TNAB'ers:
Short and sweet tonight - got a plane to catch in the morning.
So, did the threat of rain keep you away tonight? Ha - you missed an awesome hike up Snoqualmie Mountain! Sure, it was it was chilly (45 F at the Pass), and sure, it was damp (a light drizzle fell throughout), but the fresh air tasted clean, and the hardy crew of five made it (summit and back) in under three hours!
Admittedly, this is the first time I've used the "trail" to go up the mountain. It's a true TNAB trail - narrow and to the point, with few switches. Within minutes of leaving the Alpental parking lot, I was breathing hard. On the good side, the cloud ceiling was about 2/3's up the mountain, so it was possible to check elevation gain early on. The view from the waterfall (name?) was splendid.
About halfway up, snow became a factor. Quite a bit has already melted off, but some strong patches still remain. Once we were in the clouds, it became increasingly difficult to gauge how much further we needed to go. The ridge line seemed an endless source of false summits. Frequent checks of my watch suggested there was still much more to go, for surely we couldn't be that close this soon...then, the ridgeline ended, leaving a flat and corniced edge that disappeared into the fog. We've arrived - woo!
Exposure to the wind and the wet drove us off the summit after a few quick pics (nothing like Mailbox, I can assure you!). On the way down, the braver members wearing full boots took the glissade route. Within 20 minutes, we encountered the "other" hiking group (the Outbackers, since they meet near the steakhouse in the same parking lot. Does that make us the Baskin-Robbins?), making strong progress to the summit.
Given the "earliness" of our descent, there was some talk of bagging Guye Peak as well, but it was just talk. After a start time of 5:53 PM, we arrived back at 8:49 PM. This week's hike was the perfect antidote for any Silver Peak hangover! Somewhat damp but happy, we headed home.
Snoqualmie Five: Don, Jason (back from his first qtr at Western - good to see you again!), Larry (unblazened), Maren, and Mark
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NEXT WEEK: SOLSTICE HIKE ON GRANITE MOUNTAIN
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Yup, it's time for Summer! I plan to bring makings for S'mores (among other things). The long range forecast is good - let's hope it holds true. Jason said he'd carry a keg on his head up to to lookout - but I'll believe it when I see it. :) At the very least, plan for fun! See ya'all there...
-Mark
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