Sunday 6/1- Climbed Donaldson and Emmons from my campsite in one of the pull off spots on Coreys Rd. The Calkins herd path was very wet and as I climbed the conditions deteriorated. By the time I made it to Donaldson it was very cold and raining. Icicles from the trees were falling onto the trail and there were no views to be had. I just kept it moving the whole time to keep from shivering. Made it to the summit of Emmons (for the completion of my 2nd 46er round!) and booked it back over Donaldson to the col. Had it been a nicer day I would have gone over Seward but I just wanted to get off that ridge as soon as possible. Although it was so wet and chilly I did enjoy the Calkins trail and all its soaking, muddy, Adirondack glory.
Saturday 6/2- A.M. Weather looked nicer for this day so decided to climb Hurricane in the morning. I saw a large deer on the hike up which startled me as he bolted into the woods. The views were splendid and I realized I have not been on a summit in the Adirondacks and had a view in over 2 years! I've been socked in clouds / rain every time. The sunshine was so nice and energizing. Climbed the fire tower at the summit and took lots of pictures. I could see the enormous snow field on Marcy.
P.M. Since the weather was getting nicer as the day progressed I decided to climb Jay mountain in the afternoon. This is a peak I have not done but I knew the long ridge summit was one to save for a day like today. This was a good move as the views were spectacular from the many rocky vistas and viewpoints. I had lunch on the spur trail view point and really enjoyed it. I feel like lemon pepper tuna packs on tortilla just hit so much better on a mountain summit. Traversing over the many rocky bumps on the summit ridge was a lot of fun! What an awesome peak!
This was a fun trip with a little bit of everything in terms of conditions. The mud was obviously bad as it is spring and all the rain. I didn't have any problem with bugs though, so for that I am grateful.