Hike of the Month 2008

9.5k · May 19, 2008

I bet you guys were cooking on the trail! Was it logging roads, or were you able to catch a break and walk on a shady trail? Did you guys take any pictures?

We were on an access road for so short a period it didn't even really count. We had shade most of the time and lots of pictures were taken. It was a great time with great company. AndrewRJ was phenomenal with his trail knowledge and did a great job at leading the pack most of the way. When he finally tired of that, we each took turns at it. In spite of the heat, we hit most of the caches on the list. I'm only sorry we got out of the trail so late as we weren't able to watch me try to make a frito pie without a serving spoon.

Pictures to come soon.

May 19, 2008

Killer hike with a great group. Looking forward to doing another (shorter) hike with you all in the future. Thanks for the adventure!

JustMike

May 19, 2008

Well Done!

:huh: My next challenge to you :huh:

Kachees Ridge Loop: Domerie Divide

Kachees Ridge Loop: Mt. Thomas

Kachees Ridge Loop: Midpoint

Edited May 19, 2008 by Kiersolvd

3.7k · May 19, 2008

Well Done!

My next challenge to you

Kachees Ridge Loop: Domerie Divide

Kachees Ridge Loop: Mt. Thomas

Kachees Ridge Loop: Midpoint

Oooh, that sounds interesting. But when did Kachess get renamed Kachees? :huh:

May 19, 2008

:huh: Those look to be fun! Hmmm? Very interesting indeed. Just need a bit more snow pack to disappear and the search begins. If I get another pass to go out and play.

Besides.. today I picked up the mail and there were 2. Yes, 2 Pocket Decoders with my name on them. This could be a start of some fun caches along the way and other fun spots.

Keep an eye out... DasMutt is scratching.

May 19, 2008

Oooh, that sounds interesting. But when did Kachess get renamed Kachees?

After you do the hike then you should be able to spell it any way you like! :huh:

Edited May 19, 2008 by Kiersolvd

May 20, 2008

Well Done!

My next challenge to you

Kachees Ridge Loop: Domerie Divide

Kachees Ridge Loop: Mt. Thomas

Kachees Ridge Loop: Midpoint

That is a great series of caches...the ups and downs of the trail add up to about 5000 feet of cumulative elevation gain if I remember correctly. The views, however, are incredible.

9.5k · May 20, 2008

Well Done!

My next challenge to you

Kachees Ridge Loop: Domerie Divide

Kachees Ridge Loop: Mt. Thomas

Kachees Ridge Loop: Midpoint

If I recall my answer correctly when we were on our way down...

Next month will be shorter, and easier. :laughing:

9.5k · May 20, 2008

I was asked about a calorie counter for hiking. Here's one that seems to post a middle of the road count. There are others that will post lower and higher. When putting down your weight, add your backpack weight to the total amount.

http://www.self.com/health/activity/calculators/hiking

1.9k · May 20, 2008

You know, I was thinking about a Cougar HOTM.

9.5k · May 20, 2008

You know, I was thinking about a Cougar HOTM.

Completed in October 2004 before bookmarks. Kealia was visiting at the time.

1.9k · May 20, 2008

You know, I was thinking about a Cougar HOTM.

Completed in October 2004 before bookmarks. Kealia was visiting at the time.

There's lots of new caches there, though.

3.7k · May 20, 2008

You know, I was thinking about a Cougar HOTM.

Completed in October 2004 before bookmarks. Kealia was visiting at the time.

There's lots of new caches there, though.

So true. :laughing: I just counted at least 20 active ones placed within the Cougar Mtn park system since October 2004, with more to come (heh heh).

Edit: I just created a Caching Cougar Mountain bookmark list, which contains all the caches within the Cougar Mountain trail system, including Cougar Mountain Regional Park and the adjoining Coal Creek Park and Issaquah trails. There are 34 caches on the list; hope I didn't miss any. I also included trail info to help those not familiar with the park.

Edited May 20, 2008 by hydnsek

3.7k · May 20, 2008

Killer hike with a great group. Looking forward to doing another (shorter) hike with you all in the future. Thanks for the adventure!

JustMike

Ditto. This was an awesome HOTM, even though we were dead tired, dehydrated, and delirious by the end. And this was the hottest May 17 on record; our thermometers read a humid 81F by early afternoon; SeaTac officially recorded 90F. :laughing:

Thanks to Tibby's People for suggesting the group TMT hike, even though they got sick and couldn't make it, and to TotemLake for organizing it as the May HOTM. And special thanks to my hiking companions - y'all made it worth every step! :laughing:

9.5k · May 20, 2008

Thanks Hydnsek, for remembering what I forgot to do. I'm super glad Tibby's People had the fortitude to even suggest an epic hike and get the ball rolling. I sent them a personal PM highly recommending a follow up hike when weather is cooler to allow those who missed out this time to get in on the hike the next time.

Btw, I'm still only half way through writing my logs and posting my pics. It turns out I had to go back through and upload the correct pics. I forgot to set the time change on my camera and I was matching the wrong pictures to the track time, which didn't make since when I got to the artifacts trail photos. :laughing:

3.7k · May 20, 2008

Thanks Hydnsek, for remembering what I forgot to do. I'm super glad Tibby's People had the fortitude to even suggest an epic hike and get the ball rolling. I sent them a personal PM highly recommending a follow up hike when weather is cooler to allow those who missed out this time to get in on the hike the next time.

Btw, I'm still only half way through writing my logs and posting my pics. It turns out I had to go back through and upload the correct pics. I forgot to set the time change on my camera and I was matching the wrong pictures to the track time, which didn't make since when I got to the artifacts trail photos.

Yah, I still have to upload my pics, as well. FYI, I just nominated TMT - Completion for WSGA Cache of the Month. Very deserving! :laughing:

3.7k · May 21, 2008

Btw, I'm still only half way through writing my logs and posting my pics. It turns out I had to go back through and upload the correct pics.

Yah, I still have to upload my pics, as well. FYI, I just nominated TMT - Completion for WSGA Cache of the Month. Very deserving!

I just finished posting all my TMT pics with the various caches. Here are a few:

Group shot at the trailhead at 8 am:

Water stops were frequent and necessary as the heat climbed into the 80s:

...as were rest stops. :laughing:

Milepost 9 - we are over the hump! Mileage-wise...still had a few hills to go.

We don't understand why TotemLake didn't like his namesake:

...but MtnMutt took a bow along the way (it was just nailed to the tree in a random spot!):

1.9k · May 21, 2008

Btw, I'm still only half way through writing my logs and posting my pics. It turns out I had to go back through and upload the correct pics. I forgot to set the time change on my camera and I was matching the wrong pictures to the track time, which didn't make since when I got to the artifacts trail photos.

You might want to take a look at my and my dad's log with regards to the "bridge" wreckage. I made the same mistake originally, but my dad, who is a logging historian who specializes in railroad logging, corrected me.

9.5k · May 22, 2008

Btw, I'm still only half way through writing my logs and posting my pics. It turns out I had to go back through and upload the correct pics. I forgot to set the time change on my camera and I was matching the wrong pictures to the track time, which didn't make since when I got to the artifacts trail photos.

You might want to take a look at my and my dad's log with regards to the "bridge" wreckage. I made the same mistake originally, but my dad, who is a logging historian who specializes in railroad logging, corrected me.

Duly noted. I'll leave it as it stands as the caption is a question and not a statement. Thanks! :laughing:

Edited May 22, 2008 by TotemLake

May 22, 2008

I barely recognized Totem Lake! Whatever you are doing to shed the excess keep it going (and share your secrets) I stalked the caches and the pictures, you guys look like you had tons of fun and saw cool stuff!

9.5k · May 22, 2008

I barely recognized Totem Lake! Whatever you are doing to shed the excess keep it going (and share your secrets) I stalked the caches and the pictures, you guys look like you had tons of fun and saw cool stuff!

Yah I'm still posting my pics and getting my logs done. I'm 55 lbs down now with another 33 to go.

9.5k · May 22, 2008

I know Hydnsek included a group pic, but here's one with her actually in a picture!

3.7k · May 22, 2008

I know Hydnsek included a group pic, but here's one with her actually in a picture!

Hmmm.....

Edited May 22, 2008 by hydnsek

1.2k · May 22, 2008

Finally got all my photos up. Mostly of trail signs.

9.5k · May 22, 2008

I know Hydnsek included a group pic, but here's one with her actually in a picture!

Hmmm.....

Now you gotta admit that was a cute little frog. :lol:

The story behind this particular picture was Hydnsek was leading the group and I was behind her by about 15 feet. She passed by this spot, then the frog leaped out in front of me onto my trekking pole, then ricocheted off of that to the other side of the trail. I thought I saw a grasshopper flying by it happend so quick and my eyes tracked where it went and here was this little neon green frog trying to hide under a leaf.

Edited to add: Looks like we documented that trail pretty good with a great set of pictures!

Edited May 22, 2008 by TotemLake

9.5k · May 22, 2008

Hmmmm.... 13 caches to my 300. I know where I want my 300 to be, so I need to find 12 between now and July's hike and still not make them dash and grabs.

1.2k · May 22, 2008

Hmmmm.... 13 caches to my 300. I know where I want my 300 to be, so I need to find 12 between now and July's hike and still not make them dash and grabs.

Thats easy, Redmond watershed. A nice grouping of caches that involve a fair bit of walking if you try to grab them all.

9.5k · May 22, 2008

Hmmmm.... 13 caches to my 300. I know where I want my 300 to be, so I need to find 12 between now and July's hike and still not make them dash and grabs.

Thats easy, Redmond watershed. A nice grouping of caches that involve a fair bit of walking if you try to grab them all.

Yah I keep meaning to go in there, but last I checked, no dogs allowed. I hate leaving her behind.

May 23, 2008

Darn, Totem you need a few to hit 300 and I need a few [16] to hit 500. I keep scratching my brain to find a weekend to hit this magic number, too.

I was doing a bit of seaching for unique Caches for my 500 hit and stumbled upon this report & found only 1 find so far and this has been in place still 06-19-2004, 'You Better Be An Ace' - GCJRW0 .. http://www.2drx.com/2001/AcesUp/ ... AKA West Fork Miller Road. :grin:

I have not been out on the Old back Roads to see about closures as yet nor checked with other sources as to the additional length of this round trip beast but it is something to put into the Back Burner of evryone who is looking for a long weekend of Hiking.

Ihope to knock at least one off the list today is all goes well. Thanks again for that HOTM..Walk in the Park, Ouch!'

9.5k · May 23, 2008

Darn, Totem you need a few to hit 300 and I need a few [16] to hit 500. I keep scratching my brain to find a weekend to hit this magic number, too.

I was doing a bit of seaching for unique Caches for my 500 hit and stumbled upon this report & found only 1 find so far and this has been in place still 06-19-2004, 'You Better Be An Ace' - GCJRW0 .. http://www.2drx.com/2001/AcesUp/ ... AKA West Fork Miller Road.

I have not been out on the Old back Roads to see about closures as yet nor checked with other sources as to the additional length of this round trip beast but it is something to put into the Back Burner of evryone who is looking for a long weekend of Hiking.

Ihope to knock at least one off the list today is all goes well. Thanks again for that HOTM..Walk in the Park, Ouch!'

I'm intrigued. I'll look into this when I have more time over the weekend. Good hunting if you go!

Edited May 23, 2008 by TotemLake

9.5k · May 30, 2008

Just a quick note, details to follow. HOTM for June will be at least two short hikes at Mt Rainier on June 8, Sunday after the June 7 CITO.

9.5k · May 31, 2008

Bookmarked. I plan on being at the Nisqually Vista loop by 9:30 AM to start the first hike. This loop may require snowshoes to complete. A find is not guaranteed as the signs may not be there but it should be fun! Edited May 31, 2008 by TotemLake

9.5k · June 1, 2008

...and as fast as I planned it, the fuel pump fails and takes me out of the running.

========================================================

Backup plans are in place. I'll likely be on my way there first thing Saturday morning for the CITO instead of Friday afternoon as planned if the Jeep isn't repaired by then - which is in the drieway now after an overnighter at the mall.

Edited June 1, 2008 by TotemLake

9.5k · June 3, 2008

Bookmarked. I plan on being at the Nisqually Vista loop by 9:30 AM to start the first hike. This loop may require snowshoes to complete. A find is not guaranteed as the signs may not be there but it should be fun!

Change in plans. The Carter Falls will be the first to hit. Be at the trailhead at 9:30 on Sunday morning, 6/8.

9.5k · June 4, 2008

It's official, this month's hike will be a snowshoe hike. How cool is that?

Edited June 4, 2008 by TotemLake

1.2k · June 5, 2008

I was panning around using the google maps and I noticed that 4 more caches have been placed along the same route for the March HOTM (georoo skidoo) Guess I will have to go back.

3.7k · June 6, 2008

I was panning around using the google maps and I noticed that 4 more caches have been placed along the same route for the March HOTM (georoo skidoo) Guess I will have to go back.

I've not been there, so might be interested in going if you do return.

9.5k · June 8, 2008

We did Carter Falls, but my back felt the brunt of the previous day's work and I had to call it homeward bound after that.

9.5k · June 12, 2008

Group shot of last weekend's hike. Even though we were in upwards around 5 feet of snow, we didn't need th snowshoes.

Spotted at the end of the hike:

9.5k · June 12, 2008

July HOTM is going to be called Redemption! This is a repeat hike made back in October when I created the now infamous bent leaky flask. Twin Falls Lake is the target. I will create a new bookmark for that and other caches that can be found on the way there or back.

Date TBD.

9.5k · June 18, 2008

July HOTM is going to be called Redemption! This is a repeat hike made back in October when I created the now infamous bent leaky flask. Twin Falls Lake is the target. I will create a new bookmark for that and other caches that can be found on the way there or back.

Date TBD.

I've decided to pick on July 6, Sunday, as the date.

9.5k · June 20, 2008

July HOTM is going to be called Redemption! This is a repeat hike made back in October when I created the now infamous bent leaky flask. Twin Falls Lake is the target. I will create a new bookmark for that and other caches that can be found on the way there or back.

Date TBD.

I've decided to pick on July 6, Sunday, as the date.

Bookmarked.

Also, the hikes for 2007 have now been condensed to one. I was reaching my maximum limit.

Edited June 20, 2008 by TotemLake

1.2k · June 20, 2008

July HOTM is going to be called Redemption! This is a repeat hike made back in October when I created the now infamous bent leaky flask. Twin Falls Lake is the target. I will create a new bookmark for that and other caches that can be found on the way there or back.

Date TBD.

I've decided to pick on July 6, Sunday, as the date.

Bookmarked.

Also, the hikes for 2007 have now been condensed to one. I was reaching my maximum limit.

I am going to try to get out to this one.

3.7k · June 20, 2008

July HOTM is going to be called Redemption! This is a repeat hike made back in October when I created the now infamous bent leaky flask. Twin Falls Lake is the target. I will create a new bookmark for that and other caches that can be found on the way there or back.

Date TBD.

I've decided to pick on July 6, Sunday, as the date.

Bookmarked.

Also, the hikes for 2007 have now been condensed to one. I was reaching my maximum limit.

I am going to try to get out to this one.

Me too!

9.5k · June 25, 2008

Ok, based on majority preferences from those I knew wanted to go, the date is being changed to Sunday, the 20th so we can give the lingering snow a chance to melt off some more. My apologies for not being able to accomodate the other dates.

Edited June 25, 2008 by TotemLake

3.7k · June 25, 2008

Ok, based on majority preferences from those I knew wanted to go, the date is being changed to Sunday, the 20th so we can give the lingering snow a chance to melt off some more. My apologies for not being able to accomodate the other dates.

Oh well, y'all have fun! I'm hoping to to do the Cascadian HOTM at Wedgie the day before.

9.5k · June 25, 2008

Yah that promises to be a fun hike!

June 27, 2008

The 20th looks good for me.

9.5k · June 29, 2008

The 20th looks good for me.

Yes it's true folks! This is a Pokey Plodders/HOTM hike! The difference is HOTM is going straight for the Twin Falls Lake first and then cache back to the others. The Pokey Plodders will be hitting the Ashland Lakes first then determine how much farther they want to go.

Bring your radios so we can cheer each group onward!

9.5k · July 10, 2008

Just bumping to keep this in your thoughts.

Hike of the Month 2008

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