[Randy]

It was good to get out again. After 3 months, little exercise, and no summits I was fat and out of shape, but anxious for some fresh air. Craig and I hooked off of HWY 20 at Bacon Creek road then drove it several miles to a three-way intersection (not shown on the quad) just south of Jumbo Creek. To our surprise the other 5 people (Mike Collins, Fay P., Steve F., Janet P., and Jim B.) we were supposed to meet were nowhere to be found, so me motored back down the snowy road and ran into them not far from HWY 20. After more differential dragging we were back at the 3-way intersection several minutes later. After saddling up we were all off by what must have been 0945 (or maybe later). We walked the road heading east for maybe a quarter mile as it contoured the hill side. Where it ended at a turn-around we went straight upslope for about 1000'. The route was on open slopes but littered with loose rock, slimy old talus, clear-cut debris, and other sucky things. From the top of this slope our basic route stayed to the south of Jumbo Creek and finally ascended the south trending ridge of Oakes. The majority of the route was through sparse clearcut which I'm sure was sparse because it had 10' of snow on top of it. The final 600' or so was through mostly old growth with just a couple steep but easy sections. Our group of 7 made the top in waves about 5 hours after starting out. The views certainly did not disappoint - especially noteworthy for me were Triumph, Bacon and Blum. After many photos, we began the descent which went a whole lot quicker than the ascent via the same route. We removed snowshoes at the top of that open slope and got down it not too long before dark. Great trip with a fun crowd. Also, gotta give props to Jim and Steve for kicking the majority of the steps.

[dicey]

Randy, Glad to see you got out Any pics to share?

[Randy]

Indeed. I'll post some later tonight.

[Mike Collins]

When the car doors slammed shut we were at 600 feet elevation. That is 200 feet less than the elevation of my house I left three hours earlier. That was the first clue of the long day ahead for all of us.

[Randy]

Pictures!

Looking Towards Triumph (Randy)

Views

Views1

Views2

Approaching Summit

Final Push

Craig and Mike

Up Through the Sticks

Ascending Talus

[rubberleggs]

I tired. It was fun to get out with you two famous climber dudes at last!

[Edd]

Thanks for the pics Randy. Awesome views. I know it must of felt good to get one in.

[dicey]

Cool pics! Thanks

[Stefan]

That "talus" picture looks like a winner of a place!