Lake Edna Chatter Creek 7.28.05

I managed to get out of bed at an astonishing hour of 5 AM and was off to Icicle Creek. I made better than expected time which was good because to the expected high heat. I shoved off at 8:30 with a summit of Frigid Mt. (pt 7377) which lies just east of Grindstone Mt.in mind. The weather was warm but quite tolerable as I made my way up the moderate grade of the Chatter Creek Trail. My plan was to follow the Chatter Creek Trail until it crests the saddle and follow the ridge East to Frigid Mt. summit. My legs were quite heavy for the intial 1000ft of climb but grew stronger as the day wore on. I dropped pack and picked my way along the ridge finding the going quite easy. I tended mostly on or to the south of the ridge. I reached Pt 6912 and was stymied. I couldn't go over the top as I had hoped and wasn't quite thrilled with dropping the needed elevation to go around. I was becoming quite concerned because the dog's were getting very overheated and I knew that I wasn't even half way along the ridge with no hope for any water for the dogs. Since I still had plenty of time I backtracked to my pack and descended to the North following the trail to Lake Edna. The waters cooled the stiff breeze which thankfully kept the large biting flies mostly at bay. I hastily ate my lunch and was soon off for the return to the truck. I was quite pleased to easily make the climb back to the saddle and was even more pleased that the descent went much quicker than anticipated. Next time I will take the much more direct southern route. From my vantage point along the ridge this route seems quite doable and much more direct. Trip stats 14 miles and 5240ft of climb 8.5 hours car to car

Wright Mt.7.19.05

Today's goal was a summit of Wright Mt. which lies just NE of Gem Lake. I was priviliged to be joined with my Wife's cousin Scott visiting from Indiana. I needed something close because of the added time of picking him up and dropping him off in Seattle. We took off under warm and very sunny skies. Knowing that Scott has been training for a marathon I figured I would have a hard time keeping up. My fears were confirmed from the get go as we made it to the saddle above Snow Lake. As I suspected it was thankfully much cooler in the Snow Lake Basin. We rolled into Gem Lake in 2:14 which beat my guesstimate by an entire minute. We found a shady spot to let the dogs cool and for me to plan my route to Mt Wright's 5430ft summit. I was quite happy when Scott decided to join me. The route was quite straightforward. There is a small campsite on the Eastern shore of Gem Lake with a climber's trail that easily takes you the remaining 600ft to the summit. Views are amazing of the area peaks. Kaleeten is quite stunning from this vantage point. I struggled to keep up with Scott on the wayout as well finishing just under 6 hours car to car. I don't often get the privilige such engaging company, and look forward to doing something again. Sometimes seeing our state's beauty through someone else's eyes helps fan the flames of my love of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Surprise Mt. 7/12/05

Today's goal was for a summit attempt of Mac Peak. I arrived near the end of the Tonga Ridge Road with a heavy mist and a very sleepy head. I put on rain pants and was off for the the descent to Deception Creek. This approach saves alot of time compared to other approaches. It is the only trail that I know of that starts with a descent. Once I dropped the intial 200ft the trail became quite open so I didn't get nearly as wet as expected. I made great time to the junction with the Crest Trail, I went 100 yards towards Deception Lakes and left the trail. I consulted my map.... where is it? In my sleepiness I had left it in the truck. I decided to at least scout a bit. I easily climbed 200 feet with out much resistance actually following a faint trail for most of the way. The trail faded out and without a map I didn't feel it prudent I continue. On my way down I picked up an even more defined trail which intersected with another trail. I decided to follow this trail which dropped me down to South end of the middle Deception Lake. I decided that with plenty of time I would coninue on the Old Crest Trail to Surprise Gap and on to Surprise Mt's summit. The trail to the Gap is in great shape and would be much faster than the rerouted trail to Glacier Lake. A climber's trail easily takes you to Surprise Mt's 6330 ft summit. The weather improved as the day went on and left me with some good views of Cathedral Rock and the aptly named Terrace Mt.. The views to the North were non existent with heavy cloud cover stacked up by the summit. There is also a climber's trail that leads to Thunder Mt. but I didn't explore it. The bugs were out in force and were ruthless, be prepared for some unpleasantness. I flew out and made it back to the last 400ft climb to the truck. I chugged my way up the last bit and made it to the truck 6.5 hours after starting. 14 miles 4000ft of climb.

Dog Mt 6.30.05

With drier weather this week I was eager to climb Dog Mt.. The trail to Anderson Lake has never been my favorite. The lower stretches pass through some areas with several springs making the trail muddy and unpleasant. The road ends nearly two miles before the trail begins adding to the displeasure. However once you reach the polished slabs and rock gardens overlooking Lennox Creek all is forgotten. The weather today was mostly cloudy and quite humid but for the most part dry. I dropped pack at 4400ft,just after leaving the trees and entering the open area before Anderson Pass. My intent was to reach the SE ridge just above the small lake and then on to Dog Mt. summit. I instead headed NW on rockslides until I could reach Dog Mt's open and heathery North slope. I zig zagged my way to the summit in just less than 3 hours. The summit affords some stunning views of Treen and Garfield Peaks. With the mostly cloudy weather the views were somewhat stunted. I could however see my nemisis Cougar Lake. I did not intend on making a 6th attempt today but I at least for the first time saw it's waters. I dropped 200ft SW along the ridge which goes easily towards Cougar Lake. Feeling content that this route would work I returned to the summit. On the descent I had a tendency to drop too quickly and was thwarted with cliff bands. I however made it back to my pack rather quickly. I wanted to have a relaxing lunch but was forced to wolf down my food because the bugs were out in force. I found the bugs much less bothersome when moving. The slog out went more slowly than I would have liked as I reached the car 6 hours after starting.