Cleveland lake 10.28.03

Today's trip was a return try of Cleveland Lk. Cleveland Lk. is just outside of Skykomish near Money Creek. To reach the Money Creek rd. you must still detour into Skykomish because to bridge work. The weather started dry and became increasingly more wet as the day unfolded. I was to use the logging road that is the last left before you cross Money Creek. The logging road is driveable to the first switchback. The road is however very narrow, not a road where you would want to meet someone coming the other way in a diving rainstorm. Of course this is exactly what happened. I climbed about 2000 vertical ft, before my hands looked like I had fallen asleep in the bath tub. I decided that maybe I should look for some place dryer. As I started my descent I was treated with added pleasure of 40 mph gusts blowing through. By the time I returned to the truck the road was just a torrent. I stopped on the way out on the Money creek bridge and admired how much the water had risen in the creek. It had least doubled in size during the time of my hike.

Mount Si 10/21/03

I had hoped for something off of Hy 2 today, but with yesterdays record rains and resulting road closures I stayed close to home. I got my usual late start and didn't leave the truck until nearly 3pm. I was amazed at nature's ability to divert water, there was very little water on or over the trail. I am sure that the area received over 5 inches yesterday and yet near the summit it was dry. The downside to the lack of water on the trail was that it was all in the air. I can never remember a hike as humid as today's. I think that the wet blanket of air added at least 7 to 8 minutes to my summit time. By the time I reached the summit the sun was out in full force and it was very warm. There was unbroken clouds below topping out at around 3000ft but nothing but clear weather above. It was nice to be rewarded for my efforts with some glorious sunshine. I hurried out and made it well before dark.

Nimue, Merlin Lake 10/7/03

Today's goal was for return try for Nimue, Merlin, and, Le Fay Lakes. I had tried earlier this year from Myrtle Lake, but turned back to a massive gnat hatch. For today's try I wanted to leave the Dingford Crk. trail at around 3200ft just after crossing the outlet from the before mentioned lakes. I wasn't overly optimistic for success today due to the expected heavy rains. My start was delayed due to road work in 3 seperate places on the Middle Fork Rd.. A crew has regraded the road from where you rejoin the road from the Taylor River bypass to top of the first big hill. I did not have much trouble with any of these changes, however if heavy rain comes I would imagine it would be impassable except for 4 wheel drive vehicles due to muddiness. I arrived at Dingford Creek at around 12:45 so I knew I needed to hustle. I was suprised that it wasn't raining and there were actually some sunbreaks. I made good time to my jump off point, the first 100ft was the worst of the brush. I would find bits and pieces of trail here and there. The steepest portion of the climb was quite open and made for easy climbing. Be wary once you reach the flatter portion just before Nimue Lake, the area is very boggy and on the way out I sank to mid thigh and had quite the ordeal to extricate myself with both boots still attached to my feet. After the boggy area it is just a short ways to Nimue, the lake is small and somewhat shallow. I tried throwing a fly for a short while before I made my way to Merlin Lake, I didn't have any luck. I did see some evidence of fish which seemed might be good sized. The route to Merlin is straight forward I just followed the stream that links the two lakes, I don't think it took more than 15 minutes. With time running short I returned to Nimue and pack up giving up on any attempt for Le Fay lake. The return to the car went with out a hitch and I made it out just before dark.