Defiance was the 2011 choice for Chango’s annual 4th of July flag planting ceremony. Six of us landed in a packed parking lot about 10am, but ditched the crowds at the Mason Lake turnoff.
The trail to this point is in late (Ira) spring condition-- the biters were minimal and the flowers / bushes only budding. Once we began descending to Mason, snow patched the way until completely taking over at the lake.
Following a secondary tradition, the mad Bulgarian took a “refreshing” dip near the outlet, the only ice free zone. Manning up, one of the equally mad Poles waded in. His screaming assessment: that international four letter curse.
Nobody at the lake except a ranger, a rare opportunity to pretend we happened into a secret place (except for the toilet sign). Discovering the summer trail was challenging, so we simply headed in Defiance’s direction, moving up and over the ridge, trudging in snow all the way.
Instead of traversing the south face, we ascended from the east, topping out to extraordinary views to the Olys, the Sound, Baker, Stuart, Adams, and Rainier.
Two baby carrots lay on the ground around the summit rocks, so we rolled up a snowman to help us celebrate.
As I was the only American citizen, it fell to me to squeak out the National Anthem for the flag ceremony—could have used your support, B C’munk and Mountain Man!
The descent was less frightful than we expected, and included a couple swift glissades. We used only boots and poles, but were very aware of the many spots of unsupported snow. It will be a couple weeks before the summer trail completely melts out—and then for the flower show on the south face!
-------------- "You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
-------------- "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them."
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2099 | TRs | Pics Location: The road less traveled
Wed Jul 06, 2011 7:59 pm
furthur wrote:
As I was the only American citizen, it fell to me to squeak out the National Anthem for the flag ceremony—could have used your support, B C’munk and Mountain Man!
WHAT?? I WASN'T INVITED on the 4th of July hike this time?! Oh well, you don't want to hear me try to sing, trust me on that.
I can't believe Chango's not wearing a yellow shirt...what's up w/that?
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 365 | TRs | Pics Location: San Diego
Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:17 pm
furthur wrote:
Following a secondary tradition, the mad Bulgarian took a “refreshing” dip near the outlet, the only ice free zone. Manning up, one of the equally mad Polacks waded in. His screaming assessment: that international four letter curse.
Ahh, darn it! I missed the swim!
-------------- Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
Checked the date when I was last up Defiance--16 July, 2006. My notes describe the south face flower meadow in full bloom, and not a flake of snow. On the other hand, the lake was people-packed and the trail buzzed loudly with hungry bugs, so the unique solitude of a snowy visit was quite a treat!
-------------- "You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
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Oh well, you don't want to hear me try to sing, trust me on that. 
.
