[Allison]

Ok, all of this talk about the Enchantments got me thinking about a trip I've wanted to do for a few seasons. It accesses Earle/Sheild/Coney via the north. I just talked another TTer into putting it on the tick list for '02 when I made a couple of unfortunate discoveries: This area is permitted as part of the Enchantment Zone despite access being on the remote side and no official trails existing; AND the FS is doing bridge construction on the eightmile road, and the road is going to be closed starting 7/15 between Eightmile TH and Stuart TH. No permits will be issued for Stuart as a result of this. Naturally the access I want to use is in this area. Poop. Thought I'd pass this on since so many of us use this part of the ALW pretty regularly. Hopefully the construction will be done before October. I'm going to call the RS for some details (like whether or not the road from eightmile to Stuart will be mt. bike or hiker accessible during this time) and I'll keep you posted. Anyone have any historical info on why Earle/Sheild et al are part of the permitted area? I'm wondering if people wanting to go to the Enchys and not being able to get a permit were sleeping over there to endrun the permit system...

[Stefan]

Permits. Schmermits. Go just before or just after the permit season. Those are the best times for the Enchantments!

[MtnGoat]

Not if you can't fish!

[Randy]

That's right!

[Stefan]

Fishing schmishing. Fishing is a boring sport.

[MtnGoat]

Wow, I feel put in my place now. I like a boring sport. Ouch.

[Brian Curtis]

Some people just don't appreciate the finer things in life. Since Stefan mooned us anglers I will have to respond with poetry. Fisherfolk by Robert Service I like to look at fishermen And oftentimes I wish One would be lucky now and then And catch a little fish. I watch them statuesquely stand, And at the water look; But if they pull their float to land It's just to bait a hook. I ponder the psychology That roots them in their place; And wonder at the calm I see In ever angler's face. There is such patience in their eyes, Beside the river's brink; And waiting for a bite or rise I do not think they think. Or else they are just gentle men, Who love--they know not why, Greeen grace of trees or water when It wimples to the sky . . . Sweet simple souls! As vain I watch My heart to you is kind: Most precious prize of all you catch, --Just Peace of Mind.

[Backpacker Joe]

Come on guys/girls. The best way to access Earl Mesa Toketie is via Nada up the snow lakes trail. If you are already in the Chantments then ok go over Prusik. otherwise sneak in via Nada.

[MtnGoat]

I've always wanted to do the Shield Mesa area via Coney lake, by heading up that massive hill with the logging spur on it and continuing on up to Coney, then over to Shield, etc. A lot of gain though, but I guess that goes with the chantments anyway.

[Backpacker Joe]

You know the whole permit system isnt TABOO, or difficult! Get a damn permit and ROAM around all you want!!!! I have! Of my 7 times into the enchantments I have had permits 3 times! 4 times I have stood at the the forest service door at 7am looking for handouts! Those handouts are forth coming too! TB

[Decanted]

Sheesh, there are so many places to go that don't require permits. What a hassle! The chantments are nice but not the only place on earth.

[Poured out]

Right. Besides, since I can't get there at all, they should forget about permits and just prohibit access entirely. Fair's fair and "Ah, Wildeness" and all that - umm - efluvium.

[McPilchuck]

On fishing/climbing: They are somewhat related as far as I am concerned when it comes to the high land, though I need not do both of the above on a given trip. Often, I fish high lakes when up high, but seldom do I keep any unless I intend to cook one up there, more often I stock them as a member of the TB'ers for others to enjoy now. There are always peaks around to climb and I get the same exhilerantion atop them as I do when seeking out some big trout. Climbing volcanoes is another thing entirely, but the same feeling is there. And it really matters not sometimes that I go further than just the alpine land for the view, but hey I am half daft anyway about the high land, it's all deep in my veins <g>.

[MtnGoat]

hey, nix on the registration headaches! cripes. if you're not registered, you're not a person? if the post is sound, i don't care who posts it.

[#19]

When the permit system kicked in I became an anti-Enchantment snob. Dumb. No it is not the ONLY place. But I couldn't agree more with Allison's view of the Enchantments and the Stuart Range. It is just to fantastic to ignore because of the permit system. I waited about 18 years between my 2nd and 3rd visit, and felt pretty foolish for that when I woke up on that unbelievable plateau under the most azure skys. Toured nearly every lake in upper and lower basins, Little A, East Dragontail, Enchantment Pk in one whirlwind of a day. Have gone back for Colchuck Pk, but I'm dying to check out the areas like Hel, Druid Plateau, Shield, Mesa, Earl, Cannon, etc. Don't think I'll be disappointed?