Green Mt. 12.10.02

Well the weather seems to have changed at last. Breezy and wet today with the snow level hovering around 3200ft. Today's attempt was Green Mt. which is located between Mt Teneriffe and Bessemer Mt. . I started approx 2 miles past where the Middle Fork road crosses the river, there is a gated logging road with ample parking. I followed the logging road to where it splits one way crosses the creek and the other continues east. Instead of following the road I just climbed straight up, the timber is easy going and is much shorter than staying on the road. Near 2100ft I regained the road just before it splits the lower branch is overgrown but isn't hard to follow. I continued on this road which is a VERY LONG traverse but does move you directly towards the summit. Near 2800ft there is a creek crossing that is very overgrown with small limber branches that sting more than you can believe when hit across your face. I decided rather than risk scarring I would try this at some other time or some other route. I would think this route would be a good spring route when the days are longer and the Hell branches are buried deep under snow. I think next time I will try leaving the Teneriffe climbers trail and do a ridge traverse to reach Green Mt. summit. It sure was nice to see some new snow!

Mt Si, Dixie Peak 12.6.02

I hit the Mt Si trailhead at 12:10 with nice sunny weather with just a little chill in the air. I had to fly solo for the first time in at least 10 years. Ryan my semi regular partner was out with his second torn achilles in 18 months and my faithful dog Tanner was out with a blown knee. I took the si trail for about .75 miles until a well worn junction which is the creek trail. I followed the creek trail until it switchbacks and runs west again. If you climb up and to the left you will hit an old logging road which is overgrown and deadends at a dry stream gully. Drop into "" garden hose gully"" and climb a short ways until there is a garden hose to aid in the steep sidewalls of the gully. Just a few feet of climb there you will connect with the logging road that starts at the end of Mt. Si Rd.. I followed the road until approx. 3950ft where there is a flag on the right side of the road. I left the road and climbed up the somewhat steep but open timber to reach the saddle between Pt. 4351 and Dixie peak( Pt 4606). I followed the easy ridgeline and tended due north to reach Pt. 4500. I could see Dixie Pk ahead of me but with time running short I opted to stay at Pt 4500. Good views of of surrounding peaks still NO SNOW. Crater lake with a light layer of ice.

Total miles approx 13+ miles Total climb 4100ft Total time 4:20