Dirty Harry's Peak 12.15.05

My original intent was to summit Granite Mt., but when I arrived at the trailhead there were many cars. Normally this wouldn't dissuade me but with my dog's recent aggressive behavior I thought better of it. I also wasn't too thrilled with the prospects of using a trail that I was sure was more glare ice than snow. I bactracked to the Fire Training Road and parked before the gate. I know the gate has a closing time of 4 pm and I knew I wouldn't be out in time. I walked the road to Dirty Harry's Logging Road and was happy to see some nice snowcover over the intial unpleasant rocky portion. There is a worn boot track that takes you all the way to the summit making snowshoes useless. I had a 3pm turnaround time but I was so close to the summit I waived it and summitted around 3:15. I knew there was a full moon and the skies were clear so I knew I would have enough ambient light. I made it out just before five carefully negotiating some very slippery areas where the run-off was now freezing to the bare spots of the road. I was quite happy to hit the safe walking of the paved and sanded road. Well that was short lived as after taking about five steps I hit some ice rolling my ankle which was accompanied with a loud snapping sound. As I crumpled to the side of the road screaming in pain, I thought it best to get up and walk before the swelling began in earnest. I was able to hobble to the car with only minimal discomfort. I am upbeat today it is very swollen and stiff but not painful.

Mt Tenneriffe Saddle 12.07.05

With just perfect weather I set out with only mild hopes of reaching Teneriffe's summit. The road was as usual long slow climb as it takes it's time wandering to the saddle above Ranchor Lake. I was fortunate that the way was broken enough to let me carry my snowshoes for the first 2.5 hours. Even then it was a tossup on whether they were needed or not. Upon reaching the saddle the trails scattered every direction. I was quite content to stay at the saddle and not push any further.




3500ft 5:30 car to car.

Granite Lakes Road 12.1.05

After a much too long hiatus I found myself with some time to get out. I was a bit concerned with the weather forecast, I decided it best I stay close. I just wanted to get out and stretch both mine and the Dog's legs. I was also a bit limited on potential climbs due to transportation limitations. Weighing these factors I chose the Granite Lakes Jeep Road which I knew would fit the bill. I followed a single boot track carrying my snowshoes until the junction that crosses Granite Creek. Here the snow became snowshoe worthy. I continued on until the 2nd junction. I was content to eat my lunch in the increasing snow showers.




Welcome Kadence



11.4.05 7.0lbs

Granite Mt 10.20.05

I was somewhat limited on options for this week. I had very little time and I needed a trailhead that I could drive my regular car to. I hadn't been up to the Granite Mt. Lookout in some time, so I thought it would suit me just fine. I traveled light, no pack just some extra clothes. It has been some time since I have climbed the duration without pack, I was pleasantly suprised that I made the summit in less than 2 hours. I did cross paths with two other groups on the way up. I must ask for forgiveness due to my dog's aggressive nature. Tanner is usually more interested in what is around the next bend rather that anyone we pass along the way. I usually do not see any people on the majority of my hikes but I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused. It seems like it is best to be friendly to dogs instead of being scared, sensing fear I think most dogs tend to be more aggressive. The sun made a valiant effort to break through during my short stay at the lookout. I quickly retraced my steps to the car making the roundtrip in less than 3:30. I am quite glad I shoehorned in a hike this week. I don't think I will get too many chances in the next month. With the impending delivery of my first, I think it to be prudent to be a bit closer to home.




8+miles 3800ft of climb 3:25 car to car