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awilsondc Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2016 Posts: 1323 | TRs | Pics
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It had been 35 days since I had reached a mountain summit. Unheard of during prime season, but for a variety of reasons I had been unable to get out the past few weeks. When the weather finally presented a window I was chomping at the bit to get back out there. I picked Kendall Peak, which is a repeat for me, since I had to go early to be back by noon and didn't want any route finding difficulty hiking in snow in the dark. I drove to the PCT trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass and was hiking by 5:17am.
I took the Commonwealth Basin shortcut which is a no brainer over the longer PCT. The recent snow fall combined with the warmer weather resulted in flowing water on many parts of the trail. I was grateful to be wearing waterproof boots and warm socks. The water crossing just before the turn off to the Red Pass trail was the highest and most challenging I've ever seen it, but still easily navigable. I reached the PCT and after a switchback I lost the trail while heading south. I knew it was best to backtrack, but looking at my GPS I figured I'll just head in the direction of the trail until I find it. This lead to 15 minutes of brush hiking until I met up with the north heading section of the trail. A short distance later I reached the talus fields on the SW slopes of Kendall Peak and it was light enough to turn off my head lamp.
First light at the talus field
Snow started at about 5000 ft but was only 1-2 inches deep. I hiked right past the turnoff up to Kendall Peak until I saw Mount Thomson and the tarn and knew I had gone too far. I backtracked, admiring the pink hue of the dawn sky.
Snoqualmie and Lundin at Dawn Snoqualmie, Lundin, and Red at Dawn I-90 Peaks at Dawn
I was hoping to reach the summit before sunrise, but I was a bit behind schedule so I pushed hard up from the PCT until I crested the north ridge of Kendall Peak. As I gained the ridge I had a "wow" moment. The sun had just risen and the views to the east were phenomenal. Pure bliss.
Cresting the Ridge Sunrise over Alta and Hibox Stuart and Three Queens
A month indoors is a tough pill to swallow for me and I was SO happy to be in the mountains again! The views couldn't have been any better.
Kendall Peak Ridge Sunrise
The alpenglow on Mount Thomson, covered with a fine layer of snow, was a sight to behold. This particular vantage point of Mount Thomson is one of my favorite views of any mountain I have seen in Washington state. I just love it.
Mount Thomson Alpenglow
I took a few photos at the ridge before heading up the final few feet to the summit.
Snoqualmie and Lundin with Alpenglow Kendall Peak Summit Red Mountain Stuart, Three Queens, Alta, and Hibox
I spent some time having some tea, taking photos, and admiring the morning colors on the mountains.
Kendall Peak Sunrise Panorama
There was a nearby could or mist that began to pass by. As it passed I looked south towards Snoqualmie Mountain and Chair Peak. I could see my shadow in the mist and thought, that looks kinda like a Brocken specter... wait... that IS a Brocken specter!!! I couldn't believe it!
The specter begins to form... Brocken Specter 1 Brocken Specter 2 Brocken Specter 3
I had always wanted to see one in person and here it was! I took a few photos, but mostly stared and admired the rare phenomenon along with several shouts, pelvis thrusts, and fist pumps to convey my excitement at finally seeing the specter. Bucket list item, check!
I spent about 45 minutes on the summit before checking the time and realizing that I had better book it down the mountain if I was gonna get back in time.
Morning light on Snoqualmie - Red Lundin and Red Big Snow Lundin, Red, Big Snow, and Thomson from Kendall Peak Summit Kendall Peak Summit View North
I caught my foot on a root and fell while running down the mountain, second time this year... sprained a finger but I was fine. I passed a few hikers on my descent and made it back to the car about 10:10.
Red Mountain on Descent
In one of my best years for peak bagging, this was one of my favorite summits of the year. Best. Repeat. Ever!
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RichP Member
Joined: 13 Jul 2006 Posts: 5628 | TRs | Pics Location: here |
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RichP
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Sun Oct 23, 2016 5:39 pm
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Stunning pics and a great gift after a long month of no summits.
I should head back up there too since I'm still not convinced I was on the true summit as I was in a cloud when I visited Kendall.
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olderthanIusedtobe Member
Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7687 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
Great pictures! I enjoyed views of some of the same peaks from a different vantage point at Snow/Gem Lakes the same day. Saturday was gorgeous, great day to be out.
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olderthanIusedtobe Member
Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7687 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
awilsondc wrote: | Stuart and Three Queens |
looks like Stuart is levitating
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Brucester Member
Joined: 02 Jun 2013 Posts: 1102 | TRs | Pics Location: Greenwood |
Great pictures.
Calendar or postcard pix?!
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GaliWalker Have camera will use
Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 4916 | TRs | Pics Location: Pittsburgh |
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GaliWalker
Have camera will use
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Sun Oct 23, 2016 7:42 pm
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Awesome!
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Gimpilator infinity/21M
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 1684 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
My goodness! So much eye candy. You're a lucky man to have seen this in person.
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mbravenboer Member
Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 1422 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
Lucky you! Great photos. I love the "Thomson Peak Alpenglow" shot
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Matt Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 4307 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
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Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
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Sun Oct 23, 2016 11:56 pm
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Wonderful sunrise photos, especially with the fresh dusting of snow. And a nice brocken bonus also.
Plus a floating Stuart!
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
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Distel32 Member
Joined: 03 Jun 2014 Posts: 961 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
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Distel32
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Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:19 am
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awilsondc Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2016 Posts: 1323 | TRs | Pics
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Thanks everyone! I'll probably get at least one of these printed. You never know what conditions you are going to get when you head out. I feel very fortunate to have had such great views on this trip, especially after a long layoff!
BTW - I corrected the caption of "Thomson Peak Alpenglow" to "Mount Thomson Alpenglow" to, you know, actually get the name of the mountain right.
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Jake Robinson Member
Joined: 02 Aug 2016 Posts: 521 | TRs | Pics
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That's easily the best photo of Thomson I've ever seen. Unreal!
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Blowdown Sawin' Logs ...
Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Posts: 375 | TRs | Pics Location: On the Summit |
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Blowdown
Sawin' Logs ...
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Mon Oct 24, 2016 11:33 am
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That photo of Mount Thompson is my new desktop wallpaper! Sorry for the copyright violation but it's just way too cool.
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the Zachster Member
Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 4776 | TRs | Pics Location: dog training |
"May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am"
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Tom Admin
Joined: 15 Dec 2001 Posts: 17835 | TRs | Pics
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Tom
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Mon Oct 24, 2016 5:17 pm
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I guess it might be time to set up the calendar submissions.
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