[iron]

this stefan character sure knows how to pick trips. i guess he has a little experience doing so... what a fabulous area. after coming back from the trip, i searched for people's reports on the white chuck area (kennedy hot springs, etc) and was saddened by the loss of access that came with the 2003 floods, especially now after seeing the area firsthand. so it goes. the way up was pleasant and easy.

smilin' in the sun

meadows en route to 5625

more meadows

r3h

looking east, you see two things: meadow mountain and YES! peak. good deal there.

meadow mountain

our series of ridges towards meadow's summit

and it was really awesome to see the back side of so many peaks that you often see from the other side. this area was definitely a gap-closer for my YES! peak vicinity peaks.

pugh looked mighty large

white chuck

heading down from the first summit, you could just sense the beauty and enjoyment that was ahead of us. how could one not just love the views + warm, sunny conditions?

down through the meadows

remembering that day not so long ago

heading towards YES! peak

beautiful ridge walk ahead

hello YES!

which way to go?

hotpantz and YES!

the ridge was easy and scenic. very alpine feeling. makes me want to come back for the flowers and meadows and bears(?).

pleasant ridge

cartman on 5625

the step machine

it's rough

some slide activity

hollywood taking it in

up the big mound

hey, that heart in the snow was for me!

great alpine splendor

nice runnels too. the snow felt like it was 1-2 weeks away from setting up a really good base for boots.

runnels

prints

the closer we got, the cooler meadow became.

meadow comes into view

so close

the group gathers and evaluates

great basin beneath meadow - would be nice to see in the fall

threats of moisture, but only a threat

impressive face

of course, the closer we got to meadow, the deeper we got into the wilderness. views of YES! peak kept improving (as did the light). good stuff.

okay view of YES!

fire mountain and YES!

YES!

stefan and the gang put in great steps to the summit. easy following for me. views from the top were sweet.

watching the show

shadows creeping in

so many ridges to run

dome and sinister

lime creek valley

kennedy ridge

buckindy traverse (almost)

it was nice of don b to explore the elevation-saving ridge back to our original tracks.

taking the short route back

then out. some firm snow in the forest in spots. c'mon summer!

heading out

that's one big axe you have

great bark

nice to have t-shirt and skirt weather

go, hiking!

busy beavers

nice creek

attempt 1

well, that's another way to try

[Backpacker Joe]

Hey, HP isnt wearing pants! Great pics.

[Magellan]

Really nice effort you guys! I immediately thought of Mike Collins WTA trip report from April 15, 2001.