|
HIKE |
Mailbox Peak |
|
ROUTE |
Up! |
|
DATE |
04/27/2006 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Chris M (Omega Chris), Chris S, Don, Drew, Mark, Dan, Sherry and Larry. |
|
NOTES |
Feel them quads! |
PHOTOS
Photo credits: Mark
Photo credits: Chris S.
TRAIL1EPORT
Hello, TNAB'ers:
In the blink of an eye, we're already one month into the 2006 season. The latest destination was Mailbox Peak, a TNAB favorite. I had last been there with Dan and Drew for the February Lunatic Hike. Would snow be an issue this time?
There would be eight hikers in attendance this fine, warm Spring evening: Chris M (Omega Chris), Chris S (What's with the nicknames?), Don, Drew, and myself forming the Eastgate team, while Dan, Sherry and Larry got a headstart.
We were on the trail a little after 6:00 PM, and soon huffing and puffing our way up the unforgiving steepness that is Mailbox. The trail was dry and a bit dusty on the lower reaches - almost Summer conditions. About an hour in, a well-rested Drew, showing 2004 form, shot ahead from the rest of the pack. I think he only stopped to breath once he hit the top!
As it would turn out, snow was present, but not nearly the factor it was in Winter. It turned the trail muddy and slushy in the brushy maze before the talus field. The talus field was mostly free of snow and was an obviously better route than postholing around through the woods.By the time I cleared the talus, I could see several of our crew on the ridge, racing for the summit.
We were on the summit by 8:00 PM. The views were great, if a bit hazy - could see much further south than north. The entire Alpine Lakes region was visible, as well as Snoqualmie Pass, and of course, Rainier. It was beautiful evening - one of the best I can recall for Mailbox.
Congrats to Sherry - it was her first summit of Mailbox! If you can do Mailbox, you can hike just about anything in the Cascades. :)
Eventually, the encroaching darkness and a chilling breeze encouraged us to head for home. We were able to stave off headlamp use until about 8:50 PM - you gotta like that trend. As is par for the course, the journey down was a knee strength test. By the time we reached the trailhead, it was completely dark and the stars were out in force. Awesome! We were all out by 10:30 PM.
Great hike!
Next Hike: Mt Washington! The schedule says Snoqualmie, but it's just too early in the season to contemplate that one just yet. Don't worry, we'll reschedule it sometime before Fall. :) Also, next Thursday is Cuatro de Mayo, which means it'll be Cinco de Mayo somewhere! (hint hint)
Cheers,
-Mark