go back to them❤️

[@brianc1651]

Great film. Are you still selling that Couchsachraga shirt anywhere?

[@JonathanZaharek]

Not right now 😬

[@brianc1651]

Okay thanks. I bought one of your other shirts, but didn't want to get that one until I conquered it. I became a 46er when you were in Ohio and I saw the shirts were gone.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing. subd & 👍170

[@brucecaryl6056]

Had the same calling. Knees failed! Had to move on. The Calling in your heart is the longing for God. 46er 4856.

[@brodybenzin5959]

just took a few hour drive with my girlfriend a couple months ago and man is is beautiful there

[@Liquidskys88]

The addies and the cattys...great mountains great views....great all around challenge. Great pictures at a particular time to get them....what?? Your leaving the area? No more videos? Ahhhh no good Jonathan no good but do come back brother.

[@JonathanZaharek]

The theme of the video was depicting my temporary move back in 2022, and my return now in 2024. My time in Ohio concluded about a year ago and now I am back in the Adirondacks!

[@Liquidskys88]

Ok my bad.. glad your back. I gotta check them out sometime. I like the photography also.