Putrid Pete's Peak 4.13.04

I had hoped today to summit Putrid Petes Pk, or as I have sometime seen it called Web Mt. This peak is Pt 5335 which lies between Mt Defiance and Dirty Harry's Pk.. I chose to use the Mason Lk trailhead,there is a trail that leaves the logging road at the first switchback. This trail is not mantained but is easy to follow after about a mile the trail splits with the lower branch going to Dirty Harry's balcony and on the logging road that starts on the Fire Academy access road. I took the upper trail which climbs to Putrid Pete's Pk.. The trail becomes less and less obvious as you climb, there is more than enough flagging to show the way. The trail becomes very steep above 4000ft, I climbed to around 4400ft where I became a bit concerned about my descent. After some deliberation I decided that I would make my tedious descent. Since I mostly solo climb it is not unusal for me to turn back, I usually feel good about my choices. Today however I feel like I really should have pressed on. The grade seems to ease somewhat and with less than a 1000ft to go I really wish I would have kept on. I guess that is what is so great about being able to go out as much as I do, there is always next week.

Mailbox Peak 4.7.04

After last week's foiled attempt, I was back for another try. The weather was dry and mild with low cloud ceiling. My goal for the day was to do Mailbox and then traverse to West Defiance. I made fairly good time to the summit where I was greeted with dense cloudcover that limited visibility to less than 25 feet. As I summited I was treated to two men with Pit Bulls that were overly aggressive, I was forced to tag the peak and descend all without breaking stride. On the way down I picked up parts of what I think is the trail that eminates from the Fire Academy. I was alittle concerned when I didn't recognize any landmarks for a 1000ft of descent. I was much relieved when I rejoined the regular trail. Just to add a little spice the truck was acting up when I started it. I limped into North Bend where I stopped and checked to find the cap for the power steering pump was loose and very low on fluid. I was much relieved that it was so simple to fix, or at least that is what I thought. The adding of fluid didn't stop my problems. I realized that a bolt had come out on the alternator allowing it to slide a bit causing the blades to hit metal. Not having any tools with me I decided to try and drive the remaining 25 miles home. One of the best things about having a beat up hiking truck is that you are always $1000 away from a replacement. Lucky for me I made it home with the truck still running.

Mailbox Peak 3.30.04

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday's record temps degraded into some wet and unsettled weather today. I was a little jaded about doing anything in the pouring rain because I haven't been feeling 100. I thought I at least should give it a shot. It was pouring in North Bend so I wasn't too optimistic. However when I reached the Mailbox trailhead it was dry. Despite my sickness I had good legs today as I made my way up Mailbox unrelenting steepness. The trail was just wet enough to soften the tread to provide good traction. There are a few blowdowns and it can become confusing to which trail to follow. I made great time to the big rockslide just below the summit. It now began to snow, and to snow very hard. I chose to use the melted out rockslide instead of using the hard to follow trail. The snow sticking on the rocks made for cautious travel, but was manageable for me. Too bad it wasn't as easy for the Beagle, he became a bit scared and refused to continue. Baxter is usually game for anything so I decided that he probably was trying to tell me something. I descended through the mounting snow with caution, but when I reached to snowless slopes I opened it up. I love dropping on this trail with just a bit of reckless abandon. I am sure my quads will be screaming at me in the morning.

Sasse Mt Logging Road 3.23.04

I was hoping today to make it to the Forturne Creek Rd. but unlucky for me the Salmon La Sac road is still closed at the campground. I scrambled to find a second choice. I had used the Sasse Mt Logging road last year and decided to do a litte more exploring in this area. There was just enough room to park on the west side of the road near the Red Mt Campground. There was quite a bit more snow than I would have expected. I climbed lazily on this sunny and warm day until I reached a junction at around 3400ft. Last year I had continued on the mainline that takes you toward Sasse Mt Trail, this time I opted for the trail less traveled. Taking a left on this spur instead I climbed to a point near 3600ft where there was a perfectly placed snow free stump to eat lunch on. I soaked up the quite warm rays ate my lunch and enjoyed the comfy seat. Despite the rather modest elevation there were some nices views of the snow capped Daniel-Hinman group as well as Davis and Goat Mts. in the forefront.