Forum Index > Trip Reports > A easy trail to a great peak, Sauk Mtn.
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Jeff R
Closet hiker.



Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics
Location: Everret
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
PostMon 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Shuksan above a sea of clouds.
Look to the South my sun.
Look to the South my sun.
Orange skies at night...
Orange skies at night...
All good things must come to a end.
All good things must come to a end.
Oncoming dusk.
Oncoming dusk.
And to all a good night.
And to all a good night.

Ebrace life!
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touron
Member
Member


Joined: 15 Sep 2003
Posts: 10293 | TRs | Pics
Location: Plymouth Rock
touron
Member
PostMon Nov 12, 2007 5:19 pm 
Beautiful collection of pictures! up.gif up.gif up.gif

Touron is a nougat of Arabic origin made with almonds and honey or sugar, without which it would just not be Christmas in Spain.
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Gabigabs
Trail Breaker



Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 841 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle
Gabigabs
Trail Breaker
PostMon 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!
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Jeff R
Closet hiker.



Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics
Location: Everret
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
PostMon 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.
Cairn and clouds.

Ebrace life!
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Quark
Niece of Alvy Moore



Joined: 15 May 2003
Posts: 14152 | TRs | Pics
Quark
Niece of Alvy Moore
PostMon 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
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GeoTom
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Joined: 19 May 2005
Posts: 3215 | TRs | Pics
Location: Earth
GeoTom
Member
PostMon 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 lol.gif

Knows literally nothing
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Mesahchie Mark
A Lerxst



Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 700 | TRs | Pics
Location: In Wonderland
Mesahchie Mark
A Lerxst
PostMon Nov 12, 2007 6:10 pm 
Nice one, Jeff! Glad to see you finally got up there. I'll have to give it a try one of these days...

Cheers, Mesahchie Mark
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Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot



Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 4307 | TRs | Pics
Location: Shoreline
Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
PostMon 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
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Magellan
Brutally Handsome



Joined: 26 Jul 2006
Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics
Location: Inexorable descent
Magellan
Brutally Handsome
PostTue Nov 13, 2007 12:37 am 
Thanks for the prose and the pictures Jeff. up.gif up.gif

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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks



Joined: 13 Feb 2007
Posts: 7216 | TRs | Pics
Location: Stuck in the middle
puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
PostTue Nov 13, 2007 2:55 am 
Enjoyed the TR. Thanks for the effort to write it up like that.

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Conrad
Meadow bagger



Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 2298 | TRs | Pics
Location: Moscow, ID
Conrad
Meadow bagger
PostTue 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.

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Jeff R
Closet hiker.



Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics
Location: Everret
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
PostTue 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.

Ebrace life!
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Jeff R
Closet hiker.



Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics
Location: Everret
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
PostTue Nov 13, 2007 5:06 pm 
Magellan wrote:
Thanks for the prose and the pictures Jeff. up.gif up.gif
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.

Ebrace life!
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Jeff R
Closet hiker.



Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Posts: 972 | TRs | Pics
Location: Everret
Jeff R
Closet hiker.
PostTue 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?

Ebrace life!
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Conrad
Meadow bagger



Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 2298 | TRs | Pics
Location: Moscow, ID
Conrad
Meadow bagger
PostTue 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.

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