Pics are here:
https://vmeps.schernau.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=1545
I started parked at South Meadows about a mile from the Adirondak Loj, hiked the road, then climbed up Street & Nye. Generally an uninspiring, easy hike, there was an interesting ford required due to high water and recent rain. Fords are always fun, especially ones where the blackflies are not devouring you as you precariously cross. Minimal view, and plenty of insects once you stopped moving. Met a few people. The nice thing about using a small daypack is that you can travel fast and light, I actually snuck up on someone sitting eating lunch I was moving so smoothly.
Got back to the car by about 6, decided not to camp as it looked wet. Drove to the Hostel in Keene Valley where I've stayed many times, and crashed late, after staying up talking to some rock climbers.
Next day drove way around to the Works in Newcomb, parked the car, and began the start of the 16 mile day including Allen, and ending at the Flowed Lands. Several significant fords, and the most schizophrenic trail I've hiked - alternating sections of smooth old woods road, and 20' wide muddy quagmires. Once you hit the slide, you're walking up bare rock, or better, bare rock with water flowing over it. I wiped out significantly only once. Minimal view, and horrific bugs at the top.
Back down and across another ford, and a long gradual slog uphill to the Flowed Lands, where the last and biggest ford awaited.
Camped near the Flowed Lands Lean-To, then early in the morning daypacked up Opalescent Brook to Cliff - another muddy, trailless mess. Socked in completely with clouds and fog, it was a fun climb with some interesting rock scrambles.
Back down the old closed trail and another ford down Calamity Brook, did some skinny-dipping and de-funkifying, and got back to the car in time to drive to Keene Valley for dinner.
5 stars, would do again (maybe sometime)
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