Lake Michael, Moonshine Lake 8.29.08

My intent for the day was for Goat Mt., I had read some reports trying from the West side. The approach was mostly easy trail, although the mileage is substantial. Because of the extensive mileage the plan was to reach the trailhead the night before and hike in the dark and bivy along the trail. As it is for me most things don't go as planned. I instead opted to try to squeeze it into a day and then with the kids not sleeping I ended up leaving 3 hours later than I had hoped. Added to the late start I was experiencing some stomach issues leaving me dehydrated and feeling weak. I finally reached the Cathedral Pass trailhead at 1100 and was off. I saw a couple just leaving which were the only people I would see on this day. The weather was perfect as I struggled up the to Trail Creek Junction. I knew my goal was now in jeopardy. The Trail Creek trail has an over abundance of mosquitoes forcing me to run portions. I reached the Lake Michaels trail in just under two hours. I had been on this trail many years ago and was looking forward to the nice views of Chimney Rock and Overcoat Peak. I had another bout with the hungry mosquitoes near Goat Creek but that was shortlived. I spied a good trail just before the outlet of Moonshine Lake and decided that it might be something to check out on my way out. I reached a point where I could plainly see my intended route to Goat Mt. and decided that my legs weren't able. I decided to steam into Michael lake instead. I had a nice lunch in shady spot and decided to climb the small prominence just to the NW. I picked my way easily to the point hoping for some nice pictures ops. The point just had enough trees to make taking pictures less than ideal. The lighting didn't aid with taking any quality pictures. I picked my way back to my lunch spot packed up and contemplated my long walk out. I took the branch leaving to Moonshine Lake which was in better shape than the main trail. The lake itself was shallow and not much to look at. I only stayed for a short time because I wanted to get out before dark. I layered up for the bug fest on Trail Creek which made it much more bearable. I finally reached the junction for the Cathedral Pass Trail and thankfully made the descent to the car.




Approx 20 miles 4100ft of climb 9 hours car to car.

Three Brothers 8.18.08

I had hoped to knock off some Home Court Peaks but with the unstable weather I opted for what I thought might be more stable weather. Judging by the weather on the way home I think I made the right choice. I got a somewhat early start which was the perfect start time. I reached the Stafford Creek Trailhead and was dismayed by the warm humid weather. I don't react well to hot temperatures. I struggled mightily the initial couple miles. When the rain started I gave some thought to bagging it. I was worried about the high lightning danger and didn't want to be a lightning rod. With the rain the temperature dropped at least 6 degrees. I had hoped to leave the Stafford Creek Trail just below the saddle between Navaho and Little Navaho Peak. I had done this once before a remembered it to be a pleasant climb. With the rain I decided to stay on trail. Just after the passing my jump off point the rain stopped and the weather stayed cool. With the cooler weather my legs returned. I reached the County Line trail and headed East. I reached the crest and was treated with my first views of my intended summit.


I dropped quickly to the basin below and stared up to my summit high above me. I started up able to follow a climber's trail for most of the way. Soon I was on the summit to be buffeted by some high winds and some nice views.


I signed one of the two registers. I didn't take the time to look through them. The last person to sign was 73! I hope to be still bagging peaks at that age. The weather was closing in so I quickly retraced my steps.


I decided to take a more direct route out. I descended in a direct line to Little Navaho. I took a nice ramp to around the same elevation as the pass. I wasn't able to find a easy way to traverse to the pass so I dropped via a gully to the stream bed below me. Once in the creek bed I was surprised that the climb to the pass was straightforward. It look super steep from my traverse. I climbed steadily and soon I was at the pass being slapped around by even stronger winds. I dropped easily to the Stafford Creek trail and did my best to keep a brisk pace to the car.




Approx 13 miles 5500' of climb 7:15 Car to car

Canoe Peak attempt 8.1108

I again had high hopes for a day in the mountains. The weather was going to cooperate and I had plenty of time to make it work. I hoped to summit Canoe Peak via Bare Mt. trail and hoped to continue to Lennox Mt. I had intended on car camping at the trailhead to enable a early start, but a family Monopoly Game nixed that idea. I still managed to get a 0730 start. The North Fork Road is in great shape and I made good time. I was surprised to see a pair just heading up the trail. I packed up and headed up the old slippery road bed. The rocks seemed like they were coated in oil as I made my way to the first crossing of Bear Creek. There are a few different ways to go but all seemed to be a little slippery. I gratefully made it across without incident. I was relieved that the trail has been recently brushed out saving me from getting wet from the morning dew. There is cairn at the first switchback as I continued straight ahead on the old miner's trail that leads to the mines just below Bear Lakes. The route is very brushy but is flagged and I didn't have any issues making it to mines. I passed some trees with fresh bear markings which was obviously made by a smaller bear. As I broke out of the trees I saw the bear clinging to a small rock face above me. I wasn't able to get the camera out in time to catch a good picture. Once at the mine I headed up on the faint fisherman's trail to Bear Lakes. I angled away from the trail to the West and found easier going on some heathery rockslides. Soon I was already above the lakes which suited me just fine. I wasn't intending on stopping at the lakes anyway. In my study for routes of Canoe Peak I was able to find a handful of reports but only one gave any route descriptions. I probably should have read that report a little more closely. Looking at the map it appeared to me that the approach with the least amount of steep climbing was coming from the North. I had been over the small notch just East of 5449' on a previous trip to Kanim Lake. I crossed the ridge and was treated to a lovely bench system of snow, heather and talus. What I didn't count on was Canoe's cliffy North face. I thought I might be able to outflank the cliffs without any luck. I dropped pack and headed up to the ridge line. I was able to breach the ridge around 5400' and started East. This line was not dog friendly and soon I reached a point that surpassed my pucker factor. The dogs were below me freaking out so I pulled the plug at 5550' just 150' from the summit. I backed down the steep snow slope to return to my stowed belongings and contemplated the long traverse to Lennox. I decided that having already wasted so much time on route finding that might put me on the descent from Bear Lakes in the dark. This was something I knew would not be good. The route is hard to follow in full light. I had a tough time getting Tanner to the South side of the ridge. I had to pull him up the last 5' which wasn't the easiest thing to do. I dropped quickly to Bear Lakes and went around the North shore. I couldn't believe how much water was flowing into the lakes. I can only surmise that the area must be loaded with springs. I easily found the fisherman's trail and had no problems following it back to the mine. There was one short steep portion with a rope to help with the drop. I again had to haul both dogs down this part which again wasn't much fun. I had some issues finding my way back to the camps below the mine but nothing too bad. I was happy to reach the more defined lower portions. I soon reached the brushy section which had enough flagging to make it quite easy.






Approx 10 miles 3800' of climb 8 hours car to car