Pelletgun Hill 2.25.08

Last week I tried to drive the Middle Fork Road to the Taylor River Bridge. Although I was stymied by deep snow last week I thought with the warm weather this week I had a chance. There was considerably less snow than last week and I was able to go much further than last week. Just as I started to become hopeful for success the road ended in a mass of mushy snow with no discernable line. I had a backup plan so I turned around and made my way back to Granite Lakes Road. I had planned on some mostly sunny weather but the weather forecast was not accurate in the least. With the steady rain I wasn't in the mood for the long approach for Revolution Peak duplicating most of last week's long effort. I decided instead to do some research of the North Fork Road. I was sure I wouldn't be able to past the Wagner Bridge anyway. I was surprised with the lack of snow on the road. There is no snow until after the bridge. The Wagner Bridge is still under construction but looks nearly completed. On the way in I saw a peaklet that looked to have enough elevation to be included in someone's list. I parked at gate #20 and made my way up the good logging road that switched back to the NE ridge. I left the road here and picked my way easily along the ridge. Minutes later I was on the treed summit 1840' P540'. Instead of following my up route I merely dropped South to the road below me. I then headed South to another point with some prominence. The point was a rocky point and looked like a cool vantage point to view the active logging crews to the East of my position. I was able to follow an older logging road to the base of the rock face. With the rain and my lack of skill climbing faces I opted to scout around the East side hoping for some easier terrain. I was able to find an easy route to the summit 1510' P200'. On returning home I found an unofficial name of Pt. 1840' ,Pelletgun Hill, and I am not sure of the origin of this name.




Approx 4 miles 1000' of climb 1:45 car to car.

Cedar Mt. 2.22.08

Although Cedar Mt. only is a lowly 896' it provided more of a memorable day than any other peak I have climbed. Cedar Mt. is located above Maple Valley between Spring and Desire Lakes. I was joined by 2 yr old daughter for some much needed father daughter bonding time. There is an access road at the end of the Spring Lake Road just past the public fishing access. We followed the road until we reached the Peak Trail. Although our progress was slow it was steady we made it to the peak trail in short order. I didn't know how she would react to the much steeper trail but from the onset she made it quite obvious that she wanted to do this on her own. I had to laugh as we neared the summit she wanted to run as if she knew we were close. As the warm sun shined on us she tagged her first peak. She was so excited she concocted a summit dance. I can only hope that this day is one that can be repeated many times in the near future. Pressed for time she rode on my shoulders until we regained the access road.




Approx 2 miles 400ft of climb 1:30 car to car

Thompson point 02.18.08

I was eager to get out today with the perfect weather coupled with what I expected to be great snow conditions. I wanted a rematch with The Ark aka Rooster Mt. high above Quartz Creek. I wasn't sure what the Middle Fork Road conditions were so I had two backup plans. I made it past the gated CC road but beyond that the snow was deeper than the Subaru's clearance. I found a spot to turn around. I passed on doing South Bessemer and instead made my way to Granite Lakes Road. On the way in I was very surprised to see two cars parked already at the start of the road. It wasn't even light yet. I know Revolution Peak was thrown around as a possible destination. I was hoping that maybe I might catch up with some fellow NWhikers. Of late I have been saddled with a chronic cough that I can't seem to kick. I find the cool weather seems to help so I wasn't concerned about it becoming worse. As I packed up I was wracked with the worst coughing fit ever which forced up my breakfast. I thought this to be a most auspicious start. Strangely after the fit I felt great. I sure didn't want to miss such a beautiful day so I was off. From the onset it was apparent that I didn't have any legs at all and with the long expected trip I didn't hold much hope of making any summit. I changed to snowshoes around 3500ft. I finally caught the people in front of me who had pitched a tent in the middle of the road. The wind was blowing at least 30mph which seemed to make it an even stranger spot to camp. The couple had two dogs so my two greeted them with wagging tails. One of the campers was standing outside his tent and when I waved he didn't respond. I could see from 25 yards that he was enraged with me. Evidently he was uber pissed because my dogs would have the audacity to use the road. I was shocked that anyone on such a beautiful day could be so angry over something that in my mind was so trivial. I jetted past him as we exchanged further unpleasantries. Not letting this episode ruin my day I found some extra energy and pressed on. I followed the road until it reached a immense snow chute. After seeing some decent avalanches on the opposite side of the valley I decided to skip the road and make my way directly to the summit. The snow ranged from rock hard to some areas that were soft. I did break out the ice axe just to be safe. Soon I reached the old cabin on the ridge that was being buffeted with some very strong winds. In fact the wind had ripped half the roofing off the South side. One piece was loose and was making so much noise flapping in the wind it mad it less than desirable to stay. I snapped a few pictures and then made my way down. The snow had softened considerably and made for a tedious decent. Soon I could see the campers below me following my tracks up. Part of me wanted to continue our most unpleasant conversation. I instead angled away from them rejoining my route further East. The way out was long but soon enough I was back at the car.






Approx 15 miles 4400ft of climb 7:45 car to car

Squak Mt 2.11.08

Just enough time for a run up Squak Mt. and back. The road is fully melted out and muddy in spots. I lost the beagle 5 minutes in and found him 5 minutes from coming out. Cloudy and muggy on top.

Squak Mt 2.4.08

A suprise window of time opened up for me and I wanted to put it to good use. I only had a short time so I chose Squak Mt. because it is so close to my house. I parked near the South Access Road and was off. I had good legs and coupled with not carrying all my gear and the lack of snow on the road I blazed my way to the top. The road was freshly plowed and was very slippery near the summit. There was about 2 feet of snow at the top. The weather seemed to be moving in and I really needed to get back so I didn't linger. I ran portions of the descent and made it home exactly when I wanted to.