Previous :: Next Topic |
Author |
Message |
Gwen LO Girl-of-the-Month
Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 1673 | TRs | Pics
|
|
Gwen
LO Girl-of-the-Month
|
Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:03 pm
|
|
|
Had the opportunity to go hiking with a Madman so I took a day off from work (gasp!). Knew it would be a long day so I opted to drive down the day before and spend the night. As previously posted, this was the best idea in the whole of the Universe since I had such a stellar day on Mazama Ridge on Monday with another new hiking partner. Anyway...
The plan was to research some trails in the South District of the Mount Tahoma Trails System. Choices were Snow Bowl or High Hut and we chose High Hut.
The trek up follows the road and the snow is currently compact enough to boot up (thus saving me almost 4 miles of snowshoeing). It's a somewhat mundane slog, just a gradual climb up with nothing of real interest to capture your attention, but with good company it's a nice walk. En route, we encountered this...
I've never seen anything like it in my life!
...and a really nice group headed back down after spending two nights up at the hut. (Call me jealous!)
As you near the top, the views start to break out with St Helens to the southwest, Adams peaking here and there to the southeast, and, once you crest the hill, Rainier.
The hut itself is impeccably maintained both by the MTTA and the people who use it. So very nice to see something so loved and cared for.
After lollygagging around taking pics and eating lunch (I remembered my gourmet sandwich this time), we headed back down, intent on making it back before sundown. In order to maximize research, we opted to take the route via Anderson Lakes. NOW it was time to put on the snowshoes.
Other than a pretty swift drop into the lakes basin, and a little route finding around the lake (neither of us was comfortable walking ACROSS the lake with how warm it's been lately), the trip down was easy-peasy. Clouds were really starting to roll in, darkening the whole landscape. It was going to be a full moon night, but I doubt there was much moon to be seen. Made it back to the truck right about sunset, drove back to Ashford, left my super secret hiking companion and headed out for the long drive home. I think I pulled in about 8:15, exhausted from two wonderful days of hiking, snowshoeing, and socializing.
Nearing High Hut High Hut - The Final Approach A Room with a View St. Helens under moody skies. Skiers heading out. Zoom
By my calculations, we covered about 9 miles RT and climbed a cumulative total of 2,680'.
Tomorrow's not promised to anyone, so be bold, scare yourself, attempt something with no guarantee of success. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve. -Olive McGloin
Tomorrow's not promised to anyone, so be bold, scare yourself, attempt something with no guarantee of success. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve. -Olive McGloin
|
Back to top |
|
|
like2thruhike Member
Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 1288 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
Jesus in red....With a sled....
|
Back to top |
|
|
half fast member
Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 1392 | TRs | Pics Location: Living the dream in my 5th Wheel |
It's all about the fun, oh and maybe the chocolate - half fast
|
Back to top |
|
|
Pikawhisperer Wag More, Bark Less!
Joined: 14 Sep 2011 Posts: 441 | TRs | Pics Location: Somewhere in a lookout |
|
Back to top |
|
|
cambajamba Member
Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 339 | TRs | Pics
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Gwen LO Girl-of-the-Month
Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 1673 | TRs | Pics
|
|
Gwen
LO Girl-of-the-Month
|
Sat Feb 11, 2012 12:09 pm
|
|
|
Tomorrow's not promised to anyone, so be bold, scare yourself, attempt something with no guarantee of success. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve. -Olive McGloin
|
Back to top |
|
|
cambajamba Member
Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 339 | TRs | Pics
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).
|