|
HIKE |
Mt Defiance |
|
ROUTE |
|
|
DATE |
7/21/2005 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Chris, Damon, Erin, Mark, Don and Lynda. |
|
NOTES |
Went swimming eh? |
PHOTOS
TRAIL REPORT
The turnout was surprisingly light for one of the more interesting hikes on the TNAB schedule - Mt Defiance. The weather was warm and sunny, so who could pass up a chance to jump into Mason Lake? Four of us couldn't resist (Chris, Damon, Erin, Mark) while two more (Don and Lynda) got a late start but still managed to make an appearance.
As it would so happen, "late" became the unofficial theme of this hike. The hike started a tad late, 6:10 PM, whereas we usually get going before 6:00 PM. While the Eastside cooked in the mid-80's, it was much nicer in the shady, forested hills by at least 10ºF. We took to the Ira Spring trail at a pleasant pace, and kept an eye out for the decommissioned Mason Lake trail.
Despite the best efforts of the "man", we easily found the trail and headed for Mason Lake. We decided to take the "low" route, which has a gentler grade in comparison to the "high" route, but features multiple logs to negotiate. For the most part, the trail is still in good shape, although there are places where it blends into the surrounding forest.
We arrived at Mason Lake by 7:30 PM. Objective: Go swimming! We found a spot between the several campers present, and enjoyed a very refreshing dip in the cool waters. Even the shark got into the act! If only every hike had a lake...
Back on the trail to Mt Defiance, and it's nearly 8:00 PM. Sunset is in an hour - ack! I make the executive decision that at least one TNAB'er should summit, and switched into high gear. I took the gully just past the short stretch of talus, and made the summit by 8:30 PM. By now, the sky is getting hazy with high clouds. I snap several pics and head down within five minutes to avoid the "local" clouds of mosquitoes. Yes, it's downright buggy these days.
I take the trail out, only to encounter Chris and Damon still heading up. Go for it, dudes! I find Erin shortly thereafter, who agrees it's past time to head back. We take our time on the descent, fully expecting Chris and Damon to catch us at any moment. It's 9:15 PM when we reach the talus field where the high and low routes branch. The increasingly overcast sky caused darkness to fall much sooner than normal - headlamps required. It's here that we see Don and Lynda crossing the talus field and heading out. They were delayed an hour because Don couldn't get out of the office early, but in true TNAB spirit, were able to hike into Mason Lake despite the late start. Nice!
Chris and Damon never did catch up to us on the trail. By the time they summited, the sun was being to set, and it was quite spectacular from that viewpoint. They obviously have more patience for insects than I do! :) It was nearly 11:15 PM before we were all at the parking lot and ready to head home. The overcast skies hid the full moon and stars, which would have been the icing on the cake for a great hike. We need to revisit the turnaround time rule, however, some of us have to work on Fridays! :)
Future TNAB Events:
7/28/05: Snoqualmie Mountain II - no chance of snow this time!
8/04/05: ***Melakwa Lakes/Kaleetan Peak Overnight!*** Please let me know ASAP if you are planning to do the overnight, because A) I'm not camping alone, B) to coordinate the carpool so everyone has a ride back, C) decide who's packing what liquid refreshment!
8/11/05: Kendall Peak via PCT - we should have the opportunity to check out the "Catwalk" as well...
R&R,
-Mark