Dan's Pics:
***** CUT! ******
sound familiar? That was my hike writup on Snoqualie fromn 6/14 LAST YEAR! History repeats itself. There was less snowpack remaining this year, and the stream crossings were less hazardous as well. Much bigger crowd this year; including some new recruits who had a great fist hike, and a few more folks who went over to Snow Lake as well. It was pretty warm, even at the pass, and we were sweltering on the steep climb out of Alpental, so a quick head dunk in the stream crossing halfway up felt most refreshing. There was quite a bit of snow, but not continuous until hitting the final ridge. Views were fantastic, although the summer haze is starting to build - could see Rainier and Glacier, but no Adams or Baker. Beauuuutiful evening in any case, and we took a bazillian digi-pics some of which will eventually migrate to the website, but one with the usual suspects is attached. A couple of us had a little too much energy on the summit and dropped down the north face which was a delightful glissade, and then climbed back up again, under a fusilade of snowballs from those still on top. thanks guys. Then we all had a blast glissading down the central valley, back to the water fall for another head dunk and down to the parking lot around 9pm. Great hike! Next week: Defiance while the days are long Week After (6/19): the annual Solstice hike up Granite! Look for great weather, views, spirits, champagne & strawberries, and more fantastic glissading opportunities!