As mentioned in the last email, this hike was to be Granite Mountain, so of course, the game time decision was to revisit Snoqualmie. Not that anyone minded, Snoqualmie Mountain is a certified TNAB favorite. The usual suspects showed up: Chris, Damon, Jason, Larry, Mark and Russ.
Weather conditions were great for hiking - much cooler in the mountains than at Eastgate, and the clouds added to the scenery, rather than providing rain. We got a good start, just before 6 PM, at the trailhead. From there, it was few stops until we hit the top. Too cloudy to see Rainier, but views of the surrounding peaks were fine. The waterfall was bone dry, however.
Everyone made it to the top in under ninety minutes. Just as we summited, a bank of fog moved in, much like our first visit this season. This did not make Russ happy, because he wanted to recon potential ski runs. As the wind picked up, I was compelled to put on a second layer - another reminder that summer is ending soon.
Headlamps were necessary by 8:15 PM or so for the trip out. So dark, so early! Just like the ascent, we made good time on the descent, arriving back at the parking lot around 9 PM. Thanks to Damon for supplying the crackers and dip for post-hike snacking!
Next Week: Hehe, I hesitate to even declare a destination at this point! Unscientific exit polling favors a return to Red Mountain. No fires on I-90 this time, please.
On Deck: Can you believe it? It's time for the annual cookout on Rattlesnake Ledge! The "official" TNAB grill will be hauled out of storage, and the veggie burgers will be plentiful (as well as lots of other food and drink items). The plan also calls for the distribution of this year's garment - the TNAB bandana! The design is nearly complete. More info on that as it develops.
In case of bad weather, we'll try to come up with an alternate plan by next week.
TNAB Extra: I received this notice in the mail, thought it looked interesting. The 2004 Rainier Mountain Festival, Sept. 18th and 19th, Ashford, WA. More info at the website: www.rainierfestival.com
Rocking in the Free World, -Mark
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