|
HIKE |
Mt Si |
|
ROUTE |
Old Si Trail |
|
DATE |
4/28/2005 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Don, Joan, Russ, Mark, Jeff, Tom and Larry |
|
NOTES |
|
PHOTOS
TRAIL REPORT
Hello, TNAB'ers:
The largest turnout this season showed up to challenge Mt Si and the rapidly changing weather. Conditions were warm (60's) and overcast as we headed out to North Bend and the parking lot by the bridge. Don, Joan, Russ and I arrived from Eastgate, Jeff and Tom drove straight from Issaquah, while Larry (parts unknown) was long gone by the time we got there.
The hike, via the old trail, was underway by 5:45 PM. Initial trail conditions were very nice - mostly dry. Most of the way up, the group was fairly dispersed, with Tom, Jeff and I making up the rearguard. We encountered a few other hikers, but for the most part, we had the trail to ourselves. By the time we made it to the rocky, open beginnings of the summit, we started to regroup. It was only 7:15 PM - time to hit the Haystack!
Quite frankly, I cannot remember another time when the whole group converged, en masse, on the Haystack. Nor can I remember a time, with a group that large, where we all attempted the scramble. To say the least, it was quite a sight. Adding to the fun, three dudes were descending while we were ascending - two were wearing sandals, the third was barefoot! I guess that helps with grip...
All seven of us were on top of the Haystack by 7:30 PM - woo! Still a bit early for the sunset, the reflection off of Puget Sound was inspiring. I introduced the group to the "Shark" (TNAB could use a mascot, no?) and Don broke out a pack of Peeps. Naturally, the Shark wanted one...The longer we hung out on top, the more we noticed we were surrounded by ominously dark clouds streaming showers. Not wanting to risk a wet downclimb, we said goodbye to the Haystack and headed out.
The rain finally hit us about halfway down the mountain. At first, it seemed like a typical, five minute downpour. It let up slightly, but kept coming all the same. The once dry trail quickly turned muddy, the skies turned dark, and headlamps were out prematurely. The rain dissipated by the time we exited the trail, but we still made excellent time - it was only 9:00 PM! Great hike! Sadly, no one chose to jump in the river afterwards...
Next Week: According to the website, it's Mt Washington! Long range forecast is iffy, so there may be a last minute change.
TNAB Defined: Here's this week's installment
Food for thought - the "AB" could easily be "Arrogant Bastards" - fill in the "TN"!
Those Nuts Adore Bruises
Ten Naughty Alpine Bushwackers
Trees+Nature+Altitude=Bliss
The Natural Ass Buster
-All courtesy of Angela (I don't know how we can beat that last one!)
Trend North And Bushwhack
-from the Si Hike
Terrific News - Another Bushwhack! (Yours Truly)
Prior:
Those Nasty Alpine Boys (alt. The Nasty Alpine Bunch)
ToNight: Another Bath!
There Never Are Breaks
Toe Nails Are Black
R&R,
-Mark