Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:07 pm TNAB Makes Its Day on Dirty Harry's Balcony 04-16-09
It was a popular, almost crowded evening to scale the Balcony. Malachai Constant, Yukon222, Zeusdaddy, GQHiker, Victoria, Ingunn, JK, Dale, Clara, Cheryl, Hans, Ty, Hans, Craig, Dan, Ryan and Nordic converged on the trail head just as several crews of climbers were wrapping up their day. More commotion followed as two or three hook & ladder rigs careened around the tight fire training road curves. Thick swarms of skeeters were a first for the season.
The brisk pace set by Rob, Yukon and Zeusdaddy made quick work of the rocky first half of this wide, stream carved boulder field of a road turned trail. A quick transition to 18 inches of snow only slowed the front runners when hitting a post hole. This group is obviously ready for some more challenging targets!
A roaring I-90 and views of McClellan, Putrid Pete's, Silver, Humpback and Granite welcomed us to Harry's lair. We were met at our destination by Larry and digger in great TNAB tradition. There was plenty of time for conversation and exploration of the balcony's edge. A toast to the new comers, a group shot, and we were once again on the trail, retracing our now solid snow track.
Two hikers were lost on the way out, but I hear they were able to "enjoy the views". Pour House as usual.
Ah man. Looks like it was another great TNAB night and I've gotta be stuck down here in warm sunny California. Damn the luck! I'm looking forward to seeing the group shot and pictures!
Fun little stroll up the rocky "trail" to the Balcony. The snow in the trees will definitely be sticking around for awhile. No sunset appeared last night; can't enjoy it every time out otherwise it wouldn't be quite so special.
Btw, I don't want to hijack the TNAB thread, but saw this yesterday and your post reminded me of it: The Claim: Nasal Irrigation Can Ease Allergy Symptoms. I'm going to try and go allergy drug free this year with some help from lots of saline nasal spray. Also, I find that strenuous exercise of any sort really helps open everything up, even if only for a while.
Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 1992 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle, WA
Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:19 am
Wow - you mean to tell me there's someone TALLER than yukon on TNAB trips now? Yukon is generally the giant in every trip photo I've been in with him. He's just barely peeping around the shoulder of Super Tall Guy (sorry I don't know your name)!
Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 1882 | TRs | Pics Location: Round the Bend
Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:17 pm
Wonderful weather, great group, fast feet, playful pups, this trip had everything but the spectacular sunset!
ps. Sorry I made your cranium all lumpy Nordic.
Thanks for another great Thursday night! Unfortunately I seem to have lost my afterburners (did I ever have any??) and was huffing and puffing in the back within four seconds.
Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 292 | TRs | Pics Location: North Bend
Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:49 pm
the lykkens wrote:
ps. Sorry I made your cranium all lumpy Nordic.
No problem... as Ingunn pointed that was probably due to mosquito attack... (which reminds me - I have to put some bug repellent in my backpack so that I don't forget it next time). The mosquitoes must've also sucked all my blood because I seem to be as pale as a ghost... ( maybe I am a ghost... after all who else could make it from Dirty Harry's Balcony to McClellan Butte and back in about 5 minutes...well, maybe other than Yukon or ZeusDaddy )
Not that I don't appreciate your photoshopping skills or anything but next time I'll try not to wander off until the summit photo is taken; it's just that those rocks on the lower portion of the balcony were simply calling me and I couldn't help myself...
Thanks for another great Thursday night! Unfortunately I seem to have lost my afterburners (did I ever have any??) and was huffing and puffing in the back within four seconds.
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I'm looking forward to seeing the group shot and pictures!
( maybe I am a ghost... after all who else could make it from Dirty Harry's Balcony to McClellan Butte and back in about 5 minutes...well, maybe other than Yukon or ZeusDaddy 