Hancock's Comb 2.23.09

have made some half hearted attempts at his peak and the past. I just couldn't stand to look at this blob from work any longer. I wasn't too enthused with the weather forecast so a long road walk seemed like a sensible choice. I was hoping to leave much earlier but so goes being a Father/Husband! I still had most of the day and with the road walk I knew I could be able to make it via headlamp. I decided to ride a mountain bike to try to save some time. I wasn't too crazy about doing much climbing on the bike so I dumped it just after crossing the North Fork Bridge. I tried to cut some distance by cutting through the clearcuts which did save time. Too bad for me I slipped on a log and was held upright by brambles that had shackled my leg. Since the weather was so warm I was wearing shorts which I was excited about. My leg was a bloody mess but no serious damage was done. I felt pretty well so I made good time to just passed the 4 mile mark where I left the Hancock Lake Road and began climbing in earnest. I put snowshoes on at the 6 mile mark. I was quite surprised to see a party of three had been this way in the recent past. To be honest I would bet a large sum of money against anyone climbing this peak in winter. Since the way was obvious I just had to follow the footprints I had quite some time to ponder the wonders of life. Finally by objective came into view still looking very far off. Just past the Nine mile mark the prints split with one set climbing and the second set descending. I gave some thought to following the the descent tracks but decided to stick to my approach plans and followed the group's uptrack. Views opened up with Bessemer Mt stealing the show. I had thought the high point was closer to South Bessemer. From this vantage it was clearly the most Northern Spire that is the highest. I dumped pack and snowhoes and broke out the ice axe for extra insurance. The snow was very variable but for the most part held my steps. I merely followed the snowshoe tracks up and then East to reach the East ridge which I followed and finished the summit off from the North. With the extensive tree cover I wasn't able to see much of anything. I didn't stay long because I still had a VERY long way to go. The descent back to my stowed belongings was much easier than expected. I had a quick bite and then restrapped the snowshoes and made my way back. I was very pleased with my pace and made it back to car well before dark.




Approx 20miles Approx 4000' of climb 7:45 car to car

Miller River Road 2.17.09

Not much here other than the road conditions. I had hoped the road would be plowed to the Miller River Campground, which was true. However the road is closed about a mile before the campground because of a washout. The road itself is an ice rink making very slow and tedious travel. After the campground there is a well worn snowshoe track that I followed until I reached the West Fork Road. My intent was to walk that for .25 miles and then use the subtle ridge to reach the main ridge of Cleveland Peak. I had a very long work week and have been feeling under the weather for most of the week. I couldn't bring myself to commit to the long climb. I instead walked Miller river Road for another couple miles until I reached another washout. This washout was rather large and looks to be an involved fix. I turned back and quickly made my way back to the car. It was a nice day to be out!




Approx 6 miles 3 hours car to car 600ft of climb.

Mount Lillian 2.10.09

After missing last week I was eager to get out and stretch my legs. I tossed around a few ideas and decided that I should return to finish off my previous climb. I had read some recent reports of route finding difficulties in the area so I made sure I loaded the summit in my GPS. I parked at the road to Tronsen Meadows trailhead and packed up. I had to laugh to myself on the way there when I was pulled over by a trooper for going 62 in a 60 mph zone. The trooper actually had to turn around to pull me over. Thankfully I wasn't given a ticket. Undaunted I pressed on. I was feeling fortunate that I had missed the incoming weather on the way making for quick time. I booted up the road and switched to snowshoes once I hit the Tonsen Meadows Trail. The route was fairly easy to follow and mostly packed down making for some easy travel. Nearing the crest I left the trail and just went straight up the fall line. Once I crested to the flats I followed some snowmobile tracks to the groomed road. Just as I reached the road the groomer past me looking surprised to see me. I gave some thought to just following the road but decided that lacked any appeal. I crossed the road descended briefly and then began climbing. There were many blow downs to negotiate but the travel was mostly open. The snow conditions varied from a hard crust to deep powder. I aimed for the small closed contour just to the NW of the true summit. I again descended until I again crossed the groomed road. I reached an open area just South of the summit which was fairly deep powder but it afforded me an easy route to the true summit. It is good to know that the high point that is included in the BackCourt 100 is not the point named Mount Lillian on the map. The weather had moved in so views were not in the cards. I could see Bentrim Hill to the South which I had hoped to also summit but I decided to forgo the substantial mileage. The return was straightforward with the exception of following the groomed road I just retraced my steps.




Approx 10miles 2800ft of climb 6hrs car to car