Teanaway Butte 2.10.04

With today's perfect weather I eagerly set off for a return trip to Teanaway Butte. Teanaway Butte is ranked a lowly 94 on the list of 100 highest summits of the Back Court. The Middle Fork Rd. was devoid of any snow all the way to it's maintained end, which was much different than last week. The area sees heavy snowmobile traffic so the road was packed and made for quick walking. I left the main line after about a mile and used the spur road that ends 350ft below the summit. I left the road here having to put on snowshoes because of the deep unpacked snow. The summit is straight in front of you and poses no difficulties. The last 150ft is steep and in open and deep snow making it quite the lung burning finish. The summit is open and attractive and I was treated to some stunning views of the Stuart Range as well as the scattered peaks of the Teanaway area. The weather was quite ideal with the temps in the mid 50's and not even a breath of wind. Although the climb was much longer than anticipated (approx 14 miles roundtrip) it went very quickly due to not having to break trail. Approx 2:30 up and 1:45 down.

Teanaway Butte 2.3.04

I awoke this morning with a foggy head that even a pot of coffee couldn't burn away. My goal for today was for Teanaway Butte via the Middle Fork Rd. I was on a very limited time schedule, so I knew I had to hussle. I should have known things wouldn't go quite as well as expected when I decided that I knew my route and didn't need to consult it before leaving. I have only been in the Teanaway area once before so I am not familiar with all the roads in the area. I thought the Middle Fork Rd left the North Fork Rd, not the West Fork Rd.. When I reached the 29 Pines Campground I knew a change of plans was in order. I didn't feel like I had enough time to backtrack so I decided to follow the road that runs next to Jungle Creek. The day was nice and the snow was packed due to the snowmobile traffic. I climbed to around 3100ft where I left the road and climbed straight up to the saddle between Teanaway Butte and Pt. 4385. I decided to have my lunch at this saddle enjoying some nice sunbreaks. I had left my snowshoes 200ft below me for the steeper portions of the climb, which was not such a good idea. The snow on the open flat ridgeline would not support my weight without them, after floundering a few more hundred feet, I decided enough was enough. Although little went as planned it sure was nice to be out again. Conditions permitting I will return next week to try from the Middle Fork side.

Kendall Peak Road 1.27.04

I awoke this morning with much more pleasant weather than expected. I had expected heavy rain with low snow levels. I arrived at the Hyak Sno-park with some sun and very warm temps. I didn't even wear a coat for this trip. I started up the road which sees heavy use so there wasn't a need to break trail. As I neared 4000ft there was quite a bit of new heavy wet snow, forcing me to now break trail. I continued on breaking trail until the just before the road crosses Kendall Creek. I stopped when my footprints were deeper than my Beagle is tall. I felt it wasn't quite fair for the little guy, but he didn't appear to mind. On the way down I passed a few groups who were also taking advantage of the break in the weather.

Moolock Mt. 1.21.04

Today's goal was for Moolock Mt.( pt. 4965) which is located between Green Mt and South Bessemer Mt. I used the logging roads that leave the Middle Fork Rd. I managed to escape the house using the great milk-bone ruse. One dog is still on the mend but should be ready by next week. I managed to leave the house at the unheard of hour (for me) of 0800. The Middle Fork Rd. still has quite a bit of snow on it just before the bridge crossing the river and quite a ways past the bridge. The morning fog burned off quickly leaving a beautiful sunny and quite warm day. I felt quite sluggish at first, but when I cut through the open forest instead of staying on the road my legs loosened up. I made great time to the saddle between S. Bessemer and Moolock (2:10). I stopped to have a bite to eat and enjoy some of the finest views of the Pratt river valley and Russian Butte. I now continued on the logging road that takes you directly to Moolock. When you reach the large open pit area angle to the right where the road continues on towards Moolock. I followed this road to the base of the mountain. The slopes are somewhat steep here and I was a little leery to try these without an ice-ax. I was happy to eat my lunch and enjoy the warm sun and beautiful views. I will be sure to return to bag this peak when properly outfitted. I dropped mostly straight down and returned to the car in 1:45.

Happy 3 years TJ!