Pothole Lake 5.20.03

Since the weather prediction was for warm and sunny weather, I thought I would make an attempt for both Dream and Pothole Lakes. I awoke to morning drizzle, but surely it will burn off in the afternoon was my thought. I made quick work of the Taylor River Rd to the Big Creek bridge (big concrete bridge). The Dream Lake fisherman's trail starts just after the bridge. The trail climbs steeply for about 800 vertical feet and then stops in a huge mass of vine maple and slide alder. At 2600ft I left the trail and climbed easterly. The plan was to climb above the brush and traverse to Pothole Creek. I found two stream beds that put me around 3100ft., I then did a long brushy traverse to Pothole creek. I do not suggest this for any one of a sane mind, the wet brush was still very thick and very slippery. I crossed the creek at approx 3200ft and climbed the remaining distance on the Northeast side of the creek. Pothole lake was 90% frozen and there was still alot of snow in the basin. Because the climb took more than an hour longer than I had expected and the rain was increasing I decided to pass at my second objective of Dream Lake. I hastily retreated down the creek recrossing at 3200ft and just followed it down to meet back with the Dream Lake trail. This is not for beginner's, many times I asked myself ""why am I doing this"". To complicate the downclimb my hamstrings began cramping very painfully. Dream Lake would have been easily been reached if conditions were any better. I would also suggest when carrying a full pack, try to have an internal frame as not to hang up on every branch along the way.

Thomas Mt. 5.13.03

Today's goal was for Thomas Mt summit. Finding the trailhead for this climb was made much easier by the very detailed postings on this website (thanks a million). I was treated by a coyote sighting on the way in and also at least 6 birds of prey catching thermals, both of which I had never seen before. The creek crossing was wasn't too difficult despite the lack of a bridge. The trail climbs quite steeply to the junction of Easton Ridge and the Domerie Divide trail. I hit sustained snow at around 4500ft and had no problem reaching Point 4942. I descended due north following the faint footsteps of those who have passed recently. I hit the saddle at around 4600ft and continued climbing northward to the summit. Nice views on this mostly sunny and warm day. No major problems on the way out.

Hex Mt 5.6.03

Today's goal was Hex Mt., I left the Salmon La Sac Rd at the second dirt road past the Newport Creek crossing. I parked just below the gate that was locked. As most logging road approaches knowing which is the right road can be difficult. Instead of taking the very first right turn I went to the left and ended up doing a long traverse overlooking Lake Cle Elum. Nearing the end of this road I climbed to Point 3723 and dropped to the east meeting up with another logging road that climbs steeply to the ridge line that trail #1343 follows. I found the trail and had no further difficulty. I didn't find snow until approx 4600ft, snowshoes were not needed. Nice regional views from the summit Great look at Mt. Stuart Looming over everything else. I followed the trail out all the way to it's beginning and had no problem finding the proper road to find my way back to the car. I saw very many deer that drove the dogs crazy, and worried me that the dogs would not be able to find their way back.