Granite Mt 10.20.05

I was somewhat limited on options for this week. I had very little time and I needed a trailhead that I could drive my regular car to. I hadn't been up to the Granite Mt. Lookout in some time, so I thought it would suit me just fine. I traveled light, no pack just some extra clothes. It has been some time since I have climbed the duration without pack, I was pleasantly suprised that I made the summit in less than 2 hours. I did cross paths with two other groups on the way up. I must ask for forgiveness due to my dog's aggressive nature. Tanner is usually more interested in what is around the next bend rather that anyone we pass along the way. I usually do not see any people on the majority of my hikes but I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused. It seems like it is best to be friendly to dogs instead of being scared, sensing fear I think most dogs tend to be more aggressive. The sun made a valiant effort to break through during my short stay at the lookout. I quickly retraced my steps to the car making the roundtrip in less than 3:30. I am quite glad I shoehorned in a hike this week. I don't think I will get too many chances in the next month. With the impending delivery of my first, I think it to be prudent to be a bit closer to home.




8+miles 3800ft of climb 3:25 car to car

The Lourve 10.13.05

I was hoping for a summit try for The Louvre, I had seen the route earlier this year when I was atop Jolley Mt. I was hoping to again be able to drive to the second gate on road #4315 saving 3+ miles of roadwalking each way. I was dismayed to find the first gate locked at around 3300ft. I thought this would not give me enough time to complete my objective but I thought I would at least give it a go. The weather was mostly cloudy but at least dry this week as I made my way up the road. I cut the switchback at around 4000ft saving some much needed time and distance. I made it to the junction with Jolly Creek Trail in under 2 hours. I could see my objective looking like it was still a million miles away. I dropped the 400ft to the saddle below, I found a large white tent housing some supplies. I couldn't figure out why it was there but there didn't seem to be any people in the area. I dropped pack just above the camp and followed the mostly easy to follow climber's trail. The trail peters out but the ridge is open and a fun scramble. There is really no exposure along this whole route. Much to my delight and suprise I made the summit in just less than 3:45. I could see the weather was changing quite rapidly so I hightailed it back to the truck before both darkness and the rain hit in earnest.




14 miles 4500ft of climb 6:40 car to car.

Cleveland Mt 10.7.05

I was hoping for a try of Cleveland Mt., but I got a much later than I would have liked start. To make matters worse a steady rain began as I made my way up US 2. I knew I would have to make good time, so I planned on mountain biking the road walk to save much needed time on the descent. I drove about a mile on the rough road that starts just before the bridge that spans Money Creek. I managed to get the truck turned around and parked as the rain began in earnest. I decided that since I hadn't mountain biked for quite some time it would be prudent to just walk the road. I had hoped to get to the end of the road where I thought there might be a path to the summit. I believe that the peak was once used as a lookout so I surmised there might be an easy route. I made good time slogging through the quite heavy rain. By the time I reached the end of the road I had become quite pruny due to the constant rain. I found what looks like a climber's trail that begins just before the end of the road. I only followed it a short ways before I ran out of time. I made it back to the truck with the rain only gaining in intensity.