Several screenings of “The Mountains Will Wait for You,” a new documentary film about Grace Hudowalski have been announced.  One of the most influential of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers (or just 46ers) was Grace Hudowalski (#9).

Born in Ticonderoga and raised in Minerva, she started at the top: her first was Mount Marcy in 1922 when she was 15 and by age 30 she had ascended all 46—becoming the first woman to do so. She also had a passion for climbing, and for the 46ers, that was contagious, and led to her becoming something of a club matriarch.

Director Fredrick Schwoebel read an article about Hudowalski in May 1993, and was captivated by her story. He spent hours interviewing her and her friends, and shot extensive footage in the mountains. He also recruited his father-in-law, Johnny Cash, the Man in Black himself, to narrate. Although Hudowalski died nearly a decade ago, her legacy lives on: there is a movement afoot to rename 4,012-foot East Dix in her honor, Grace Peak.

As Supervisor for the New York State Commerce Department Office of Tourism from 1948 to 1961, Grace promoted the recreational use of the Adirondacks. Today, 8000 people have climbed all 46 high peaks. Those 46ers and many others camp, canoe, visit the towns, stop in the restaurants, stay in the hotels, buy hiking gear, crafts and gifts. Adirondack has become a life style, a fashion, and a design.

Mountaineer Doug Arnold will introduce the film and give a short talk about the 10-year effort to name an Adirondack High Peak after the late Grace Hudowalski.

Upcoming Screenings:

Sunday February 02, 2014 3:00 PM at the Saratoga Springs Winter Festival.

Wednesday February 12, 2014 (6:30 PM) at the ADK Genesee in Rochester.

Tuesday March 11, 2014 6:30 PM at the ADK Albany Chapter.