Tip Top 1.29.08

I had hoped to summit Tip Top which ranks a lowly #94 on the BC/100. As a good portion of my trips start I was very late getting out of the house. I had some good Beta from Wildernessed so I was confident that I could give it a go. I was suprised that the turn off Hy 97 of the Camas Creek Road was so far past the pass. I almost turned around thinking that I had passed my turn-off. The road was in great shape despite the earlier days snow. I turned off the main line and headed toward the Bible Camp and parked. I was thankful that the road I intended on using for my approach was heavily packed by snowmobile traffic. I had toyed with the idea of leaving the road early and making a straightline off trail approach. I decided the road would do. I made good time to jump off point and I found a good road going my way. At a bend in the road I saw an easy gully that would take my right to the ridgeline. It was not my line but I thought I could easily run the ridge to the summit. I breached the ridge at around 3900ft and made my way easily along the ridge. I reached the closed contour at 4200ft and was suprised to find myself cliffed out with a 40 drop to the saddle below me. I backtracked and found a steep gully that I am sure would take me down. I declined hoping to find an easier traverse lower. After backtracking I found some easier terrain. I was now nearing darkness and wasn't enthused with the idea of traversing in the dark. I decided to head back .




Approx 7 miles 1300ft of climb 4 hours car to car

Roughouse Mt.1.22.08

After last week's failed attempt I was back for another round. I knew the summit of Roughhouse Mt. (Pt 4780+) # 94 on the BC/100 would be easier with more settled snow and with more time in hand I was confident for success. I wanted to see If skiing would make for an easier time and result in quicker summit time. I got an early start and I was treated with a most inspiring view of the moon over Snoqualmie Pass. I stopped to take a picture but I couldn't reach the camera so I passed regrettably. I continued on and soon I was parked in single digit temps. I was thankful that at least there was no wind to make the situation more of an issue. After entirely too much time of packing and layering up I was off. I had rigged up the Beagle with his own layers but the ill fitting get up didn't stay on even with the addition of some pack straps. I was surprised that even though my x/country skiing experience is minimal I was making good time maybe even faster than just booting it alone. I soon made it to the point where I had left the road and switched to boots and snowshoes. The conditions were much better than last week and soon I was to my turnaround point of last week. I had stopped maddingly close to the summit but because of serious time constraints I had to turn around. I blazed the remainder of the climb to reach the summit which I was surprised to find a radio tower. In my research of this peak I hadn't heard mention of it. I think the name of this peak is derived from this "roughhouse". The views were mostly blocked by the substantial tree cover. I quickly descended back to my stowed belongings. I debated on whether or not to change back to skiis. I decided to just to see how it go. I am not a graceful faller so I was worried about the long descent even though it is not steep in the least. Initially I did fine in the deeper snow but when I reached the more packed portions of the road I felt like the skiis were a detriment instead of an asset. I booted out with the only excitement was trying to wrestle a deer's leg that was fully intact from the knee down from Tanner. A great day with great with perfect weather and one more summit checked off my list.




Approx 12 miles 1900 feet of climb 5:30 car to car

Old Blewett Pass 1.16.08

I was happy to see some sunshine forecasted for today. I dearly needed to get some sun and to stretch my legs. I was hoping to put some miles on a road that I had never been. I parked at the start of the Old Blewett road just SE of the Swauk Campground. I was very pleased to find the road packed down by snowmobile traffic with just enough new snow to make it interesting. I was making good time but I wanted to cut the switchbacks to shorten the long walk. After making an attempt to leave the road I found the going slow and not at all pleasant. I decided it would be much less taxing to remain on the road. Upon reaching a junction I misread my map and intstead of heading toward Roughhouse Mt. (pt. 4760+) I was heading for (pt. 4675). The going was extremely slow and I was glad that I realized my mistake quickly. I retraced my steps and soon was on the right path. I stayed on the road and approached the summit from the East. I found the going very slow. I had reached my turnaround time so I decided to keep going. I was probably less than 50ft of elevation from the summit but I was already 20minutes past my time. Of all days this was one I couldn't be late for the evening's plan. I decided to be more aggressive on the way down cutting any switchbacks when the opportunity was there. I was able to shave enough time to make it home just in time.




Approx 11 miles 5 hours car to car 1900 ft of climb