Previous :: Next Topic |
Author |
Message |
Jeff R Closet hiker.
Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics Location: Everret |
|
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:58 pm
|
|
|
Seeking a great time with a old friend and a new one, we decided that Sauk Mtn would be a perfect destination. Driving though the clouds we wondered what would be in store for us? A Sauked in summit? No, a trip to a viewpoint with partial clouds playing hide and seek with far off vistas, Perfect! This is exactly the kind of hike that pleases the soul and all the senses. One of life's experiences that enriches ones being and place on this earth never to be forgotten.
After a drive full of excitement and wonder, the parking area ended high upon the flanks of the peak offering a grand view that most all would be content with. But majestically above, the lofty summit beckons the walker toward the sky.Sauntering away from the modern day car.
Casually winding up the trail ever higher, we enjoyed the sun and each others company with nary a fast heartbeat or perspiration. Soon after, we entered the cold side of the peak and into a winter landscape.Sauk lake and fall snow.
The clouds still concealed much of the surroundings, but the summit area was warm and rich with experience. Quickly finishing the walk at the viewpoint we were greeted by other people relaxing about with their kids, who were also in amazement of such a grand place.Mount baker above a sea of clouds.
Now a challenge lied before us, relax and enjoy the viewpoint, or, carry on to the true summit? Well...
I decided to at least 'scout' out the route which involved a exposed slab to gain another false summit. Much to my amazement, Calvin quickly joined me and after a couple words we scrambled up this harrowing section while Jon and the others watched with apprehension. We were successful with the scramble and back on safer terrain with only a couple moves that required attention on the ridge separating us from a rough boot path to the true summit. Once on top we looked over to Jon and started taking the mandatory summit photos. Not wanting to retrace our steps we searched for a safer option down which turned out to be a snowy and grassy gully and some loose, talus side hilling back to the view point. That wasn't really any safer and back at the viewpoint we joined Jon who expressed his concern about our choices and safety. After an apology regarding the lack of communication, everything was forgiven and we all celebrated the time together while waiting for all the views to appear and the sun to set.Mount Shuksan above a sea of clouds. Look to the South my sun. Orange skies at night... All good things must come to a end. Oncoming dusk. And to all a good night.
|
Back to top |
|
|
touron Member
Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 10293 | TRs | Pics Location: Plymouth Rock |
|
touron
Member
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:19 pm
|
|
|
Touron is a nougat of Arabic origin made with almonds and honey or sugar, without which it would just not be Christmas in Spain.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Gabigabs Trail Breaker
Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 841 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
|
Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:32 pm
|
|
|
Great sunset shots. Sunsets always seem so much more spectacular in the mountains.
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jeff R Closet hiker.
Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics Location: Everret |
|
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:36 pm
|
|
|
Thanks for the comments!
Yes, we were defiantly rewarded that day. Sometimes clouds conceal, other times they reveal.Cairn and clouds.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Quark Niece of Alvy Moore
Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 14152 | TRs | Pics
|
|
Quark
Niece of Alvy Moore
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:42 pm
|
|
|
Gorgeous photos. I have planned to do this trip all summer long, but chose others in favor for one reason or another. It's time I do it, no?
"...Other than that, the post was more or less accurate."
Bernardo, NW Hikers' Bureau Chief of Reporting
"...Other than that, the post was more or less accurate."
Bernardo, NW Hikers' Bureau Chief of Reporting
|
Back to top |
|
|
GeoTom Member
Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 3215 | TRs | Pics Location: Earth |
|
GeoTom
Member
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:47 pm
|
|
|
The only time I did this hike it was "Sauked in", but I still had a good time. Jasper didn't mind the lack of views or getting soaked either
|
Back to top |
|
|
Mesahchie Mark A Lerxst
Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 700 | TRs | Pics Location: In Wonderland |
Nice one, Jeff! Glad to see you finally got up there. I'll have to give it a try one of these days...
|
Back to top |
|
|
Matt Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 4308 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
|
Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
|
Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:54 pm
|
|
|
Nice. Great views from above the clouds. Which day were you up there?
I like that cairn & clouds photo you added later.
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
|
Back to top |
|
|
Magellan Brutally Handsome
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics Location: Inexorable descent |
|
Magellan
Brutally Handsome
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:37 am
|
|
|
Thanks for the prose and the pictures Jeff.
|
Back to top |
|
|
puzzlr Mid Fork Rocks
Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 7220 | TRs | Pics Location: Stuck in the middle |
|
puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:55 am
|
|
|
Enjoyed the TR. Thanks for the effort to write it up like that.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Conrad Meadow bagger
Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 2298 | TRs | Pics Location: Moscow, ID |
|
Conrad
Meadow bagger
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:46 am
|
|
|
My grandparents had a cabin in Rockport and this is one of the first mountain hikes I remember, back in the 70's. Thanks for the memories.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jeff R Closet hiker.
Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics Location: Everret |
|
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:04 pm
|
|
|
Matt wrote: | Nice. Great views from above the clouds. Which day were you up there?
I like that cairn & clouds photo you added later. |
Thanks Matt. I saw you at the top 100 party this weekend, but wasn't able to say hello.
I have a bad habit of not dating trip reports, sorry. It was Sunday. 11-4-07.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jeff R Closet hiker.
Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics Location: Everret |
|
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:06 pm
|
|
|
Magellan wrote: | Thanks for the prose and the pictures Jeff. |
puzzlr wrote: | Enjoyed the TR. Thanks for the effort to write it up like that. |
Thanks for the positive comments, I am glad you enjoyed.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jeff R Closet hiker.
Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics Location: Everret |
|
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:15 pm
|
|
|
Conrad wrote: | My grandparents had a cabin in Rockport and this is one of the first mountain hikes I remember, back in the 70's. Thanks for the memories. |
Was the trail head located at its current place? And, have you been back since?
|
Back to top |
|
|
Conrad Meadow bagger
Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 2298 | TRs | Pics Location: Moscow, ID |
|
Conrad
Meadow bagger
|
Tue Nov 13, 2007 7:16 pm
|
|
|
Jeff R wrote: | Conrad wrote: | My grandparents had a cabin in Rockport and this is one of the first mountain hikes I remember, back in the 70's. Thanks for the memories. |
Was the trail head located at its current place? And, have you been back since? |
Can't swear where the current trailhead is since I haven't been there since back then, but my Green Trails map shows the TH at 4300' and the trail up to the ridge top 1.5 miles long, which is pretty much as I remember it back then. I generally don't drive that far for such a short hike anymore.
|
Back to top |
|
|
|