|
HIKE |
West Defiance Peak (Putrid Pete's Peak) |
|
ROUTE |
Mason Lk Trailhead, break left, bushwhack, straight up! |
|
DATE |
7/07/2005 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Chris, Damon, Dan, Don, Erin, Larry and Mark. |
|
NOTES |
Muggy muggy. |
PHOTOS
TRAIL REPORT
The season is over the "quasi" halfway mark, and we finally got around to visiting the Mason Lake trailhead (Ira Spring Trail) to take on West Defiance. Attendance: Chris, Damon, Dan, Don, Erin, Larry and Mark. Congrats to Erin - our newest TNAB veteran!
Conditions back in suburbia were warm and muggy, but much cooler at the trailhead, and decidely overcast. The hike began briskly right at 6:00 PM TST (TNAB Standard Time). As we took a left fork off the main path, we quickly encountered overgrown vegetation that obscured the path. Watch your step! A short while later, we were traversing the seemingly endless switchbacks that slowly lead up the slope.
In general, the 1st rule of TNAB (always gain altitude) is fully applicable on West Defiance. Eventually, we reached a small talus field with several "quasi" options available. The correct choice is to traverse under the field then head up, but some of us chose the "quasi" scenic route. Can't keep a TNAB'er from wanting to bushwhack!
As we exited the forest and gained the ridgeline, the "quasi" trail was less discernible. Fortunately, all you need to do at this point is continue climbing, trail or no trail. Clear of the trees, Seattle's profile was visible against the setting sun, but little else was. By the time we joined Larry on the summit, low-hanging clouds were quickly advancing eastward.
The bulk of the group reached the summit by 8:00 PM. There, we dined on Joan's brownies (she couldn't make the hike but left us a treat anyway - thanks!) and angel food cake that Damon brought up. However, we didn't stay long, as it was quite chilly and the overcast skies robbed us of views. Time to go!
The descent off the ridge was steep, tedious and slippery (watch your butt!). In the premature darkness, we were all anxious to be safely in the woods and on the trail before we had to breakout the headlamps. As it would so happen, most of us made it out without the aid of artificial illumination.
We made it back to the cars by 10:00 PM - a very nice and orderly hike. Still, the mountain gods occasionally demand blood tribute, and both Damon (more) and Erin (less) made the sacrifice this time. Ouch! As we packed up, Larry took off to secure the group a spot (and food!) at the NBB&G. Does anything replenish the soul like beer, nachos and quesadillas? I didn't think so.
Good hike!
TNAB Forecast: 7/14: Red Mountain; 7/21: Defiance Peak; 7/28: Return to Snoqualmie Mountain (tentative); 8/4: Kaleetan Peak/Melakwa Lake Overnight!
Rockin' in the Free World,
-Mark