[Malachai Constant]

We made a somewhat early Winter solstice trip of the Old Trail last night. Left work early and hit the old Little Si parking lot at about 6pm. There were a couple cars in the new lot. Met two people coming down. There was one blowdown near the top of the first set of switchbacks as you enter the woods otherwise the trail was surprisingly clear. It was a very clear night and many stars were visible with Orion being particularly prominent. A new trail connects and descends just past "The Valley Of Death" . The proper trail ascends to the left. After the next climb in the flats there was another windfall the last seen. A steady wind blew as you ascended the switchbacks becoming quite string (20mph) at the ridge. We did not run into snow or rather ice until the intersection with the new trail. The upper trail is somewhat challenging without poles as it is cover with about two inches of snow compressed into water ice. The wind gusted to about 30mph and we retreated into the woods for martinis and hot chocolate with Knob Creek. Did not attempt haystack due to wind and ice. Quick descent only to find all restaraunts close early in North Bend. Great trip nice views.