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Sammy Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2015 Posts: 25 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Sammy
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Fri Sep 07, 2018 10:08 am
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My wife and I had plans for a bigger Northern Pickets traverse, but it was looking like Sunday was going to be the only day with good weather so we decided to do a quick trip to Luna instead. I wasn't really sure we could do it, but we've done Access Creek three times in the past year and knew we could get through there quickly. It was challenging for sure, but one of the most rewarding days we've spent in the mountains together. Sorry for the poor photos… most of these are video screenshots.
False Summit
We started at 2AM and were crossing the Ross Lake Dam about 15 minutes later. Crossing the dam in the dark was spooky!
2AM Ross Lake Dam
2 hours later we reached the Big Beaver trail and 3 hours later we finally left the trail to cross Big Beaver above where Access Creek flow into Big Beaver. We waded across, dried our feet and charged up access creek staying north of the creek the entire time and crossed back over around 3800’.
River Crossing Good ol' Access Creek
3 hours after leaving Big Beaver trail we arrived at the Access Creek headwaters where there are several nice camp sites. After a nice break, we started heading up the steep and loose gullies. One hour later we reached the top of the gullies and began the long heather traverse up to Luna Col. After many hours spent in the dark and then bushwhacking, it was so nice to finally get some views! The Southern Pickets definitely provided a nice boost of energy.
Access Creek Gullies Traverse to Luna Col
The traverse took one hour and then we arrived at the incredible Luna Col.
Luna Col
About 30 minutes later we made it to the false summit where we ate burritos and Safeway chicken strips.
Half way!
To get to the true summit, I down-climbed then traversed ledges then straight up to the summit with one or two 4th class moves. The down-climb from the false summit to the ledges is scary in my opinion and requires one pretty big step down where you can’t really see where to put your foot. There are some loose holds so be careful! I did this last year and I don’t remember it being so loose.
Summit Register
Reality started to sink in about how far we still had to go, and it kind of made me sick to my stomach haha! It was now 3:30PM knew we would have to hustle to get back to the Big Beaver crossing before dark. To my surprise, we made it to the river crossing at 8PM with just enough daylight to wade without headlamps. A few minutes later we arrived at the trail and only 17 miles left.
Starting the long trip back Big Beaver Crossing
The last 17 miles was a struggle. Many hallucinations multiple naps later, we finally arrived at the dam with the sun starting to rise.
Big Beaver Trail Ross Lake Dam 26 hours later
The final mile up to the parking lot was painful, but we made it and then passed out in the truck for many hours. Had a nice breakfast a Mondo in Marblemount, then home to our dog.
Done!!!!!!!!!!
~ 48 miles
~ 12,200’ gain
~ 26 hours
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Gimpilator infinity/21M
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 1684 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
Nicely done. I like those trips when you're not sure if you can do it, but you find out you can.
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olderthanIusedtobe Member
Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7709 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
Sammy wrote: | and only 17 miles left |
That's kind of funny. For most people that's a full day, not the last easy leg of a journey. Wow, that's a hell of an effort for a single push. I know some thru hikers get up into the 40 or 50 miles in a day range, but they aren't going off trail, bush wacking, and gaining 12,000' of elevation.
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awilsondc Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2016 Posts: 1324 | TRs | Pics
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Having done this peak earlier this year, I have extra respect for those that can do it in a day, or 26 hours, whatever. Hell of an effort! I'm still bummed I didn't sign the summer register when I was up there. Does that mean I have to go back? Great photos too, I love the high five!
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PorcupinePhobia Murse
Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 1002 | TRs | Pics Location: Hwy20 |
This is so metal
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RAW-dad Member
Joined: 07 Jul 2017 Posts: 119 | TRs | Pics Location: Oregon |
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RAW-dad
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Fri Sep 07, 2018 9:04 pm
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Crazy, but
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Brushbuffalo Member
Joined: 17 Sep 2015 Posts: 1887 | TRs | Pics Location: there earlier, here now, somewhere later... Bellingham in between |
Sammy wrote: | The final mile up to the parking lot was painful |
I hate that part, and I'm always too cheap to pay for the water taxi.....not that it an option for your ultramarathon!
Your wife undoubtedly now has the unofficial feminine record for FKT for Luna Peak.
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
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Kascadia Member
Joined: 03 Feb 2014 Posts: 651 | TRs | Pics
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Kascadia
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Sat Sep 08, 2018 11:20 pm
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Not to take any glory away from anyone that does this, but I think it was done last Sept by Jenni Schwegler in <24 hours.
It is as though I had read a divine text, written into the world itself, not with letters but rather with essential objects, saying:
Man, stretch thy reason hither, so thou mayest comprehend these things. Johannes Kepler
It is as though I had read a divine text, written into the world itself, not with letters but rather with essential objects, saying:
Man, stretch thy reason hither, so thou mayest comprehend these things. Johannes Kepler
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GaliWalker Have camera will use
Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 4930 | TRs | Pics Location: Pittsburgh |
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GaliWalker
Have camera will use
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Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:29 am
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What a trip and despite
Sammy wrote: | Sorry for the poor photos… most of these are video screenshots. |
it's clear you know how to take pictures. I really enjoyed them.
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Brushbuffalo Member
Joined: 17 Sep 2015 Posts: 1887 | TRs | Pics Location: there earlier, here now, somewhere later... Bellingham in between |
Kascadia wrote: | Not to take any glory away from anyone that does this, but I think it was done last Sept by Jenni Schwegler in <24 hours. |
That very well could be, but it is also an unofficial time unless following the "rules" of this new tend, Fastest Known Times.
In the final analysis, who cares anyway? I had a discussion with someone just last evening who maintained "Trail runners don't even see the scenery!" I pointed out that when moving fast, a runner can see even more scenery in less time.
Harvey Manning would be arguing strongly in his unique fashion, " They aren't SEEING the scenery! @#$%^&*"
I've been in both camps....used to be fast, now slow, but always seeing and loving the scenery.
Fast, slow, in between....everyone can enjoy the wild in their own way and at whatever speed. The important thing is not to be judgmental of different styles, while leaving no trace.
Anyway, back to the OP...excellent trip report and pictures! Congratulations on a fine...and quick!...climb of the classic 'Shark Fin'!
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
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uww Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2015 Posts: 319 | TRs | Pics
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uww
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Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:33 am
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Sammy Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2015 Posts: 25 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Sammy
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Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:36 am
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Gimpilator wrote: | Nicely done. I like those trips when you're not sure if you can do it, but you find out you can. |
Thanks man! Very cool to break through self-imposed barriers.
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Sammy Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2015 Posts: 25 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Sammy
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Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:41 am
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olderthanIusedtobe wrote: | Sammy wrote: | and only 17 miles left |
That's kind of funny. For most people that's a full day, not the last easy leg of a journey. Wow, that's a hell of an effort for a single push. I know some thru hikers get up into the 40 or 50 miles in a day range, but they aren't going off trail, bush wacking, and gaining 12,000' of elevation. |
Haha thanks! We definitely underestimated this part a bit.
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Sammy Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2015 Posts: 25 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Sammy
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Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:42 am
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awilsondc wrote: | Having done this peak earlier this year, I have extra respect for those that can do it in a day, or 26 hours, whatever. Hell of an effort! I'm still bummed I didn't sign the summer register when I was up there. Does that mean I have to go back? Great photos too, I love the high five! |
Thanks man! Same to you! Yep, it means you have to go back and get Fury also
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Sammy Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2015 Posts: 25 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Sammy
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Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:43 am
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PorcupinePhobia wrote: | This is so metal |
Thank you!!
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