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HIKE |
West Granite Mountain |
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ROUTE |
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DATE |
8/18/2005 |
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ATTENDEES |
Joan, Chris, Dan, Mark, Sherry and Larry |
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NOTES |
PHOTOS
TRAIL REPORT
Last year, the trip to West Granite was so miserable that I considered avoiding it altogether this season. Everyone involved was soaked to the bone, and no one made it to the summit. Unthinkable! Fortunately, Time wounds all heels, and West Granite was back on the docket. What would the mountain throw at us this year?
Warm temps and sunny skies greeted Chris, Dan, Mark and Sherry at the trailhead. We spied Larry's SUV in the parking lot, so we knew we had company out there. We were on the trail by 6:00, TST (TNAB Standard Time).
Dan and Sherry hadn't much chance to get out this season, so they were not offended as Chris and I pushed ahead. We passed the turnoff to Granite proper within 20 minutes, then a cool stream crossing 15 minutes later. But it wasn't until 40 more minutes of gentle trail and switchbacks passed did we reach the point to leave the trail and bushwhack. A piece of wood with a rubber glove attached marked the way (I cannot make this stuff up - it's true!).
Neither Chris nor I were dressed for bushwhacking, so it took a little getting used to the somewhat thick brush. Somewhere along the way, Chris goaded a bee into stinging him. Ouch! Still, we persevered, and entered the talus field by 7:30 PM. Nice rocks, good rocks, solid...ack! don't move on me rocks! Just enough movement to keep ya honest!
By this time, Dan and Sherry had decided to stick to the trail and head toward Talapus Lake, planning to exit the trail we take for Pratt Mountain. OK - 2-way radios are a good thing. Chris and I continued our climb toward the summit. Just after 8:00 PM, we were a short ways from the summit when we finally encountered Larry...and Joan! Very cool to know both were on the hike. As it turns out, they had at least a half hour headstart on the rest of us - no fair! After a couple minutes of chitchat, Joan and Larry started to descend, while Chris and I finished the ascent.
We summited just in time to witness the biggest, meanest, orange-est moon, almost even with the lookout on Granite! WOW! There was nothing left to do but howl hysterically. All around, the views were great, especially of Kaleetan. Perfect timing! OK, West Granite will be on the schedule for next year...
Eventually, the chilly breeze and setting sun forced us to descend. Downclimbing the talus field was tedious, while finding a good exit into the woods was just plain exacerbating. Joan and Larry hung out to make sure we got back to the trail, then all four of us headed back to the parking lot. It was nearly 10:30 PM when we concluded the hike. By that time, the moon was as bright as a headlamp - Awoooo! To top it off, Chris brought along a couple beers to share - thanks Chris!
Oh yeah, I have some relatives to pick up. Dan and Sherry were sitting patiently right off Exit 45, tired, but seemingly happy. Apparently, Sherry's new boots didn't cause to much discomfort, always a good sign. Mission accomplished, time to head home. Great hike!
**************
Hard to believe, but there's only five regular hikes left for this season!
8/25: Bandera
9/1: Rampart Ridge
It remains to be seen what will happen 9/8 or 9/15. Sure, Lake Serene was scheduled, but it's probably not doable this late in the season. What I'd like to know, is there any hike you'd like to repeat? Maybe you missed it the first time, or the weather was poor. Mailbox, for instance, would be a lot nicer without the frigid fog. Let me know what you think, and we'll make it happen. Just remember, it's getting dark much earlier these days!
Oust,
-Mark