Dorothy Lake 4.12.05

I was just looking to get out somewhere I hadn't been before. I figured the snow level would be low so I wasn't too concerned over the large thundershowers as I made my way to the trailhead. As I suspected the rain turned to steady snowfall by the time I reached the end of the road. After about a half mile the trail was consistent snow. The snow was soft and combined with the easy grade made for quick work. I stayed on the trail to about the mid point of the lake, just south of the major point on the eastern shore. I had a quick lunch and since there wasn't much to see because of the low clouds I didn't stay long. The snow only increased in purpose as the afternoon wore on. The lake is still completely frozen and doesn't appear that it will thaw any time soon.

Denny Creek 4.6.05

I was quite curious on how much snow had fallen recently, so I decided to try a trail that I knew would be well broken. I was hoping to make it to at least Hemlock Pass and maybe to Low Mt. if conditions allowed. The weather was much nicer than what I expected, and became quite warm on the open areas of the trail. This sun softened snow was quite slow going in long stretches. In the shelter of the trees the snow was quite firm and went much quicker. The bridge crossing Denny Creek at 3600ft was covered with snow. I made a vain attempt at crossing it with snowshoes, slipping off with one foot on either side. Lucky for me a Man's reaction time can be quite quick when saving one's family jewels. After dismounting and crawling up the other side I had a good laugh. I now broke out into another open area that few had gone before me, I decided that I'd rather try and catch the evening bite rather than wallow the last half mile to the pass. I was quite amazed at the amount of snow it will be months before it is all melted. Just another great day in the mountains!

West Miller Creek Road 3.30.05

Winter has finally arrived. With the regional snow level near 1500ft I chose The West Fork Miller River Jeep Road. I have been up the road numerous times but hadn't gone too far past Coney Creek. I have always found the road somewhat unpleasant due to the many areas where water flow has stripped away all the soil. This has left the exposed rocks which are mostly quite smooth and slippery. With the snow starting almost from the start I made my way up the road. I switched to snowshoes after about 1.5 miles, which wasn't really needed but I thought I might as well give them some use. The weather was a mixed bag sun, snow and rain. It was quite cool for the end of March. I turned around just past Cleopatra Creek the snow was close to 2 feet at the modest elevation of 2400ft. I enjoyed watching the dogs run through the untracked snow, for some reason they always seem to enjoy it more. I had hoped to use this trip to scout for future trips, too bad for me the low cloud level prevented this.

Mount Washington 3.22.05

I don't usually spend much time south of I-90, but I was looking for something close and something I hadn't climbed. I had a bit of trouble finding my jump of point and wasted a bit of time that would have been most useful later. The Trail/Road was in good shape and I merely followed some fresh tracks from those who had gone before me. I have been feeling quite ill again lately, so I was downing coughdrops like they were going out of style. I was quite sure that I would have plenty of daylight even with a late 2:30 start. I was thankful to have someone in front of me showing the way. I left the road and climbed one of the sister peaks of Mt Washington. I had hoped that it was the actual summit, I mean how much further could it be? My thought with it only being 3400ft of climb it would only take around 2 hours. I didn't count on the very LONG traverse that barely climbs any elevation at all. I had already passed my turn around time, but I have been falling a bit short lately, I wasn't about to turn around now. I managed to make the summit just at 5:15. I knew even if I hustled I had a good hour of hiking in the dark. I managed to bumble and stumble my way in the dark, only rolling my ankle 3 times. It would have been helpful to check my battery level in my headlamp prior to leaving. I guess I could have just changed them with the fresh ones in my pack, what challenge would that be.... to actually see were you are going!