[cartman]

Went out with Mike C. and twodogdad in beautiful weather to attempt a couple of peaks in the Blewett Pass area. None of us brought a camera so no pics, but I experienced a couple of interesting things regarding navigation that might make this a worthwhile read. The plan was to go up through Tronsen Meadow and give Lillian and Tronsen Head a go. The true summit of Lillian is Peak 6191' south of the named summit; Tronsen Head is Peak 5980' to the west. We approached via Road 7240. Without going into all the details, we ended up traipsing around on bumps for quite a while not sure if we had summitted what we came there for. In actuality, we were west the whole day of where we wanted to be, and ended up summitting Diamond Head, which we realized when we met Rob M., a backcountry skier who knows the area well. Experienced a couple of interesting things re: navigation: 1) A map can have too much information. The GT map had too much detail; there were so many roads and trails marked in this area that it obscured the geography, and made the map harder to read. Especially in winter, when the trails often can't be found under the snow. 2) Underestimated navigation in this terrain. In an area like this where all the bumps look similar, navigation was more difficult because of the relative featurelessness. And there were trees on top of all the summits. What's up with that? Lesson learned: take a USGS or Topo. Eric J. Johnson

[Type E]

I had some of the same issues in the same area recently. There are so many trails and roads it is hard to tell where your are or where it is you want to go. E

[Randonnee]

It was fun to meet up with you three. It was a beautiful day anyway! You guys move pretty fast on those snowshoes, even downhill! Unfortunately many folks who come to the area get lost or have trouble navigating. Or skiers find poor conditions. Better perhaps for some to avoid the Wenatchee Mountains and stay closer to the Cascade Crest... : )} (grin). All the sunshine here is hard on westside folk, anyway. Honestly, I begrudge publicizing the area but enjoy meeting folks who appreciate it. Rob

[wildernessed]

[DIYSteve]

Cool area in winter and early spring. Agree w/ Rando that the ski conditions vary up there, although I'll continue to visit the area on skis every year or two. Some cool steep chutes off the W face of DH. Cartman, agree that GT map is worthless for that area. 7.5' map is the way to go.

[Randy]

Oh no. Collins is going to have to go back in there again.