Iron Peak (Teanaway) 6510'

I had an unexpected day free so I thought I would give the foot a truer test. I had hoped to do Lennox but with the poor weather and being a bit ambitious or the first time back I decided to do something a bit less taxing. I hoped the weather to be better in Teanaway and since I love the area in Spring I thought it to be a good bet. Originally I had hoped to tag Volcanic Neck and Devil's Head but my later than normal start prevented doing that. I decided that I would just do Iron Peak even though I have done it a few times before. I figured the trail would be mostly snow filled and I really wanted to spend some time on snow. I was happy to find sunny weather albeit very windy as I parked at the Iron Peak Trailhead. I liberally applied sunscreen to ensure I wouldn't be emblazoned with some painful memories. I really didn't know what to expect with both my healing of a torn tendon in my foot and more so with my fitness level. The foot gave me no issues and I was pleased to find my legs better than expected. Around 5000' I hit consistent snow and switched to snowshoes although they probably weren't needed. I felt like since I brought them I should probably use them.

   I purposely kept a slow even pace and just took the path of least resistance because the trail is still buried under over 3' of snow. I soon made it to the last steeper push to the saddle between Iron and Gene's Peak. The wind was howling along the ridgeline so I was very thankful that I had packed for this. I layered up with a third shirt and my windbreaker, gloves, and a stocking cap. I started South along the ridge trying to stay as far West as I could to avoid tempting the dog to wander over to the huge cornices that line the Eastern edge of the ridge. Once reaching the summit I tried to find a windless spot without success, but I did linger to glance over the many entries in the summit register. After signing the register I decided to head down looking for more comfortable conditions. Instead of retracing my steps I headed more West and plunged stepped down to the basin below. I did take off my snowshoes at the summit which provided a tense moment when I punched through awkwardly and couldn't get my foot out. I feared it was wedged between some rocks but after some gymnastics moves to get my self in a position that I could dig it out it thankfully was freed. Once in the basin below I found the a tree well to have lunch and soak up the last of the waning sun. The stiff wind was blowing in the next system and it even started to snow for a short time. Soon I was back to the car and thankfully the foot felt reasonably well. Hopefully tomorrow will not reveal any further issues. It was very good to back out. I have been on the bench for the longest stint of my adult life.  As I listened to the Mariner's game on the drive home it hit me how much I love being able to get out and all the satisfaction that it entails.

Approx 6 miles 2600' of climb 4 hours car to car

Squak Mt (again) 5.30.11

With both injury and my wife's work robbing be both time and ability to get out and found a small window of time to stretch the legs. I decided to head to Squak Mt once again since it is so close and test the recovery of my foot. I mixed up this time using the East Side trail and then using the closed Phil's Creek trail. I expected the trail to be in some sort of devastation but found one short portion that is slumping just after the creek crossing. I wouldn't want to ride a horse through that portion but walking was fine. There is also a big blowdown a bit further that was easy to climb over using the well placed remaining branches. A word of warning DON'T Wear Shorts since the Stinging Nettles are in full force through most of the East Side Trail. The foot seemed to handle the hike without too much issue but my back was quite balky and I had a harder time on the steeper portions with stiffness. I was saddened that the dog seemed to really struggle, for the first time showing his age. I hope that he was just demonstrating his displeasure for being leashed. I stopped for a short time at the Central Summit and then descended my the South Access Road. Quite a few people out and about and plenty of horse riders as well. This morning the foot is mildly swollen but mostly pain free. I do find it interesting that the portion of my foot that has been giving me issues isn't even the part that I injured. Hopefully I can get back to full strength soon.

The Recovery Part 2 Squak West Squak Main 4.27.11

Well the rceovery from a torn tendon has been painfully slow. My saving grace has been both the poor weather and unsafe conditions in the mountains. I have been able to keep my spirits up by telling myself that my hobbled foot was saving me from getting myself into some unsafe situation. I also have been able to ride the stationery bike without pain saving to some extent my fitness. I tried 2 weeks ago to put the boots on and was quickly rebuked by my balky foot. The progress has been slow but steady, in fact most times some other portion of my foot was giving me issues. I was able to put my boots on yesterday while working a full day in the yard. At the end of the night my foot was very sore and I was really crestfallen. I did some streching and the pain went away completely. I decided that I would make a try again at a short hike today. The plan was to do some dumpster diving in the Blewett area.


I had to spend some time getting the Subaru up to snuff. Sitting for 6 weeks was enough time to warrant some attention. I also needed to get the car to the shop to get the annoying rock removed from my brake caliper. I hadn't been able to see what the issue without getting underneath the car.  After way too much time trying to get the car started after blowing a fuse, I was off. The annoying screeching was gone so I skipped going to the shop. Too bad for me the car started emitting a burning smell. I pulled off in Issaquah and found that my brake was smoking hot. After waiting for it to cool I made my back to the shop. Thankfully the wheel didn't get too hot as I made my way back. After the tech looked at my car he explained that the front caliper was locked. I corrected him, it was the rear that was the issue.  Finally he showed me the front caliper was indeed locked up. The rear was spinning freely. I am perplexed on why I have a wheel issue going from one wheel to another.


Well at any rate I shelved the idea of getting it fixed and saved that project for another day. I decided that I should just stay close to home and do SQuaK Mt..  The parking lot was mostly empty and I didn't see anyone on the entire trip. I made my way up The South Access Road and then took the trail that leads to the Bullitt Firepit Trail. As I passed by the West Peak I decided to tag that on my way by. Not too long after that I was on the Main Summit. I didn't try for any speed records trying not to push too hard. Overall the foot handled the ups with little issue. I still felt I was walking awkwardly but I am much closer than I have been for some time. I chose to use the South Access Road for the descent which did give my foot some issues but it was very manageable. Hopefully tomorrow I will be without pain.

The Recovery Part 1

The foot has been slowly coming along, I had to temper my aspirations a bit. I had hoped to be back to speed by now but I now realize that when the doctor says 6 weeks it is probably going to be close to that time frame. For the most part I have had a good attitude regarding being unable to pursue my passions. I can't help but think my job has had a negative impact on my recovery. Not wanting to use too much of my hoarded vacation I came back sooner than what was probably best. What also didn't help is that I tried to do the same amount of work.

   I can see steady progress so I decided that tonight was the night to put the boots back on. I know myself well enough to know that once the pain is gone so will my ability to govern my output. I didn't want to be on my first outing and push too hard. I decided in the beginning that the prudent course of action would be to start small and each day add a little more. My schedule doesn't allow for early morning outings, in other words I know I wouldn't consistently get up before work. I decided that the headlamp after work would be more workable. This way I can be there for the kids bedtime and still have some time to get out. I also knew that the dog must be going crazy since his exercise has been cut to just about nil with my injury. To add to this he was laid up two weeks before me because he had a tumor removed from his neck. I wanted to stay close so my choice was my usual Squak Mt. South Access Road. The weather was very wet, very cold and  breezy. I secretly hoped to make the summit so I could enjoy some fresh snow, but realistically I just wanted to see how it would go. I had a hard time getting a comfortable fit on my boot, I am worried that the injury has somehow changed the shape of my foot. Anyway it was apparent I wasn't going too far. I only managed to walk to the access gate before the realization sunk in that I need more time. I am hopeful that tomorrow I will be able to go further and so on.