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Elvis Shuffl'n
Joined: 09 Jun 2004 Posts: 1804 | TRs | Pics Location: del Boca Vista |
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Elvis
Shuffl'n
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Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:28 am
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Granite Mountain has been on my to-do list for a few years and almost all the pieces fell into place today to make this a reality.
Thanks, Lykkens, for the recent trail beta - it helped immensely with packing.
There is still quite a bit of ice after you cross over to the opposite side of the ridge, so yak trax or Stabilicers would be put to good use on the upper part of this trail.
I saw some deep footprints in the ice/water and have a hunch they are evidence of the Lunatiques trip (pic posted below). No wonder you all looked chilly in those pics.
Lots of nice people on the trail today, but no wildlife of any kind --- except for bugs (believe it or not).
Very Distant view of Lookout Lookout - zoom Mt. Rainier from Granite Mtn Trail Granite Mtn Lookout from a distance Lunatique Footprints in frozen runoff Easterly view Granite on Granite Mountain View from backside of ridge, approaching the Lookout Ice Blocks on trail Hiker descending Granite Mountain Wooded trail scene Waterfall at trail intersection
Despite the fantastic weather and great views, my body simply wasn't willing to cooperate on the trail today. Calf and thigh cramps started to plague me at about the 2 mile mark and despite my slowing pace, frequent hydrating and eating they wouldn't relent.
When my turnaround-time alarm sounded I was so close to the lookout, but my pace was only slowing and the cramps were increasing... so I'll have to head back next summer to finish the last 300 feet of vertical.
Even so, it was a beautiful day on the trail and I'm glad I became familiar with a trail that is 'new-to-me'.
~E
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas." ~John Dryden
My Trip List
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas." ~John Dryden
My Trip List
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Grizzy Yellow Cedar Hugger
Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Posts: 1936 | TRs | Pics Location: Switchbacks |
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Grizzy
Yellow Cedar Hugger
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Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:21 am
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Don't worry about not making it, the last time I "made it" there I could see all of 20 feet in each direction ...which sucked considering the views there! I am now going to officially experiment with calcium pills to prevent cramps...( I was woken up by some doozies last night, took some calcium...drank some water, and the cramps ended rapidly)
Great TR
All the birds have flown up and gone;
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other -
Only the mountain and I. ~Li Po~
All the birds have flown up and gone;
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other -
Only the mountain and I. ~Li Po~
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Go Jo of the lykkens
Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 2248 | TRs | Pics Location: Around The Bend |
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Go Jo
of the lykkens
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Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:30 am
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Wow, it looks like a different place without 10 inches of snow covering the rocks. It always amazes me how rapidly the mountains can change. Glad you made it up in such promising weather, I had a feeling it would get a little more icy with each passing day of sun. And don't worry about missing the look out, I think the upper meadows are the highlight of this trip... muscle burning elevation gain is highly over rated ~Jo
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GaliWalker Have camera will use
Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 4929 | TRs | Pics Location: Pittsburgh |
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GaliWalker
Have camera will use
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Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:13 pm
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I almost went there yesterday, but decided to opt for Mt Si because of some time issues (first time off the couch in a month for me). It was a gorgeous day and some of the best views of Rainier I've seen recently.
the lykkens wrote: | And don't worry about missing the look out, I think the upper meadows are the highlight of this trip |
I wholeheartedly agree. Whenever I think of Granite Mountain, I think of those meadows.
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SK Member
Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 71 | TRs | Pics Location: WS |
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SK
Member
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Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:23 pm
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Definitely adding this one to my list. Looks pretty amazing up there.
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mountaineer ordinaire Member
Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 496 | TRs | Pics
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With clear skies, a light breeze, and temps near 50, today, it felt like mid-September on the summit.
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seattlehikertoo Member
Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 582 | TRs | Pics Location: Finding an alternative to Mailbox Pk |
I wholeheartedly disagree about Granite Lookout. However, I will say that it takes more strength to turn back than to succumb to summit fever.
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