Hike of the Month 2007

9.5k · December 29, 2006

2006 proved a lot of fun for Hike of the Month even if only half the year actually got scheudled. So here we go with HOTM 2007!

9.5k · December 29, 2006

January 20 doesn't conflict with any events according to the latest Event calendar.

I'm looking at doing a snowshoe hike and currently the elevation will be above 4,000' unless we get a lot of snow between now and then. I'm very interested in starting easy with no more than a 3 or 4 mile RT. I am very open to suggestions.

Failing that, Stevens Pass is the first place I started looking and to toss out a goal to achieve; GCM1V2 - Skyline Lake and GCM1TX - Skyline View look tempting. It's roughly 2.5 miles RT with 1100' elevation gain, so this is a little bit challenging to start off with in a duck waddle.

December 29, 2006

I'll be there and I'll even bring the chili this time.

5.9k · December 29, 2006

I like the way that sounds.

I will be on rental snowshoes, unlike Mr. Fancypants with his cool new ones.

9.5k · December 29, 2006

I did say Santa was good to me. <_<

9.5k · December 30, 2006

Currently bookmarked.

December 30, 2006

I got a set just like Totem Lake's on the way.

January 2, 2007

Add me to the definite maybe list.

Santa was also very good to me this year in addition to the kayak he dropped off on Christmas he also stopped by on the 31st with a pair of new snowshoes too.

January 2, 2007

I don't know this for a fact but I'm guessing bad knees and snowshoes don't mix.

January 2, 2007

I don't know this for a fact but I'm guessing bad knees and snowshoes don't mix.

but i thought your knees were brand new.

9.5k · January 8, 2007

Currently bookmarked.

Revised the HOTM for Grumblecache IV: Caching Through the Snow . It has an easier elevation gain.

Looking at a meet up time of 9 AM on January 20 at the upper lodge.

Edited January 8, 2007 by TotemLake

January 8, 2007

I'm in.

That being said Mt. Baker is a 300mile R/T for me so I'm hoping that we can set up a car pool to help off-set some of the fuel expense.

9.5k · January 8, 2007

I'm in.

That being said Mt. Baker is a 300mile R/T for me so I'm hoping that we can set up a car pool to help off-set some of the fuel expense.

That's a good idea. Criminal can catch up with you. You guys can meet me in Kirkland. We can stop and pick up Ray on the way up. I'll let you know if my status on the carpool changes. I may have a couple of newbs coming with me.

3.7k · January 11, 2007

Some of us are a bit confused: What is the current HOM on Jan. 20? It was originally Skyline, as mentioned earlier in this thread, and that is what is listed on the Calendar. But sounds like you may have switched to Mt Baker and Grumblecache IV.

Would be great to get an update on exactly what/where for the 20th, and which caches are in the running.

Thanks muchly!

9.5k · January 11, 2007

Calendar is lagging by no fault of the owner of the calendar. Bear in mind, the authoritative location for curent information will be this thread as it will be easier to keep up with changes.

The current plan because the elevation gain is easier is Mt Baker. Instead of 1000 feet in one mile, it's 1000 feet in 2 miles. Which I'm pretty sure I briefly explained here.

Meet up time at the TH is planned for 9AM with carpooling encouraged to help reduce costs.

Again, all of this is fluid and subject to change based on avalanche and weather conditions.

Edited January 11, 2007 by TotemLake

3.7k · January 11, 2007

Calendar is lagging by no fault of the owner of the calendar. Bear in mind, the authoritative location for curent information will be this thread as it will be easier to keep up with changes.

The current plan because the elevation gain is easier is Mt Baker. Instead of 1000 feet in one mile, it's 1000 feet in 2 miles. Which I'm pretty sure I briefly explained here.

Meet up time at the TH is planned for 9AM with carpooling encouraged to help reduce costs.

Again, all of this is fluid and subject to change based on avalanche and weather conditions.

Thanks! Yes, I saw your earlier post in the thread, but since there was conflicting info about, wanted clarification. Cache ahead thought the hike was still at Skyline, so thought I'd check, and also see if there was more info on other caches and locale. Thanks again for the info!

9.5k · January 11, 2007

Calendar is lagging by no fault of the owner of the calendar. Bear in mind, the authoritative location for curent information will be this thread as it will be easier to keep up with changes.

The current plan because the elevation gain is easier is Mt Baker. Instead of 1000 feet in one mile, it's 1000 feet in 2 miles. Which I'm pretty sure I briefly explained here.

Meet up time at the TH is planned for 9AM with carpooling encouraged to help reduce costs.

Again, all of this is fluid and subject to change based on avalanche and weather conditions.

Thanks! Yes, I saw your earlier post in the thread, but since there was conflicting info about, wanted clarification. Cache ahead thought the hike was still at Skyline, so thought I'd check, and also see if there was more info on other caches and locale. Thanks again for the info!

No worries. I still want to do Skyline, but it seems prudent to warm up to the elevation gain with a new gait.

So... does that mean you both will be joining us?

3.7k · January 14, 2007

No worries. I still want to do Skyline, but it seems prudent to warm up to the elevation gain with a new gait.

So... does that mean you both will be joining us?

Nope, been there, done that. :blink:

FYI: Cache ahead thinks the physicality involved for Grumblecache IV is about the same as Skyline the Top (which she helped place).

Edited January 14, 2007 by hydnsek

9.5k · January 14, 2007

No worries. I still want to do Skyline, but it seems prudent to warm up to the elevation gain with a new gait.

So... does that mean you both will be joining us?

Nope, been there, done that.

FYI: Cache ahead thinks the physicality involved for Grumblecache IV is about the same as Skyline the Top (which she helped place).

Yah I caught wind of your efforts today from LnR while at REI. So who claimed FTF? (and congrats!)

CacheAhead's assesment is, for the record, spot on it seems. A book called Snowshoe Routes by Dan Nelson, puts this hike at about 5.5 miles RT with 1200 foot elevation gain and rates it as more difficult. The Skyline Lake; also rated at more difficult is 3 miles with 1100 foot elevation gain.

Edited January 14, 2007 by TotemLake

3.7k · January 14, 2007

Yah I caught wind of your efforts today from LnR while at REI. So who claimed FTF? (and congrats!)

See if I ever tell them anything again.... it's a co-FTF, we did it together. And thanks!

9.5k · January 14, 2007

Yah I caught wind of your efforts today from LnR while at REI. So who claimed FTF? (and congrats!)

See if I ever tell them anything again.... it's a co-FTF, we did it together. And thanks!

:blink:

btw... i added a bit more to my post while you responded. Looking forward to reading the logs!

Edited January 14, 2007 by TotemLake

January 14, 2007

Went out and tried the new showshoes today, looking forward to this weekend.

3.7k · January 15, 2007

FYI: Cache ahead thinks the physicality involved for Grumblecache IV is about the same as Skyline the Top (which she helped place).

CacheAhead's assesment is, for the record, spot on it seems. A book called Snowshoe Routes by Dan Nelson, puts this hike at about 5.5 miles RT with 1200 foot elevation gain and rates it as more difficult. The Skyline Lake; also rated at more difficult is 3 miles with 1100 foot elevation gain.

Clarification: Cache Ahead was comparing Grumblecache to Skyline the Top (the cache made famous by CavScout's effort last winter). She said the Skyline Lake cache was quite easy in comparison.

The route is completely unmarked, and unlike you we didn't do our homework, but there were quite a few folks in the 'out of bounds' area, snowshoeing, XC sking and snowboarding, so we asked a few and found the right routes (don't want to blindly follow the GPS in avalanche country - we ran into a ski patroller who pointed out an area right next to where we were where 3 kids were caught in an avalanche and two died).

The route has a few steep hills, which CA found quite challenging without poles. She was expecting it to be easier, so decided not to bring them. I had mine, which really helped, and I had a great time. The area is lovely, and the clouds parted literally as we found the cache, to reveal a panoramic view, with Mount Shuksan front and center.

Can't wait to go snowshoeing again!

9.5k · January 15, 2007

If he was referencing the avalanche of 2004, two of the three survived. I can pull up the Seattle Times article that I read it from.

3.7k · January 15, 2007

If he was referencing the avalanche of 2004, two of the three survived. I can pull up the Seattle Times article that I read it from.

It was a she, actually. :lol: Not sure what event she was referencing, but I think she was there, and she seemed knowledgeable about it.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day, with no avalanches.

9.5k · January 15, 2007

If he was referencing the avalanche of 2004, two of the three survived. I can pull up the Seattle Times article that I read it from.

It was a she, actually. Not sure what event she was referencing, but I think she was there, and she seemed knowledgeable about it.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day, with no avalanches.

Glad to hear it was a wonderful day.

Avalanche report for Artist Point

Seattle Times article Part 1 and Part 2. The date threw me. It happened December 2003, but they interviewed the survivors a couple months later.

As you pointed out, I do research an area I'm about to go into. :lol:

As for Skyline Lake and Ridge, the ridge is merely 1/2 mile further, but the rating was for both as they are both mentioned on the same page in the Snowshoe Routes.

3.7k · January 15, 2007

If he was referencing the avalanche of 2004, two of the three survived. I can pull up the Seattle Times article that I read it from.

It was a she, actually. Not sure what event she was referencing, but I think she was there, and she seemed knowledgeable about it.

Avalanche report for Artist Point

Seattle Times article Part 1 and Part 2. The date threw me. It happened December 2003, but they interviewed the survivors a couple months later.

Doesn't sound like the same event. She mentioned three teenagers who were snowboarding, and she pointed to a shallow bowl that is not on the AP road/trail. But you'd think that would have gotten equal press, so perhaps she misremembers and this is the real story.

Edited January 15, 2007 by hydnsek

9.5k · January 15, 2007

If he was referencing the avalanche of 2004, two of the three survived. I can pull up the Seattle Times article that I read it from.

It was a she, actually. Not sure what event she was referencing, but I think she was there, and she seemed knowledgeable about it.

Avalanche report for Artist Point

Seattle Times article Part 1 and Part 2. The date threw me. It happened December 2003, but they interviewed the survivors a couple months later.

Doesn't sound like the same event. She mentioned three teenagers who were snowboarding, and she pointed to a shallow bowl that is not on the AP road/trail. But you'd think that would have gotten equal press, so perhaps she misremembers and this is the real story.

Both are possible. They might've put a different name to it like Bagley Lakes OSLT. I found another report for 2006 using Heather Meadows where a Calif man was killed so it isn't unlikely.

Edited January 15, 2007 by TotemLake

9.5k · January 15, 2007

Anyway, it was a wonderful day, with no avalanches.

Your log has me stoked for the hike!

9.5k · January 17, 2007

Ray has one maybe coming with him.

That leaves me with one seat for certain to be open, maybe 2.

Meet up time at the Heather Meadows is targeted at 9AM. We are planning on a meet up at Lowes at 7:30AM to consolidate seats as much as possible and caravan from there.

LOWE'S OF MOUNT VERNON, WA

1717 FREEWAY DRIVE

MOUNT VERNON, WA 98273

Radios - FRS 2

PM me for my phone number if you need it.

Again, this is a snowshoe hike! Plan for the cold! Handwarmers if you got em will probably be a good idea. I'll have my camp stove for hot drinks at the summit. Read Hydnsek's log for expectations.

January 17, 2007

Mr. Garmin tells me that it's a 90 minute drive from Federal Way to Mt. Vernon, not sure I beleive that but I will be leaving FW at 0600 just the same. Anyone coming from the South end want to meet up to car pool to Mt. Vernon.

FYI I have room for 5 including myself.

9.5k · January 18, 2007

I should add if you want to take advantage of my stove for a hot drink, you'll need to bring your own mug.

January 19, 2007

I wish I could go on one of these but I don't have child care on the weekends and my youngest is just too little for long hikes.

9.5k · January 19, 2007

That's too bad. Unfortunately, weekends are all I get off until I can upgrade to my retirement plan.

However, I don't want anybody to think this thread is exclusive to any hikes I schedule. Please feel free to use it as a central thread for any hike of the month you would like to initiate.

Edited January 19, 2007 by TotemLake

January 20, 2007

I memtioned some thing about bringing chili earlier but I'm hoping to be able to make it back in time to catch the N48 event in Mount Veron for dinner.

January 20, 2007

I memtioned some thing about bringing chili earlier but I'm hoping to be able to make it back in time to catch the N48 event in Mount Veron for dinner.

I had thought about trying to make it to that event also, depending on if we gout back to the area in time and since it looks like I will be driving up to Mt Vernon by myself I don't have to worry about what any passanger want to do.

January 20, 2007

I memtioned some thing about bringing chili earlier but I'm hoping to be able to make it back in time to catch the N48 event in Mount Veron for dinner.

I had thought about trying to make it to that event also, depending on if we gout back to the area in time and since it looks like I will be driving up to Mt Vernon by myself I don't have to worry about what any passanger want to do.

Hope all you hardy snowshoers will make it back down the mountain in time for dinner in Mount Vernon! We'd enjoy hearing about your adventures! We'll try to save some food for you <_<

5.9k · January 21, 2007

Some highlights:

The hike organizer:

LandRover and SquareBear:

We saw overcast, snow, and even the sun! Once it was snowing while the sun was out.

LandRover on the Trail

SquareBear on top:

Me on top:

TotemLake on the last push to the cache:

The snowshoers ramp:

Edited January 21, 2007 by Criminal

9.5k · January 21, 2007

It was an awesome hike with great company. Next month will have an easier hike planned. team_Grumblecakes said wait for his next cache, and I responded... I can wait.... really.

3.7k · January 22, 2007

Great pictures, guys. And great logs, too! Sounds like you had almost as much fun as we did. :laughing: I'm shocked nobody took Prying Pandora's Triumph Over a Challenge coin, we left it for y'all, and you deserved it!

So, I just nominated Grumblecache IV for WSGA January Cache of the Month. Best cache trek I've done in a while.

2.5k · January 22, 2007

I wonder if it will get any votes. It seems like the good ones don't get votes because people haven't done them.

January 22, 2007

Well I am not going to nominate one this month so it gets my vote. It might be a couple years before I do that one but WOW that looks really fun!

3.7k · January 22, 2007

I wonder if it will get any votes. It seems like the good ones don't get votes because people haven't done them.

If we can get all six of us who've done it to vote for it, that would really help. And then we just need a few folks like superhoser to cinch it. It is one cool (literally) cache. :laughing:

1.9k · January 22, 2007

I have an FTF opportunity for next month: Weston's Mansion

I should be available any weekend to go with you. It's on the Iron Horse trail east of Thorp, so it should be a flat trail.

Edited January 22, 2007 by Dwoodford

January 22, 2007

This hike was a great time, spending the day with great friends can’t be beat. If you’ve been on the fence about coming out and joining us come on out every one always has a great time. Looking forward to next months adventure.

9.5k · January 22, 2007

This hike was a great time, spending the day with great friends can’t be beat. If you’ve been on the fence about coming out and joining us come on out every one always has a great time. Looking forward to next months adventure.

...and I can honestly say, no matter how long it takes you to push forward, the lead will always wait for you to catch up.

Edited January 22, 2007 by TotemLake

February 1, 2007

That's too bad. Unfortunately, weekends are all I get off until I can upgrade to my retirement plan.

However, I don't want anybody to think this thread is exclusive to any hikes I schedule. Please feel free to use it as a central thread for any hike of the month you would like to initiate.

Well my luck has changed on more then one level. My husband has been laid off so I now have childcare on the weekends.

9.5k · February 1, 2007

Suffered that for 2 1/2 years. My best wishes to a speedy and successful job search.

February 2, 2007

Thanks... so where is the hike this month?

I went up South Mountain yesterday, wow what summit that is..

9.5k · February 2, 2007

Thanks... so where is the hike this month?

I went up South Mountain yesterday, wow what summit that is..

I'm looking at several locations right now. Mostly, the focus has been centralized around the Whatcom area so I'm trying to find something on or near the peninsula. I'm also looking at the snowshoe bookmark Hydnsek has as a guide.

Criteria for this month are easier elevation gain (than last month's) and no more than 4-6 miles round trip. There's a lot of effort in uphill snowshoe hiking and I'm trying to keep this open to a wider range of skill levels as much as possible.

I hope to have a suggestion out by this weekend. Anybody CAN feel free to pipe in a suggestion that fits the above criteria. :unsure:

Hike of the Month 2007

Recommended Posts

Join the conversation