[cartman]

dicey and I took advantage of the great weather and headed up towards PGE Pass to attempt PGE North, South and Tucquala. Due to a combination of route-finding issues and conditions we summitted...nuthin'. Lots of snow on the lee slopes, far less on the windward slopes, all above 5000'. Coming out, we tossed around various ways to bail ourselves out on the trip report, including: Visiblility sucked (but only where we were at) The maps were wrong--all three of them Naps are way better than summits We meant to just go to Sprite Lake. dicey took some great pics...

[Randy]

How did you get to the TH? Looking forward to the pictures...

[dicey]

Randy, Tazz was kind enough to loan us her car - Thanks Tazz!!! You We left the car at 7:50am and returned at 2:50pm, which allowed us time on the way out to enjoy some of the fall color in nice light. Summitting peaks usually means coming out in the dark this time of year, so this was a welcome change for me. I guess I ended up being a lakebagger yesterday, oh well. Truth is, I've never been to Sprite lake before, and it has been many, many years since I have been to Paddy pass as well. We left the trail where it makes a long switchback to the north. This is shown on the quad to be at about 4600ft, but it is really at about 5200ft. We were going to hit Tucquala first and then work our way back to the pass hitting south, the pass, and then maybe north. Things didn't quite work out that way and I think we nearly circumnavigated paddy south without realizing it until later. Lots of ribs and minor ridges in that area, but visibility was great! Mostly we could tell where we needed to go, but lacked a driving motivation to get there (speaking for myself). I was more content to lay on my backpack in the sun, enjoying the rare warm temps and views. Building snowcreatures was fun too! Anyway, on with the photo onslaught! I don't usually do this, but since it is so crappy out today, I thought it appropriate.

North paddy

B route

A route

Relaxor

sky view from Relaxor

evil snow bunny wants brains

Mc Daniel

morning

lone fire

fire dance

got sprite

after burn

Cle Elum River 1

Eric checking out the color

object of your desire

I'm poplar

blazing color

[Randy]

Awesome pics. Tazz is always so nice.

[cartman]

[Roald]

"sky view from Relaxor" – Now that's photography. Really, I love your pics, and your captions. Sounds like a good day.

[Yana]

[Dayhike Mike]

Liking the evil snow bunny!

[More Cowbell]

Lucky you. What beautiful scenery.

[Sabahsboy]

Well, did you see any sprites? I did when I was there years ago. They were slender, dancing maids, all afire and larchy. I love all the tree colors you raked in during your exploits. The "poplar" one is terrific. Are they aspens? The Mt. Daniel shot is wonderous. I forgot waht a grand view is had from way up that trail. Were you sad you lacked snowshoes? Did the snow crunch or slosh?

[Jeff R]

Good pics and good times! Nice.

[goats gone wild]

[Matt]

[Tazz]

nuthin'? looks like somethin' better than my somethin'for that day. What a great day! Wish I could have gone with ya. Seems as though my car's 2007 hike check list is longer than mine.... great shots

[goats gone wild]