TNAB Trip report for Mailbox

Date: May 27th, 2004
Hike: Mailbox
Route:
Attendees: Mark, Don and Chris.
Comments:

Photo Credits: N/A

Mark's Hike Summary: TNAB'ers:

OK, so there wasn't an "official" hike this week, which is just as well, since the 80% chance of rain was a lot closer to 100%. I was still planning to go for Mailbox (the only one I missed so far this year), however, the weather really did a number on rush hour traffic. Never again will I try to take 148th straight from 520 to I-90...

So arrived at the meeting place over ten minutes late. The parking lot is totally devoid of any TNAB-like presence. I decide, OK, I'll wait and see if anyone shows up in the next 15 minutes. (NOTE: If you did show up, but were smart enough to leave when it was clear no one was there, I apologize).

5:30 PM arrives, and nothing. Now I'm stuck in the middle of Bellevue and slugs are moving faster than cars. Clearly, I should just head for home, but my tolerance for traffic was depleted just getting to Eastgate. I decide to nap. I get a few disturbing minutes of REM, when some poorly mufflered monster truck nearby starts up like it's getting ready for takeoff. That's when I notice - hey! my windshield is free of rain! It's time to take on Mailbox, after all.

My hopes for a rain-free evening were quickly dashed by the 2 or 3 squalls I droved through on my way to Exit 34. Too late to turn back now, even though it's close to 6:30 PM. I stopped off for at a gas station near Ken's Truck Town to grab some "fuel" for my mission, then my cell suddenly comes to life. It's Chris and Don, wondering if I'm going to hike or not! As it turns out, each had found their way to the parking lot for Mailbox, fighting the same conditions that delayed me. They graciously waited for me to arrive, then we were off.

A wet, muddy and slippery ascent to the Mailbox ensued. Once we were on top, we were greeted by sleet, developing into snow. By the time we started our descent, it was already past 9:00 PM. That's when the wind picked up, freezing the sides of our heads that faced South. The wind was no longer a factor once we were back in the trees, making the looooong slog out. The passage of time seemed to distort as we plunged through multiple cloud layers. Finally (and gratefully), we made our way back to vehicles, cranked up the heat, and headed home. I, for one, had the heat/defrost going full blast until at least Kirkland!

***In retrospect, it would have been more than nice to have had some communication through all of this. To that end, I propose we compile a list of cell #s from the TNAB ranks, for contact and coordination purposes. The list would be distributed to only those that contribute a number. So IF you want your name and number on the list, please email your info to me, and I will put it together.***

Next Week: Silver Peak! Nice and easy to the lake, then straight vertical talus and ridge climb. Last year there was snow, and it was snowing, but what will happen this year? Show up and find out! Best way to get over the short work week...

Hasta,
-Mark