|
HIKE |
Silver |
|
ROUTE |
Lake Annette, bushwhack, snow! |
|
DATE |
05/11/2006 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Chris M, Chris S, Don, Joan, Larry, Mark |
|
NOTES |
PHOTOS
Photo credits: Mark
TRAIL1EPORT
Hello, TNAB'ers:
Silver Peak is probably the most ambitious hike in TNAB's inventory. It has a long approach, then ascends 2000 ft via a bushwhack and steep slopes to the north ridge, then traverses south and scrambles talus to the summit. It's a tough one under normal conditions...so let's make it even harder!
Well, that wasn't the idea going into this week's hike - we were actually hoping it would be easier! The plan was to take advantage of the snowy conditions to avoid the bushwhack and acres of scree. There would be other factors to consider, however...
The Crew: Chris M, Chris S, Don, Joan, Larry, Mark
We embarked from the Lake Annette trailhead at 6:00 PM (Larry and Joan had a head start on the rest of us). The smallish turnout was likely due to the weather, which was overcast and "moist" at times. Under the cover of the forest, though, it was fairly pleasant going. We didn't encounter snow until after we crossed the Iron Horse trail. Although the snow gradually increased the further we went, it offered a firm surface and decent footing.
Still, snow makes for slower trail travel. We trudged our way up the switchbacks, then across the avalanche gullies. After the third or fourth gully, the "trail" dwindled to a couple sets of footprints, and seemed to be losing elevation. Time to head for the ridge!
We traded turns kicking steps into the side of Silver, trending to the right. The snow was nearly perfect in consistency for this type of travel. We broke out of the forest into an open field of white, then angled right for the next line of trees. It was here that we caught up to Larry and Joan, who were making a beeline for the ridge.
We all pushed hard for the next 15-20 minutes. Below, we could see Lake Annette, still iced over. As we neared the ridge, though, the weather seemed to take notice and decided to mess with us. A combination of wind and freezing rain hit us from the west, while clouds raced up and over the ridge, whipping by us. The lake disappeared. Hard-earned body heat dissipated in minutes. We hurried to apply extra layers, which in turn threatened to blow away to Kittitas County.
At this point, all I can say is: All Hail Glacier Pants!
We were not going any further this night. The summit was another 30 minutes away, it was nearly 8:30 PM, and we couldn't count on moonlight. Newly bundled, we first plodded, then jogged, then slide our way down the snowfields, using our ice axes as brakes.
All Hail Glacier Pants!
After the enjoyable descent, it was back to slogging it out on the trail. The more we thawed out, the greater the desire to be off the trail. Finally, mercifully, the "big bridge" was crossed and we were done. It was 10:25 PM. As we packed up, it was agreed that Silver Peak should not go unsummited this season - thus, we will reload and return! Stay tuned...
Next Hike: Dirty Harry's Peak. Sure, it's out of sequence, but since snow is going to be an issue for another month or so, Pratt will have to wait.
Cheers! -Mark