Not an "official" hike this week, but still four of us managed to find time for a hike. The destination wasn't decided until Chris, Don, Drew and I met in Eastgate. Humpback is too short, Silver is way too long, so we decided to revisit Bandera.
It was a great evening for a hike - cool and partly cloudy. The recent wet weather served to keep the dust down on the trail. Of course, by this time of year, the snow is completely gone. Even with a late start time (6:20 PM), we were all on the summit well before 8:00 PM. During the last stretch of the ridge run, the whole I-90 valley westward was filled with an ethereal golden light - downright lovely.
The return trip was just as quick as the ascent. We had to use our headlamps all too soon - another reminder that it's late in the season. Exit time was 9:30 PM.
Next Hike: Please ignore the webpage, which was last updated when I was employed. It calls for an overnight to Teakham Peak. Instead, how about a return to Granite Mountain? If you were there for the Solstice, come see how it looks without snow! With the Rattlesnake cookout less than three weeks away, I suggest we plan to revisit some of the shorter (and scenic) hikes before the season ends. Snoqualmie and Rampart Ridge come to mind - requests are welcome.
As for this season's T-shirt design, the idea to go a different direction has come up and I think it's a good one (thanks, Suji). So this year, we'll have TNAB bandanas! I've come up with a crossword-type design that uses everyone's name who's been on a TNAB hike this year (there were 31 of you, btw) as well as some "key" terms. My idea is to overlay this design on an appropriate pic from this year. My next step is to locate a shop that can do designer bandanas, then place an order. Let me know if you want one asap!
I will have updates on this soon.
Happy Labor Day, -Mark
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