Ugly Duckling 12.12.08

With an unexpected window of opportunity mated with some benign weather I thought I would give this one a go. I had hoped to get an early start but as usual that was a problem. Lucky for me my boss allowed me to come in a little later prompting me at least to make an effort. As I made my way over Snoqualmie Pass I really wasn't sure about the road conditions on East Lake Kachess Road or Gale Creek Road. I was hoping to at least be able to drive to the start of the GCR. I really was on more of a joy ride than anything else. As it is sometimes things just happened to work out perfectly. I was able to drive all the way to the spur road that I intended on using for my ascent. Well, now I felt pretty confident for success. In fact I am sure I could have driven nearly to my jump off point of the spur road. Not wanting to push my luck I parked and geared up. There was bare road and compact snow from previous snowmobile travel which made the walking pleasant. I could see enough to realize that snowshoes could stay stowed in the car. I hadn't bothered to print a map but I just chose each intersection that seemed to make the most sense. I followed a branch that dead ended and just left the road and climbed in the mostly open forest. The snow was bonded fairly well with the ground and made for good footing so the progress quickened. I crossed another spur road and continued climbing. Soon I was at the base of the summit block. Looking at the map you might guess it an easy walk up summit from every side which is not the case. I knew that the standard route is from the East ridge but me being me, thought it looked doable from the South. Which I am sure could be done but not by me with icy rock. I headed West just to see what was around the bend. There is no way to attack from there so I retreated and headed further East. I spied a route up on very crumbly, icy rock. I backed down after about 30' feet of unpleasantness. I resigned myself to just making for the East ridge which was a nice snowy slope to the tiny summit. I snapped some pictures and high tailed it to the car in order to make it to work. I decided that once back to the car I would continue on the road to connect to Snoqualmie Pass more directly. The climb over the small pass was nerve racking due to the very icy packed snow. Once over to the Snoqualmie Pass side there was much less snow and I was able to unclench. I ended up making it to work with plenty of time to spare. I am guessing that I will be the last car travelling this route until late spring.




Approx 6 miles 1800' of climb 2:15 car to car

Big Chief 12.2.08

With the shorter days and my inablility to get up early I was forced into something shortish. As it turns out it was a perfect trip. I wasn't able to get to sleep last night making me quite groggy this morning. I actually had to pull off Hy 2 and sleep for 30 minutes to avoid driving off the road. When I awoke I felt much better but the steady rain had stiffened making me want to turn around and go home. I decided to check out the snow conditions to satisfy my curiosity. I was shocked to see that there was very little snow. In fact there was much more open areas without snow than with snow. I forced myself to at least suit up and magically the rain stopped. I made my way up the PCT without issue making the pass between Steven's Pass Ski Area and The Mill Creek Road. At the pass I hung a left and followed the ridge. The ridge was bare in spots and had deep snow in others. The areas of deep snow was mushy and made for some slow going. I reached the most Eastern chairlift and hid beneath it to shelter myself from the substantial wind. I continued on the South side of the ridge and made my way through the easy traverse to 5675'. Once I crested 5675' it was an easy drop to the saddle and much easier than expected climb to Big Chief's summit. I didn't linger because of the strong winds. The way out was easy and soon I was back to the car.




Approx 7 miles 2500' of climb 4 hours car to car

Tronsen Head 11.24.08

With the turmoil of opening a new restaurant slowly melting away into a framiliar routine I was quite pleased to have a day to climb. Adding to this great development was the combination of good friend paired with some warm filtered sunshine. Justin arrived at my house right on time and with a couple of stops we were off. Justin and I had done some climbing what seems like a lifetime ago so I was pleased with the company. After a couple false starts in Cle Elum looking for a SnoPark Pass we were making our way up Blewett Pass. The goal for the day was Tronsen Head and maybe a peek at Mt. Lillian. I had been in the area in the recent past when I climbed Diamond Head so I was familiar with the route. The snow was much less than what I had expected so instead of parking at the SnoPark I decided to give the next road heading North just to see if it would go. There was less than 2 inches of snow on the road and with the signs of previous car travel I thought we would give it a whirl. The road went easily but I must caution against the sink hole that is present around 2 miles in. I was able to make it around....barely and was the only one who was brave enough (or stupid enough) to try. The untracked remainder went and soon we were parked at the Tronsen Meadows trail. Having cut quite a bit of distance and elevation off my intended route I was confident for success on this day. Justin hasn't been in the hills for quite some time and struggled with the gain. I was so happy to have him along I couldn't have cared less. I was able navigate the myriad of trails and keep us on track. I had us leave the trail too early and later realized the trail actually heads to a few feet of the summit. The summit provided some good views to the North and West and some view to the South. The view I really wanted was to the SE to scout our route to Mt. Lillian. I had a sense that Justin was quite content with his first B/C 100 peak. I was content to gain some extra time with the family. It was nice to pair the glow of a successful summit with some good conversation on the way home.




Approx 6 miles 4:00 car to car 1600' of climb






Approx 7 miles 2500' of climb 4 hours car to car

Hancock's Comb 11.17.08

Hancock's Comb is the tufted point above Hancock Lake in the North Fork of the Snoqualmie drainage. If it wasn't included in the Home Court 100 I doubt it would hold any interest. The intent was to mountain bike to just past the summit and climb the short ways to the ridge and on to the summit. I had tried this trip a couple weeks ago and had to abandon when I lost a bolt holding my front tire on. Although it seemed stable I didn't want to take that type of chance. I had plenty of time and I even took the time to enjoy the very warm hazy sunshine. I wasn't able to ride much more than half the way and pushed it the remainder. I was making good time until I reached junction not on my map. There was a road closure sign due to ongoing logging in the area. I pushed on until I reached the actual logging operation blocking all of the road. I gave some thought to dumping the bike and sneaking around the working area. I was concerned about how to handle the dogs and lacking leashes it could have provided an unhappy outcome. I backtracked to a lower road which I followed on foot hoping to go cross crountry to reach my road higher above me. I followed this road until it ended in a tangle of brush before a torrent of a stream. I decided a leisurely return to enjoy the remainder of the day was much moredesirable than a tedious bushwack.




Approx 14 miles 2000' of climb 4 hours car to car