Hike Of The Month 2006

[+Criminal]

Current plan is to meet up at the trailhead for Big Mt Si with a decision to go/no go. Backup if a no go is to go to Little Mt Si.

 

I did just get off the phone with my brother and he said with the recent snow and hail in the area the Big Mt Si is blanketed again but he doesn't know by how much... He did suggest Rattle Snake Ridge as an alternative if the snow looks like too much a barrier.

 

Personally, I'm up for almost anything. I'm just trying to keep our out of town visitor in mind and not cause him to haul everything on the plane. If we can keep out of the snowline then that's the plan as I see it. If anybody has a different perspective or idea, please do pipe up.

 

Little Mt Si works as a good backup because the trailhead is closer. If there is a desire to go for a longer hike, then Rattlesnake Ridge makes for the more desirable hike and is still close enough not to be a hassle. In fact, we can probably do a couple shorties and do both the Little Mt Si and some of Rattlesnake Ridge if that is the consensus.

I could suggest Boulder River, there's no snow and it's only about 8 miles RT. It's a bit of a drive though.

[+TotemLake]

Boulder River is another good hike. Very easy and with moderate inclines.

 

Little Mt Si... I want to say it's about 3.5 miles RT, but I'm talking out my hat till I get home and look at the track data again. This can be done fairly quickly depending on your speed. As I mentioned above, there was one part that needed a little oompf, and I don't know if that was repaired or not. It took me a half day at my slow speed to get in and out. I'll update this info when I get home sometime tonight.

Edited April 19, 2006 by TotemLake

[+TotemLake]

Little Mt Si... I want to say it's about 3.5 miles

Distance is confirmed as round trip.

 

So do we want to do Little Mt Si? or do a longer hike at Boulder River?

[+TotemLake]

Ok based on the lack of a response, I'm starting with Little Si. Big Mt Si sounds too hazardous to try without appropriate gear such as snowshoes. I will be there by 8AM with a buddy of mine and maybe my brother. I'll be on the trail about 15-20 minutes after that. Look for a white jeep with the Taz Devil on the tailgate and a geocaching.com trailer hitch cover. I'll be on FRS 02.

 

I'll try to work out Jester's new puzzle cache but I'll be honest and say I can use a little nudge.

 

Based on local trail conditions, the geopup will not be attending. I don't need her tugging at me while I'm trying to maintain my balance in possible slippery conditions. She will be with me on Saturday at the Spring Fling though.

 

Trailhead coordinates are N 47° 29.208', W 121° 45.205'. Parking can handle about 20 cars.

 

Hope to see some folks there!

Edited April 19, 2006 by TotemLake

[+AndrewRJ]

ok see you there

[+The Jester]

LIttle Si is a 5 mile RT with about 1200' elevation gain. I used to do it in just over 2 hours with a 60 pound pack (training) - but the trail is different now, easier at the start but a little longer I think.

 

If you do Little Si, make sure you solve Shelob's Lair (GCTYYF) before you leave...

[+AndrewRJ]

LIttle Si is a 5 mile RT with about 1200' elevation gain. I used to do it in just over 2 hours with a 60 pound pack (training) - but the trail is different now, easier at the start but a little longer I think.

 

If you do Little Si, make sure you solve Shelob's Lair (GCTYYF) before you leave...

 

Have it solved Helps that I have a set

[+TotemLake]

LIttle Si is a 5 mile RT with about 1200' elevation gain. I used to do it in just over 2 hours with a 60 pound pack (training) - but the trail is different now, easier at the start but a little longer I think.

 

If you do Little Si, make sure you solve Shelob's Lair (GCTYYF) before you leave...

 

Your hide was clever but Little Blue made short work of it.

 

The trail still comes out to 3.5 miles on my GPS after deleting the high speed wild swings and the wandering track while sitting at one spot.

 

That was a great hike and the weather was awesome! I'm only sorry I couldn't continue on with the next impromptu cache hunt due to my leg giving out.

 

The party consisted of The Leprechauns, andrewrj, Little Blue and myself. Thanks for being there y'all! I had a blast!

 

Which brings me to Big Si. there is a tad bit of snow left at the top. It's ready for a hike.

Edited April 23, 2006 by TotemLake

[+TotemLake]

May is coming up.

 

Anybody up for a hike?

 

Big Si?

[+TotemLake]

I'm planning on a hike on the 27th. Big Si. I'll likely be there at 8AM.

[+AndrewRJ]

I'm planning on a hike on the 27th. Big Si. I'll likely be there at 8AM.

Umm I plan on being there so I hope nothing gets in the way.

[+EraSeek]

Work and a wedding. My giddyup is kinda in and out lately anyway.

[+EraSeek]

Hmm. May not have to work and the wedding is late so.. maybe.

[+TotemLake]

Cool. It looks like I have family joining us too. As for the giddy up, I'm not all that quick myself.

[+Team Jac'd]

I'm planning on a hike on the 27th. Big Si. I'll likely be there at 8AM.

 

Hoping to make it for this one... I'll avoid doing RMT and getting injured again.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

Ok, I just put in 7 hours of yard work and got the kid to do the kitchen. That should put me in good for the hike.

[MarcusArelius]

So anyone feel like checking the mail next weekend if it is nice?

 

BTW TL, I got you beat. 12 hours log splitting over 3 foot diameter cottonwood. No I'm not going to burn it, just making it small enough to fit in a chipper.

Edited May 14, 2006 by MarcusArelius

[+The Jester]

So anyone feel like checking the mail next weekend if it is nice?

 

BTW TL, I got you beat. 12 hours log splitting over 3 foot diameter cottonwood. No I'm not going to burn it, just making it small enough to fit in a chipper.

You want to come down and help me get rid of 110 feet of fallen poplar?

[MarcusArelius]

Yeah right funny guy! That was using a machine and it was the second day of it. Now the chipping part is kinda fun. Expensive bark though.

[+TotemLake]

Just a quick note to indicate I'll be there at 8AM Saturday, with my little brother and the THC are: N47° 29.268, W121° 43.388.

 

See ya there!

[+chanterelleman]

I will try to be there.

[+TotemLake]

It's looking like rain on Saturday. Now's the time to say move it to Monday or keep it as scheduled.

[+EraSeek]

Might not make it on Saturday. It may be our only day to celebrate our 26th aniversary. Monday I already have a comitment. Sunday I think is open, but schedule as you will. I'll just show up if I can.

[+AndrewRJ]

It's looking like rain on Saturday. Now's the time to say move it to Monday or keep it as scheduled.

I don't care, either way is good for me.

[+TotemLake]

Sounds good to me! I'd rather keep it on Saturday to give me the next two days to recoup.

[+Team Jac'd]

Sounds good to me! I'd rather keep it on Saturday to give me the next two days to recoup.

 

Still trying to make it for Saturday morning, and I like the idea of having 2 days to recover.

 

What can we expect of this hike, from anyone who has done it? Which caches to cover? And more importantly, what is the go-nogo decision and when will we make it?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

My No Go decision will be based on lightening in the local area when I'm eating breakfast at my brother's house 3 miles from the trailhead. I'll set up a bookmark tonight of the caches that are on the trail. I tracked the trail on the USGS map as no more than 14 miles if we walk the loop with some backtrack if Kamikaze is still closed, and no ferrying between trailheads. The trailheads are about a mile apart so the walk along the road won't be all bad.

 

As an aside, I'll likely fall back almost immediately to walk with my brother and his young kids on the first mile or so. We'll keep in touch by radio.

[+EraSeek]

Might not make it on Saturday. It may be our only day to celebrate our 26th aniversary. Monday I already have a comitment. Sunday I think is open, but schedule as you will. I'll just show up if I can.

 

Opps, got my days mixed up. Sunday I have a commitment. Monday I think is free.

[+TotemLake]

This link to my bookmark should work. Otherwise, go to my profile and see the bookmark there.

[+AndrewRJ]

 

Hey TL I don't know what happened but you might want to check that bookmark you posted. I refuse to walk to Oregon to get that cache, no matter how much you may want it.

 

 

Oh and I think there might be a brand Y cache on the way as well.

[+TotemLake]

Blame it on tired eyes.

 

It's fixed with 7 caches in the loop.

 

I'm confirmed to be there rain or shine and I'm ready to have another cuppa at the top when I'm enjoying lunch.

[+Criminal]

18 May WTA trip report, no snow reported.

[+TotemLake]

Thanks for the report! Of course, being we've had rain the last few days, pay no attention to the muddy part of it.

[+PastorDIC]

It would help when mentioning an upcoming hike if you entered at least one cache right away. Living 11 miles from the Oregon border, I had no clue where Mt Si was, and had to read a page and a half of forum messages just to find out!

Thanks.

[+TotemLake]

That would imply pre-planning and assume a general consensus would be okay with the suggestion. I merely put out the suggestion of location first. Then if everyone is agreed, I'll do the work to put up a bookmark... when I have the time.

 

Thanks for the suggestion though!

[MarcusArelius]

Hey, If you're going to be in the area. This cache is still waiting for the second to find 1 year later.

[+chanterelleman]

I always bring my dog along. If there is still snow to contend with, I will put off Mt Si until it warms up. I will look forward to another chance meeting with a group of caching nuts.

[+TotemLake]

Unless a freak storm comes through, there might be patches of snow on the mountain. According the latest logs, none was photo'd or reported. I didn't see anything but minor patches when on Little Si last month.

 

Fwiw, I just confirmed with my little brother I'm picking him up tomorrow morning rain or shine.

Edited May 27, 2006 by TotemLake

[+AndrewRJ]

Unless a freak storm comes through, there might be patches of snow on the mountain. According the latest logs, none was photo'd or reported. I didn't see anything but minor patches when on Little Si last month.

 

Fwiw, I just confirmed with my little brother I'm picking him up tomorrow morning rain or shine.

 

Well looks like rain, hopefully it stops later since I will still be going.

[+TotemLake]

I'm pooped but it was a good hike with my brother and Andrew.

[+AndrewRJ]

I'm pooped but it was a good hike with my brother and Andrew.

Lot of fun but we didn't get Teneriffe so we will have to go back some time.

[+TotemLake]

Hooboy! I'm sore in every joint from my hips down.

 

We were off by our map reading as well, but not by much. We were on that 4WD road we thought we passed up. It turns out had we gone over that log we would have taken the high road towards Teneriffe, which was my original intent. Had we followed that 4WD, then the only way out in a hurry would have been down the ravine to the right and it would have brought back nightmares from last May.

 

At any rate, the track cleanup is complete and I logged that as 9 miles with some locations having 2D reception and a big signal echo at that rock face we were looking at.

[+TotemLake]

Updated the above track log. I'll add I was suprised to see the echo signal was not at the rock face when I overlayed the raw track to the Google Earth map. It was at the 200 @ 2000 cache.

Edited May 29, 2006 by TotemLake

[+Og's outfit]

Great map! I love it!

[+TotemLake]

Next hike was requested to not be a tough one, but this one was in the works 2 maybe 3 months back. I'm planning on an overnight hike on Colonel Bob for two caches on June 24 and 25. This mountain has been on my To Do list ever since I had to beg off 2 years ago.

[+TotemLake]

Deep snow still on Colonel Bob according to a recent log on Moonshine Madness. We'll need to push this out a month or so.

 

Any thoughts to any other hikes? Perhaps not as strenuous?

[+the4Grays]

We've been wanting to try Colonel Bob for a long time. Our plan this year was to get in some warm-up hikes and attempt the Colonel in August. Unfortunately, our hiking plans have been put on hold this summer. I (the Mrs) decided it would be fun to break my ankle on Memorial Day weekend.

 

It was a doozy! We were bike riding on the north shore of Lake Crescent when it happened. Wouldn't you know it, on the flattest area of the trail, I stopped my bike, put my foot on the ground, and must've stepped on a root because the next thing I know I'm looking at my foot from a whole new angle. After my husband and our friends got me splinted up, they realized that there was no way they'd be able to get me out of there by themselves. They called the Olympic Park rangers who showed up by boat, but quickly decided it was too risky to try to get me down the hillside to the water. They carried me for 2 miles back to the trailhead. They were fantastic! What a great group of people, I just wish we didn't have to meet them under such horrible circumstances. Anyway, the verdict was 2 broken bones, surgery, 9 pins and a plate. Ugh!

 

Anyway, if you guys go after the Colonel - have fun! Maybe next year. . .

Edited June 11, 2006 by the4Grays

[+TotemLake]

Ouch! That really sucks!

[+TotemLake]

I'm thinking about resurrecting Allanon's Lord Hill hike. This bookmark updates his with current caches. I'm looking at doing a loop with a possible backtrack or two. I'll set up a map in a day or two. These trails are rated moderate to intermediate.

[+Right Wing Wacko]

If you are looking for Ideas:

 

1. A Hike up the Galena - Mineral City trail north of Index. Four caches on the hike and a lot more in the area. About four miles one way with some elevation gain.

 

2. A Hike or Bike from Barlow to Monte Cristo. Several great caches on the route including one of the four oldest in the state. Four Miles one way.

Edited June 14, 2006 by Right Wing Wacko