Dirty Harry's Peak 4.4.03

I parked right at Dirty Harry's road since I knew I would be out in plenty of time before they close the gate. I started up the road at 10:10 under mostly cloudy skies and rather cool temps. I hit new snow in just a matter of minutes. The road is rather rough in spots the middle third has alot of water running over it. I passed a man on the way up, which always suprises me this time of year. I passed the turn-off for Dirty Harry's Balcony and continued on up. Around 4000ft the snow became rather deep and since there hadn't been anyone before me to break trail the going slowed considerably. I managed to drag myself to the summit at 12:10 . Since there are some steep drop-offs to the northeast I didn't stay too long, not wanting to risk a dog over the edge. On the descent I passed the man I had passed earlier, he filled me in on some future hiking adventures. He has been maintaining this area for years ( thanks for the great job). I made quick work on the remaining descent. Since I had never been to Dirty Harry's Balcony I made the short sidetrip, just turn at the Penzoil can. Just before the balcony the trail continues on to the Mason Lake trail, passing another Balcony along the way and also connecting with the West Defiance Trail aka Putrid Pete's Peak. I returned to the car at 1:50.

Total distance approx 8 miles Total climb 3300ft Total time 3:40

Kendall Peak Road 3.18.03

Driving up on I-90 it was snowing at the summit but as I started up the Kendall Peak Rd. the weather cleared and gave way to some fairly sunny weather. The road is well traveled and there was little new snow. I stayed on the road all the way until the Kendall Peak trailhead I continued right and followed the road until it end at PT. 4251. I stayed for a few moments and descended the more direct SW route.

Trip stats: Approx 7.5 miles Total Gain 1740 Ft Time 1:17 up 1:00 down

Loch Katrine Bench 2.18.03

Taking the risk as being viewed a copycat, I thought Mike Collins report on Twin Peaks interesting. Having already been to Loch Katrine I thought a return trip was in order. The road was without snow until 2600ft, and progressily growing deeper until the road ends near 4100ft. Snowshoes were a must and extra float would have been helpful. I had not planned for an attempt on Twin Peaks and with heavy snow and what looks like a tricky approach to the two summits, I was content to have my lunch on the bench that overlooks Loch Katrine. It was very nice to see so much new snow. Trip Length approx 10 miles roundtrip Total time 3:50 Total climb 2500ft

Taylor River Road 2.14.03

The wife and I had a little Valentines day hike with the weather staying dry and pleasant we headed of the road that parallels the Taylor River. We took the kids, Baxter the beagle (his first hike) and Tanner the moose as we like to refer to him. We only went for an hour, due to Tanners recent ACL surgery. I was very pleased with Tanners new knee, only 8 weeks from surgery and already able to hike. I sure have missed my hiking partner. All in all a great day to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the woods.