Mud Lake 11.27.06

I have been nursing a foot injury this week(plantar faciitis), so I wasn't looking for something overly taxing. I was looking for a little fishing instead. I have heard rumors of some good fishing at Mud Lake which is located in the North Fork Snoqualmie drainage. I parked at the big gate after crossing Deep Creek on the North Fork Rd. I made my way to the main line which was in use today. I made sure and leashed both dogs to avoid any problems with the area workers. I left the road at milepost 13 and made my way along an abandoned logging road which doubled back towards Mud Lakes Southern Shore. I had hoped to throw a fly but there wasn't any open areas to allow this. I did find any area where one could easily float a inflatable. I was treated with some heavier snow showers as I made my way back to the car. Approx 9 miles 4 hours car to car

North Fork Snoquamlie 11.20.06

Today was family day so a mini hike was needed. I finally broke down and bought a suitable car for my mountain escapades. It seemed like we spent half the day making the car ready for the job at hand. The plan was to drive the North Fork Road until stymied by snow. I wanted the baby to have her first snow experience. Because of our much later than expected start we were only able to make it to the bridge crossing over the North Fork. I parked and we walked the gated road that runs along the North Fork. We only went as far as the Big Creek crossing and called it a day. This report is more to give road conditions than anyting else. The road is mostly potholed until the 4 way intersection. Past the intersection is mostly good was some water over the road. The road seems no worse for wear after last weeks deluge. I had hoped to go farther but time would not allow for that.

East Lake Kachess Road 11.20.06

After last week's attempt of Hard Knox (South Thorp Mt) was thwarted by heavy snow I was eager to finish the job. There was considerably less snow than last week so the track was much quicker. I waited to snowshoe up until I crossed a slide that blocks the road at around 3200ft. I just followed the route I bulldozed last week never considering whether I was on the right route or not. The area is a covered with logging roads that differ subtly from my map. I was much frustrated when I realized I had made a wrong turn and was forced to backtrack losing well over an hour of climbing time. I joined the proper route with a little extra purpose in an attempt to make up for some lost time. The weather was mostly sunny and quite warm, I really wanted for some sunglasses to cut the nasty glare. This approach is fairly long and with the days running shorter I was concerned about my window of time closing before the day's objective was met. I repeatedly crossed some animal tracks which were unlike anything I had ever seen. They were obviously made by something quite heavy and somewhat tall. The trench crisscrossed the road many times. I dropped pack and had lunch at 4700ft. I continued on making much better time without a pack. I reached the ridgeline at around 5000ft and was rewarded with some nice close up views of Kachess Ridge Highpoint and the West Peak of Cabin Creek. There are some some nice towers plastered with snow between these two peaks. I have heard one aptly named ""Little Pecker Peak"". I had hoped to connect with the trail and turn North to reach Hard Knox's summit. Too bad for me my turnaround time was met and I was forced to turn around. I kept good pace on my return not wanting to have to use any headlamps. I came pretty close to a group of Coyotes?? making all kinds of noise. It was something I hadn't heard before, I was pleased the dogs didn't pay too much attention. By the time I returned to the car the dogs were pretty worn out. I had some concern due to the icy snow cutting Tanner's paw. The cut was not on his pad but farther up his foot. Just a little blood here and there. I sure wish I hadn't lost an hour having to backtrack which didn't allow me to finish the day's goal




3000ft of climb with detour approx 12 miles 6:40 car to car

East Lake Kachess Road 11.13.06

I was happy to find ELKR with only a couple inches of snow. There were two trees over the road that I was forced to go around/go over. I was just able to move a third tree out of my way. I was happy to be able to drive all the way to the junction with Road #4824 where I parked. I started out just carrying my snowshoes but quickly was forced to put them to use. The snow was deep and very heavy making for some very slow going. I had hoped to make my way to Hard Knox, but when I realized that in an hour I had only climbed 700ft of elevation I knew that was only wishful thinking. I pressed on until my steps became too deep for the beagle to navigate. I was sinking well past my knees with every step becoming a little deeper. In the two hours I could only manage 1000ft of climb. I enjoyed some steaming hot coffee and some very heavy snow showers. The way back to the car went considerably faster.

CCC Road 11.05.06

Today was family day so a mini hike was needed. I finally broke down and bought a suitable car for my mountain escapades. It seemed like we spent half the day making the car ready for the job at hand. The plan was to drive the North Fork Road until stymied by snow. I wanted the baby to have her first snow experience. Because of our much later than expected start we were only able to make it to the bridge crossing over the North Fork. I parked and we walked the gated road that runs along the North Fork. We only went as far as the Big Creek crossing and called it a day. This report is more to give road conditions than anyting else. The road is mostly potholed until the 4 way intersection. Past the intersection is mostly good was some water over the road. The road seems no worse for wear after last weeks deluge. I had hoped to go farther but time would not allow for that.