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Sadie's Driver Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics Location: Welcome Pass |
Guess others figured it was "guilt by association." No one wanted to be along with Sadie for fear the gendarme would descend on them during the hike. So, it was only Sadie, Hiker Jim and the driver this dreary day. Left Seattle about 7:30 a.m. and it was raining. By the time we got to North Bend it turned to wet snow, traffic slowed and the road conditions were getting bad. We got to Exit 38 - we almost missed our exit because of all of the snow that had piled up, making the ramp look unpassable. We got onto old Highway 10 through Olallie State Park, turning left under the freeway at Exit 39 (no eastbound exit here). We headed on up through the gate (closes around 4:30 p.m.) with about 1 - 2" of new snow on the road.
Plenty of new snow this day
Looked for parking near the trailhead but wound up driving all the way to the Fire Training Center and turned around before deciding on a parking spot about 1/4 of mile from the trailhead. Unloaded, geared up and headed up towards the trailhead before 9:00 a.m. - even though we were at 1600' it was snowing like crazy.
On the road to the trailhead - Sadie checking for the authorities Trailhead to Dirty Harry
The snow level was supposed to be about 2000' but we had snow the whole way. At about 2600' the snow got serious and deeper. It appeared someone had brushed out some of the slide alder - but we were still lifting branches to clear our path. Between the slide alder and the creek bed/rocks it was slippery going - the deeper the snow, the better!
Heading up the old road
Today was NOT a view day - what a difference a week makes!
Today's views Jim capturing a view shot
We kept plodding along - following as best we could the old road - no avalanche danger - even at the boulder field - but the new snow was getting deeper and deeper.
Tree blocking the trail (go around it on the left - piece of cake) Sadie and Jim heading up the trail. Love that slide alder. Boulder field
Finally, we got to about 4000' and the wind was blowing hard; the snow was coming down steadily; and it was getting deeper and deeper. We all were getting hungry and were cold and wet - so it was break time to grab a bite to eat.
Plodding through at least a foot or more of fresh powder Lunchtime?
Jim and the driver changed their soaking wet gloves to a fresh, dry pair and the driver changed her soaking wet shirt and coat. We thought about what was ahead of us: another 45 minute slog to the summit (less than a mile to go and 700') and the fact that it's unprotected and the winds would be howling - and the decision was easy - head down! Since there were no views anyway . . .
Trail ahead Where's Jim?
Dirty Harry's seemed like the best option for a day like today, given the conditions. We probably got in around 2700' of gain and 8 miles RT. The road to the Fire Training Center had been plowed, but as we walked back to the car, we saw a nice Lexus in the ditch on its side.
Sadie is resting comfortably - her reputation untainted.
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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Foist Sultan of Sweat
Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 3974 | TRs | Pics Location: Back! |
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Foist
Sultan of Sweat
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Sat Feb 24, 2007 6:21 pm
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That would be "on the lam."
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naturealbeing Member
Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Posts: 1565 | TRs | Pics Location: Great Mystery |
Sadie's Dream
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JimK Member
Joined: 07 Feb 2002 Posts: 5606 | TRs | Pics Location: Ballard |
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JimK
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Sat Feb 24, 2007 6:41 pm
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She was feeling a little sheepish after all the attention last week. I'd go with "lamb".
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Sadie's Driver Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics Location: Welcome Pass |
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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Sadie's Driver Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics Location: Welcome Pass |
naturealbeing wrote: | Sadie's Dream |
NB - I want some of those 'shrooms!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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GeoTom Member
Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 3215 | TRs | Pics Location: Earth |
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GeoTom
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Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:11 pm
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Sandwiches everywhere thank you for keeping Sadie away this weekend!
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