Tropical Storm Irene and the Adirondacks

       The Mt. Marcy area in the Adirondacks of upstate New York is a perfect place to hike. Unfortunately, due to flooding and damage from tropical storm, Irene, the state park and trails were closed. Our hiking plans came to an abrupt end when two New York State troopers blocked route 73, which would have taken us to the trail-head in Keene Valley. The Johns Brook Lodge, where we had made reservations, had also closed.

       Route 73 in that area had caved in on the shoulder, and the Marcy Dam Bridge had washed out. We drove up to Lake Placid and along the way saw many spots where the shoulder had washed out and caved. Workmen had placed traffic cones to guide vehicles away from the shoulder; crews were busy.

       Lake Placid is the home of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey game with the former Soviet Union. We drove by the ski jumps, which were used in the Olympics. On our way back to Glen Lodge Bed & Breakfast, we saw people setting up tents for the annual moose festival. I can’t recall seeing as many mountaineering stores and white water rafting opportunities as we did up in these mountains.

       When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade. The following day, we visited the Adirondack Museum, truly an exceptional museum. For anyone interested in the outdoors, this place has a variety of exhibits. For hikers, there is a three-dimensional array of Adirondack State Park, including the 46 four-thousand-foot mountains.

       Many of the trails have reopened, and hikers are pressing forward once again. I’ll be back. In one of the many outdoor stores, I bought Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, by James Burnside and 46–A Journal,  in which I plan to record and detail my climbs. In the Northeast, the Adirondacks are still a well-kept secret. If you’ve hiked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I encourage you to head to upstate New York for another hiking experience.