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furthur Berry Bagger
Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 341 | TRs | Pics Location: onward and upward |
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furthur
Berry Bagger
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Wed Jul 06, 2011 7:03 pm
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Defiance was the 2011 choice for Chango’s annual 4th of July flag planting ceremony. Six of us landed in a packed parking lot about 10am, but ditched the crowds at the Mason Lake turnoff.
Defiance Bandera / Mason junction Rainier clear
The trail to this point is in late (Ira) spring condition-- the biters were minimal and the flowers / bushes only budding. Once we began descending to Mason, snow patched the way until completely taking over at the lake.
Mason Lake under Bandera outlet crossing cell reception the entire trip
Following a secondary tradition, the mad Bulgarian took a “refreshing” dip near the outlet, the only ice free zone. Manning up, one of the equally mad Poles waded in. His screaming assessment: that international four letter curse.
say again?
Nobody at the lake except a ranger, a rare opportunity to pretend we happened into a secret place (except for the toilet sign). Discovering the summer trail was challenging, so we simply headed in Defiance’s direction, moving up and over the ridge, trudging in snow all the way.
rocks, finally!
Instead of traversing the south face, we ascended from the east, topping out to extraordinary views to the Olys, the Sound, Baker, Stuart, Adams, and Rainier.
I could hear the cameras clicking from this far away Baker Rainier floating Bandera and Mason Kulla Kulla
Two baby carrots lay on the ground around the summit rocks, so we rolled up a snowman to help us celebrate.
Snowman of Liberty
As I was the only American citizen, it fell to me to squeak out the National Anthem for the flag ceremony—could have used your support, B C’munk and Mountain Man!
Hong Kong, Belgium, Poland, Poland, Bulgaria, USA
The descent was less frightful than we expected, and included a couple swift glissades. We used only boots and poles, but were very aware of the many spots of unsupported snow. It will be a couple weeks before the summer trail completely melts out—and then for the flower show on the south face!
yeah! retrieved my trusty stick! Rainier in the pm
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
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Backpacker Joe Blind Hiker
Joined: 16 Dec 2001 Posts: 23956 | TRs | Pics Location: Cle Elum |
Good work. Nice pics.
"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide."
— Abraham Lincoln
"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide."
— Abraham Lincoln
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Bloated Chipmunk Cock Rock Searcher
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics Location: Margaritaville |
furthur wrote: | As I was the only American citizen, it fell to me to squeak out the National Anthem for the flag ceremony—could have used your support, B C’munk and Mountain Man!
Hong Kong, Belgium, Poland, Poland, Bulgaria, USA |
WHAT?? I WASN'T INVITED on the 4th of July hike this time?! Oh well, you don't want to hear me try to sing, trust me on that.
I can't believe Chango's not wearing a yellow shirt...what's up w/that?
I can believe, however, the icy water dip.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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Hiker Mama Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 3451 | TRs | Pics Location: Lynnwood |
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half fast member
Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 1392 | TRs | Pics Location: Living the dream in my 5th Wheel |
It's all about the fun, oh and maybe the chocolate - half fast
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MountainMan Member
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 365 | TRs | Pics Location: San Diego |
furthur wrote: | Following a secondary tradition, the mad Bulgarian took a “refreshing” dip near the outlet, the only ice free zone. Manning up, one of the equally mad Polacks waded in. His screaming assessment: that international four letter curse.
say again? |
Ahh, darn it! I missed the swim!
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
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Snowdog Member
Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 1028 | TRs | Pics Location: on (& off) the beaten path |
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Snowdog
Member
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Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:00 am
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nice trip to celebrate the 4th with international friends!
'we don't have time for a shortcut'
'we don't have time for a shortcut'
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Yet Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 2634 | TRs | Pics Location: Happily Ever After |
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Yet
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Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:12 am
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Thanks for the TR. Looks like a fun group!
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Highwalker's Daughter Member
Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 1575 | TRs | Pics Location: Bothell, WA |
Looks like a fantastic time! Can't wait to get back up to that area - not sure I'd be brave enough for a dip in the icy lake
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furthur Berry Bagger
Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 341 | TRs | Pics Location: onward and upward |
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furthur
Berry Bagger
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Fri Jul 08, 2011 5:33 am
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Checked the date when I was last up Defiance--16 July, 2006. My notes describe the south face flower meadow in full bloom, and not a flake of snow. On the other hand, the lake was people-packed and the trail buzzed loudly with hungry bugs, so the unique solitude of a snowy visit was quite a treat!
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
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