[Bryan K]

The plan was to meet up with Gil at the TH at 8:00am. By 8:30 no Gil. I took to the Heather Lake trail and followed it up to the top of the switchbacks (2,000' or so) where I headed up for the ridge. The going was rather steep and slick with new snow and the fact that I had forgotten my poles at home

Bunch of junk to surmount on the way up to the ridge

Not long after a really crappy section I heard something behind me followed by "Hey Bryan!" I nearly jumped out of my shorts!!! I looked and saw Gil. He'd gotten a late start from home and got stuck in traffic. Turns out he got to the TH about 5 minutes after I took to the trail. As we went up the snow got deeper and I opted for my snowshoes. I started to slip quite a bit and I had a few choice words for myself for forgetting my poles. I haven't slipped so much in such a short period of time in quite a while. The going was steep and my fun meter was at a -1. Finally we got to the ridge and I re-grouped myself and my composure and we continued on. Staying on the ridgetop wasn't the easiest and navigating through, under and around trees was a bugger to say the least. I did the best I could to find us a good route, but eventually Gil's energy meter was near depleated. He decided to head back down and offered me his poles for the rest of the trip. I declined knowing that he'd probably need them on the way down more than I would. I bid him farewell and trudged onward.

So much snow!!

The ridge was steep and the going was slow! I had to stop quite frequently and catch my breath as breaking trail was taking a lot of time and energy.

The summit is obscured by snow and clouds

The last 400' of gain was the hardest I've done in a while. Snow was about thigh deep and short sections were steep and I found myself crawling more then hiking. I'd get a little respit from time to time but this was killing me! I certainly could have used another 10-20 people to help break trail. Finally the end was near and the slope tapered as I reached the summit.

Summit area

I was pretty wet and a bit cold so I didn't stick around the summit too long. I was bummed that I didn't get any views. It would have been really nice to see the lakes and Pilchuck, oh well, I'll take a summit no matter what the views. Oh, from the car at 8:30am, I was on the summit at 12:10pm I stayed for about 5 minutes before heading back. It was so nice to be done breaking trail

Looking back along the ridge

Heading back

Easy path back to the car

I made smoking time on the way back and found myself at the car by 1:20pm. Tired and wet, I had a smile on my face since I'd gotten back in the mountains and I didn't have any foot or knee pains the while time, that to me made for a successful trip! Another bagged peak was really nice too!!! Now, where to go tomorrow

[Fletcher]

Well, looks like I could have made it after all. Probably would have been pooped before an evening of work though. Glad the knee held up and you had a successful trip!

[Gil]

A great day out, even though I arrived late and left early! Sorry about my tardiness, Bryan, and sorry for the scare up there! I was pretty beat by the time I bailed out, but glad to see you made it. A couple of shots of you on the way up:

eaglet1

eaglet2

[puzzlr]

Given your experience, I wouldn't blame you if you never did it again. But under better conditions the views from the top are worthwhile, and the trip not so bad. Actually, the part I like the least is the trail through the second growth forest lower down. Unlike you going partly solo, my enjoyment was enhanced by being joined by my wonderful daughter, who I don't get to hike with enough.

Eaglet old growth navigation

[Josh Journey]

Bryan... where's the video? I saw it on facebook and got a kick out of it.

[Yana]

Hey Bryan or Gil, Where did the snow start?

[Gil]

Parking lot! But didnt really get deep until about 2400, n'est-ce pas, Bryan?

[Bryan K]

What Gil said

[beaudaddy]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that had the same experience with "The Eaglet". I did it last year in February with the same snow conditions, but better weather. The views from the top are great, but I wouldn't go back unless there was some random reason I needed to. It's for sure needs to be done at least once though!