East Lake Kachess Road 11.20.06

After last week's attempt of Hard Knox (South Thorp Mt) was thwarted by heavy snow I was eager to finish the job. There was considerably less snow than last week so the track was much quicker. I waited to snowshoe up until I crossed a slide that blocks the road at around 3200ft. I just followed the route I bulldozed last week never considering whether I was on the right route or not. The area is a covered with logging roads that differ subtly from my map. I was much frustrated when I realized I had made a wrong turn and was forced to backtrack losing well over an hour of climbing time. I joined the proper route with a little extra purpose in an attempt to make up for some lost time. The weather was mostly sunny and quite warm, I really wanted for some sunglasses to cut the nasty glare. This approach is fairly long and with the days running shorter I was concerned about my window of time closing before the day's objective was met. I repeatedly crossed some animal tracks which were unlike anything I had ever seen. They were obviously made by something quite heavy and somewhat tall. The trench crisscrossed the road many times. I dropped pack and had lunch at 4700ft. I continued on making much better time without a pack. I reached the ridgeline at around 5000ft and was rewarded with some nice close up views of Kachess Ridge Highpoint and the West Peak of Cabin Creek. There are some some nice towers plastered with snow between these two peaks. I have heard one aptly named ""Little Pecker Peak"". I had hoped to connect with the trail and turn North to reach Hard Knox's summit. Too bad for me my turnaround time was met and I was forced to turn around. I kept good pace on my return not wanting to have to use any headlamps. I came pretty close to a group of Coyotes?? making all kinds of noise. It was something I hadn't heard before, I was pleased the dogs didn't pay too much attention. By the time I returned to the car the dogs were pretty worn out. I had some concern due to the icy snow cutting Tanner's paw. The cut was not on his pad but farther up his foot. Just a little blood here and there. I sure wish I hadn't lost an hour having to backtrack which didn't allow me to finish the day's goal




3000ft of climb with detour approx 12 miles 6:40 car to car

East Lake Kachess Road 11.13.06

I was happy to find ELKR with only a couple inches of snow. There were two trees over the road that I was forced to go around/go over. I was just able to move a third tree out of my way. I was happy to be able to drive all the way to the junction with Road #4824 where I parked. I started out just carrying my snowshoes but quickly was forced to put them to use. The snow was deep and very heavy making for some very slow going. I had hoped to make my way to Hard Knox, but when I realized that in an hour I had only climbed 700ft of elevation I knew that was only wishful thinking. I pressed on until my steps became too deep for the beagle to navigate. I was sinking well past my knees with every step becoming a little deeper. In the two hours I could only manage 1000ft of climb. I enjoyed some steaming hot coffee and some very heavy snow showers. The way back to the car went considerably faster.

CCC Road 11.05.06

Today was family day so a mini hike was needed. I finally broke down and bought a suitable car for my mountain escapades. It seemed like we spent half the day making the car ready for the job at hand. The plan was to drive the North Fork Road until stymied by snow. I wanted the baby to have her first snow experience. Because of our much later than expected start we were only able to make it to the bridge crossing over the North Fork. I parked and we walked the gated road that runs along the North Fork. We only went as far as the Big Creek crossing and called it a day. This report is more to give road conditions than anyting else. The road is mostly potholed until the 4 way intersection. Past the intersection is mostly good was some water over the road. The road seems no worse for wear after last weeks deluge. I had hoped to go farther but time would not allow for that.

Granite Lake Road 10.31.06

I have had a very chaotic work schedule lately, so when I found out that I had Tuesday off I was more than pleased. With sunny weather to boot I had to fiqure out a way to make the day a go. I had my daughter's first Halloween events to consider when making plans. I managed to get out of bed just after 5:30 and was out the door soon after. I was looking for a day with quite alot of mileage. I intended on summit bid of Revolution Peak. My time frame was very contricted so I knew I had to hustle. When I ran into bumper to bumper on HY 18 I was fairly certain the day's goal would be even harder to attain. I parked at the Mailbox parking area and walked to short ways to the Granite Lakes Jeep Rd. Trying to make up some lost time I ran the first half mile or so. I decided that running on an icy roadbed wasn't the prudent thing to do. I hit snow just after crossing Granite Creek. Just after the Granite Lake turnoff I hit a most unpleasant half mile. The small trees were laden with snow making them bend inward to the middle of the road forming a 3 foot high tunnel. Making my way through this was much less than pleasant. This area was shortlived and soon I was on more open ground. It was becoming apparent that time was no longer on my side. I decided to pull the plug after three hours. I lounged for 15 minutes eating a little lunch and enjoying the bright sunshine. I even managed a litte sunburn . The way out went quickly and I was soon on my way to the rest of the day's festivities. I was a little disappointed to find out the plans had been moved back two hours which would have given me more than enough time to complete the day's objective.






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