Tronsen Head 11.24.08

With the turmoil of opening a new restaurant slowly melting away into a framiliar routine I was quite pleased to have a day to climb. Adding to this great development was the combination of good friend paired with some warm filtered sunshine. Justin arrived at my house right on time and with a couple of stops we were off. Justin and I had done some climbing what seems like a lifetime ago so I was pleased with the company. After a couple false starts in Cle Elum looking for a SnoPark Pass we were making our way up Blewett Pass. The goal for the day was Tronsen Head and maybe a peek at Mt. Lillian. I had been in the area in the recent past when I climbed Diamond Head so I was familiar with the route. The snow was much less than what I had expected so instead of parking at the SnoPark I decided to give the next road heading North just to see if it would go. There was less than 2 inches of snow on the road and with the signs of previous car travel I thought we would give it a whirl. The road went easily but I must caution against the sink hole that is present around 2 miles in. I was able to make it around....barely and was the only one who was brave enough (or stupid enough) to try. The untracked remainder went and soon we were parked at the Tronsen Meadows trail. Having cut quite a bit of distance and elevation off my intended route I was confident for success on this day. Justin hasn't been in the hills for quite some time and struggled with the gain. I was so happy to have him along I couldn't have cared less. I was able navigate the myriad of trails and keep us on track. I had us leave the trail too early and later realized the trail actually heads to a few feet of the summit. The summit provided some good views to the North and West and some view to the South. The view I really wanted was to the SE to scout our route to Mt. Lillian. I had a sense that Justin was quite content with his first B/C 100 peak. I was content to gain some extra time with the family. It was nice to pair the glow of a successful summit with some good conversation on the way home.




Approx 6 miles 4:00 car to car 1600' of climb






Approx 7 miles 2500' of climb 4 hours car to car

Hancock's Comb 11.17.08

Hancock's Comb is the tufted point above Hancock Lake in the North Fork of the Snoqualmie drainage. If it wasn't included in the Home Court 100 I doubt it would hold any interest. The intent was to mountain bike to just past the summit and climb the short ways to the ridge and on to the summit. I had tried this trip a couple weeks ago and had to abandon when I lost a bolt holding my front tire on. Although it seemed stable I didn't want to take that type of chance. I had plenty of time and I even took the time to enjoy the very warm hazy sunshine. I wasn't able to ride much more than half the way and pushed it the remainder. I was making good time until I reached junction not on my map. There was a road closure sign due to ongoing logging in the area. I pushed on until I reached the actual logging operation blocking all of the road. I gave some thought to dumping the bike and sneaking around the working area. I was concerned about how to handle the dogs and lacking leashes it could have provided an unhappy outcome. I backtracked to a lower road which I followed on foot hoping to go cross crountry to reach my road higher above me. I followed this road until it ended in a tangle of brush before a torrent of a stream. I decided a leisurely return to enjoy the remainder of the day was much moredesirable than a tedious bushwack.




Approx 14 miles 2000' of climb 4 hours car to car

K9 10.26.08

K9 has been on my hit list for some time. Because the Tunnel Creek Trail provides short access it fit the day because of time constraints. With another beautiful day on tap I felt like it was a good choice. With a new job stealing valuable time in the hills I didn't feel great as I made my way up the easy grade of the Tunnel Creek Trail. The trail allows some stunning views of K9's impressive North face.

I struggled most of the way to Hope Lake, I could easily think of a million reasons to bag the day. Despite my weak minded day I pressed on. There was substantial snow on the PCT but not too much to make following it difficult.


I was starting to feel a little better when I reached an open area around 5200'. I have read many reports of climbing K9, but none gave anything but generic route info. I felt like that meant the going is pretty straightforward. I dropped pack and made my way up the open heather above the PCT. I was thankful that because of the Southern exposure most of the snow was melted out. I climbed for about 200' and was thwarted by some cliff bands. I did know that the East Ridge is the more challenging side so I did a rising traverse Westward. The going was easier than expected but I still wasn't sure I would make the summit. After another 400' of vertical I started back East. One area was steep enough to warrant using some branches to help my way up. Before I knew it I slipped sliding down more than 20' before I was able to arrest myself. Thankful that I was able to stop myself and missed out on the pleasure of having a tree do it for me. I did chuckle a little when I righted myself in time to see the Beagle,who I had dislodged, sliding on his back. I was thankful he to was able to stop himself without any injuries. After I brushed myself off a curious thing happened. Instead of using it for a excuse to cut short the day I found it the impetus to finish the climb off. I was able to reach the East ridge without difficulty and was dismayed to find just enough snow on the heather to make each step suspect. Lucky for me the grade in not great and the runout is good, so I pressed on. I reached a deep notch in the ridge and thought I was stymied but I found an easy way around. Once around the notch I traversed until I was under what I thought was the summit. I easily topped out only to find that I was on the lower East summit. The route to the true summit was easy and I had no problem reaching it. I was unable to find a register. I snapped a few pictures and was off for the descent.


I had to go quite slow in some areas because of the snow conditions but I had no issues making my way back to my pack. I was happy to pop back out on the PCT directly on my pack. The temperature started dropping quickly as I made my way back to the car. I was happy that even with substantial foot traffic the trail is quite passable without traction aid. Another wonderful day in the mountains!




Approx 8 miles 3500' of climb 5:30 car to car

Copper Lake 10.11.08

With the great weather I was looking to tuck in another Home Court peak before the weather turns unsavory. Earlier in the week I had planned on doing Shroud Mt. which is just South of Fisher lake near Tonga Ridge. I had to laugh when I got a email from Stefan hoping to pair Shroud with Terrace. His plan wasn't to leave Monroe until after 11 am which is pace that I could not keep up with. I opted to leave early and I had hoped to crosss paths sometime during the day. As it has been lately I have had some bad luck in regards to climbing. My last two outings ended in equipment failures which wouldn't allow any summits. For today I was blessed with a road closure. The Tonga Ridge Road is closed. I was very disappointed, but I tried to scramble up a back up plan. My concern was I had no other maps with me and I couldn't get cell reception without backtracking. I decided to settle for a trail hike to Copper Lake instead. I felt ok about being off my intended route because I was sure I would see quite a few people along the way. This presented another issue, I usually leash the Beagle so he just chase any deer and forget to come back. My Shepard is fine without a leash because I rarely see anybody. The Shepard is rather imposing and seems to become somewhat aggressive when he senses fear. I thought it best to leash the Shepard and hope that the Beagle would stay close. As it turns out, it worked fine. The trail to Trout Lake is it usual rocky start made even more annoying with the icy rocks. The bridge crossing the Foss River is out but there is a convenient log to cross downstream from the old bridge. This was quite interesting because the log had a nice sheen of ice over it. I decided to cheval it instead of chancing a slip. I had a little trouble refinding the trail but if you keep heading upstream you will run right into it. I passed my second favorite tree of all time
I am always in awe everytime I pass this tree. I would guess it is in excess of 25ft in circumference. I made it rather quickly into Trout Lake which I have never been to fond of. It is dank and today smelled like urinal hockey puck. I passed the turnoff for Delta lake which can be found as soon as you reach the creek for the first time. I remember the trail to be much steeper than it really is. I kept thinking I will reach the steep part soon which never really happens. As you climb the falls and the views open up

For some reason I thought the bridge crossing was out so I was happy to find the bridge intact although it was covered with a light dusting of snow. I soon reached Copper Lake bathed in bright sunshine. I snapped some pictures and soaked up the rays. I ate a quick lunch and then was off for the car. I found it funny that the descent took roughly the same time as the ascent. I passed quite a few parties enjoying the beautiful mid October day.

Approx 8 miles 2500' of climb 5:30 car to car