Sprite Lake 7.12.04

Today's goal was for a summit of Paddy-go-south peak which lies just south of Sprite Lake. I brought along Armando for the ride. Our bumpy ride down the Salmon La Sac Rd was punctuated by a flat tire just as we reached the Paddy Go Easy trailhead. So I spent the first 15 minutes of the trip changing the tire. I haven't been on this trail for nearly 15 years, but I still remember the sign at the start of the trail that say "" MOST DIFFICULT"". The first time I did this climb I would have agreed, but now I would hardly call it above average. It was quite warm and I wasn't sure what to expect from Armando because I had never done a hike with him. Armando set a great pace and we were soon at Sprite Lake. The bugs were so bad that we decided to stay only for a short while. I erred a bit in judgement and I led us to the point more westerly of Sprite lake that tops out near 6400ft. I had a feeling we were a bit lower than where we should have been. We returned to the pass and pressed North doing a bit of scouting for a try of Paddy Go North. There seems to be a few different approaches that might work. I decided that with our water supply running short that heading back was the right call. We descended to the truck and were off to the Brick for a cold beer and some good food.

Cradle Lake 6.30.04

I was hoping for a epic overnight trip, I wanted to camp at Cradle Lake and return over Highchair and Bootjack Mts.. I, as usual arrived at the Jack Creek trailhead much later than I would have liked. I pushed off a little after one and made good time to the crossing of Jack Creek. I passed one man on the way with very little idea of where he was or where he was going. It is quite amazing the lack of planning most people use when in the mountains. The Jack Creek crossing was manageable but great care was needed. I first crossed with the Beagle and then returned for my pack. I had to laugh when I picked up my pack and the Beagle was already there. I was so focused on the crossing I didn't have a clue how he had crossed. I figured since he made it one way he should be able to make again. What a trooper! watching him tempt the rapids with those little legs made the whole trip worthwhile. I rebooted and was off, unlucky for me the trail crosses Meadow Creek contrary to my map. This crossing was deeper and much swifter so I again carried the Beagle to the other side. I found the Cradle Lake trail without any problems. Since I had got such a late start, all day I was planning on camping here. I had good legs today and enough time to make the 20000ft climb to Cradle Lake. The trail was in great shape and easy to follow. I passed a junction at 5400ft that connects with the Blackjack Ridge trail and another junction at 5900ft which must go to Highchair mt. Both these trails were not on my map either. I made it to camp at 6:20 and enjoyed some very nice views. Later I scrambled up Pt 6623 and was rewarded with a beautiful sunset behind The Cradle. The moon was out and shining bright until it was obscured by rain clouds. I got a slight drizzle to help put me to sleep. I abandoned any other climbing due to lack of time. I returned to the truck in a little less than 4 hours

Sasse Mt 6.22.04

I had hoped for a summit of both Sasse Mt and Jolly Mt. I got a much later start than I would have liked so by the time I reached the trailhead it was quite warm. The road that takes you to the trailhead is quite slow but is manageable with some ground clearance. Trail 1325 is in fine shape it does get a little sketchy around the area with quite a few springs. I made the summit of Sasse in less than 30 minutes. The views are quite limited so I set off for my next goal of Jolly Mt.. I followed the Sasse ridge trail until I crossed a logging rd. I took a right on this road and walked to it's end. I was expecting there to be a trail, however after closer inspection of the map I realized that this road was the wrong one. This road was not shown on my map. I left the road and climbed to the proper road which was a few hundred feet above me. I started running a bit low on time and there was no shelter from the unbroken sun, so I stopped and had my lunch. Although I only had around 1000ft of climb left I didn't have the time to make it there and back before I wanted to be home. I backtracked and rejoined the Sasse Mt trail. I continued North until I reached the second logging road which is the proper one. With no more time I hastily returned to the truck.I had hoped for a summit of both Sasse Mt and Jolly Mt. I got a much later start than I would have liked so by the time I reached the trailhead it was quite warm. The road that takes you to the trailhead is quite slow but is manageable with some ground clearance. Trail 1325 is in fine shape it does get a little sketchy around the area with quite a few springs. I made the summit of Sasse in less than 30 minutes. The views are quite limited so I set off for my next goal of Jolly Mt.. I followed the Sasse ridge trail until I crossed a logging rd. I took a right on this road and walked to it's end. I was expecting there to be a trail, however after closer inspection of the map I realized that this road was the wrong one. This road was not shown on my map. I left the road and climbed to the proper road which was a few hundred feet above me. I started running a bit low on time and there was no shelter from the unbroken sun, so I stopped and had my lunch. Although I only had around 1000ft of climb left I didn't have the time to make it there and back before I wanted to be home. I backtracked and rejoined the Sasse Mt trail. I continued North until I reached the second logging road which is the proper one. With no more time I hastily returned to the truck.

Pollalie Ridge 6.16.04

Today's goal was for a summit of the high point (5560+) of Polallie ridge. I used the Pete Lk. trail to join up with the Tired Creek trail which connects with the Polallie Ridge trail. The weather was ideal and the bugs were out in force at the trailhead. I made great time to the old lookout site at Pt 5482 which is one of the best viewing spots to see from the Three Queens all the way to Mt Daniel. I continued on the Polallie Ridge trail until it drops off the ridge. I merely followed the humps and bumps of this enjoyable ridge traverse until I reached the Highpoint. This Highpoint is about 1.5 south of the old lookout site. As I reached the final push to the summit I noticed quite a bit of bear scat along the ridgeline. Upon reaching the summit I was treated to what for me is a rare site, a bear! Well, actually I just saw a glimpse of his rear as he ran away. I waited a minute to give some much needed distance and then continued on. There is some patchy snow and the bugs were of no concern near the summit. I hustled out, so as to make my dinner date, from car to car 5.5 hours.