Joe H.
08-28-2007, 12:45 AM
After a nice evening at WP, my buddy Jim and I hit the road at 6:00 and the trail from South Meadows to Marcy Dam at 6:30. By the time we got to Avalanche camp we were pretty sure the clouds would remain low so we scraped plans to adding Redfield to the day's efforts instead deciding to make a tour of as much of the region as time (and our legs) would allow. Next stop was Avalanche Lake where we took a break and took in the views of the pass with the clouds hanging about at the level of the dike exit. The Opalescent was also beautiful with its many fall and narrow cuts through the rock. We were in the Uphill leanto area by 10:30 and we started up Cliff after a short break. The new path is much better than the wet trudge up the old Twin Brook trail. The cliffs were a bit muddy and slippery, but they went well enough and by 12:10 were were on top in alternating mix of both mist and rain. Thought of all the inspiration Grace gave me back in the 80's when I started this game, and (I am serious here) thoroughly enjoyed being back on Cliff after far too long an absence. Down was a mix of slipping and sliding, and we lunched at the leanto to dry out. The walk out took us up the Opalescent valley through some interesting bogs, before popping over Lake Arnold Pass to return to Avalanche camp.
After the quick walk back to the car, we hit the LPPB for a very enjoyable time before the long drive back to VA.
Thanks again, Rik for organizing this wonderful day!
After the quick walk back to the car, we hit the LPPB for a very enjoyable time before the long drive back to VA.
Thanks again, Rik for organizing this wonderful day!