The Weekend Trekkers Society

[+bumblingbs]

I'm thinking of doing something Saturday, but I might just stay on my home side of the moat and go to the Olympics.

Maybe Mt. Townsend coupled with Dirty Face.

Or a FTF bid on Mt. Jupiter.

Mt. Jupiter.....that one would be tough. Belleterre and I have been arguing about whether we can hike 20 miles with well over 4,000 foot elevation gain. I say yes, but I haven't the sense of a rabbit. We'd been planning to do it earlier in the summer, but were stopped by that closed gate. The gate adds 6 miles to what would ordinarily be a tough 14 miler.

Ruck's a tough guy. Belleterre says she'll do it Nov 11, but is praying for snow so that we don't have to.

[+TotemLake]

 

(Bull Moose @ Oct 14 2004, 12:19 PM)

I'm thinking of doing something Saturday, but I might just stay on my home side of the moat and go to the Olympics.

Maybe Mt. Townsend coupled with Dirty Face.

Or a FTF bid on Mt. Jupiter. 

 

Oh wait! I know what you could do, Bull Moose!

 

Mt. Ellinor!

 

Edited October 14, 2004 by TotemLake

[+TotemLake]

I'm thinking of doing something Saturday, but I might just stay on my home side of the moat and go to the Olympics.

Maybe Mt. Townsend coupled with Dirty Face.

Or a FTF bid on Mt. Jupiter.

Mt. Jupiter.....that one would be tough. Belleterre and I have been arguing about whether we can hike 20 miles with well over 4,000 foot elevation gain. I say yes, but I haven't the sense of a rabbit. We'd been planning to do it earlier in the summer, but were stopped by that closed gate. The gate adds 6 miles to what would ordinarily be a tough 14 miler.

Ruck's a tough guy. Belleterre says she'll do it Nov 11, but is praying for snow so that we don't have to.

Although it can be done in one day, Mt. Jupiter hike sounds more like an overnighter than a single day's march.

[+Bull Moose]

I'm thinking of doing something Saturday, but I might just stay on my home side of the moat and go to the Olympics.

Maybe Mt. Townsend coupled with Dirty Face.

Or a FTF bid on Mt. Jupiter.

Oh wait! I know what you could do, Bull Moose!

 

Mt. Ellinor!

 

 

I'm waiting for more miserable conditions to go after that one again.

[Jeremy]

Hmm... Well if I don't end up hiking tomorrow, I may be convinced to come out to the Olympics if the hike is particularly challenging.

[+bumblingbs]

Hmm... Well if I don't end up hiking tomorrow, I may be convinced to come out to the Olympics if the hike is particularly challenging.

Well, you could wear yourself out doing Mt. Townsend and Dirty Face, especially if you added whatever other local caches were needed to complete your day. The first two caches mentioned are on well-groomed trails. Add Mt Zion? Or do you dare go to the Sasquatch Lair? <insert inhuman screeches and laughter>

 

~the Almost Bride of Sasquatch

KB

[nolenator]

Hey Run, are you paying attention? Peace, Nolenator

[+runhills]

Lurking Mode

[+TotemLake]

I heard a rumor we have some out of state visitors coming into town this week.

[+Wander Lost]

I heard a rumor we have some out of state visitors coming into town this week.

Funny..........

 

I've heard that same rumor.

[CurmudgeonlyGal]

While the hike choices are being noodled to death, what is the standby for rain?!

 

-=-

m

[+TotemLake]

Well King5's weather report has it as:

 

Friday-Tuesday Long range models indicate a series of disturbances moving through the region for rain at times with some periods of clearing. Highs in the 50s. Lows in the upper 30s and 40s.

 

NOAA says:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

becoming mostly cloudy. areas of fog after  midnight. lows in the upper 30s. 

 

THURSDAY

mostly cloudy. areas of morning fog. highs in the mid 50s. 

 

THURSDAY NIGHT

rain likely. lows near 40. 

 

FRIDAY

mostly cloudy. a chance of showers. highs in the lower  50s. 

 

FRIDAY NIGHT

mostly cloudy. a chance of showers. lows in the upper 30s. 

 

SATURDAY

mostly cloudy. a chance of showers. highs in the lower  50s. 

 

SATURDAY NIGHT

mostly cloudy. a chance of showers. lows in the  upper 30s. 

 

SUNDAY

mostly cloudy. a chance of showers. highs in the mid 50s. 

 

Further, the chances of precipitation is 73% through the weekend.

 

I could be wrong but it sounds like rain to me. I'm not one to wuss out, but it's probably best to plan something close in so we can make our great escape and duck in some shelter and enjoy a quaff of beer or two.

[CurmudgeonlyGal]

Quaffing is always good.

 

-=-

 

m

[Jeremy]

Is there a plan for this weekend?

 

Marcus Aurelius and I went to Mt. Pilchuck last Friday to find Purgatory. I haven't written my log yet but Marcus has. Foggy, so no views but a great hike nonetheless.

[Team Misguided]

I think we are planning on a Whidbey Island caching day for Sunday.

[CurmudgeonlyGal]

Is there a plan for this weekend?

 

Marcus Aurelius and I went to Mt. Pilchuck last Friday to find Purgatory. I haven't written my log yet but Marcus has. Foggy, so no views but a great hike nonetheless.

Purgatory is on the table for this coming weekend.

 

I suspect any suggestions for a moderate difficulty, mid-range kind of a hike would be appreciated. I hear tell something along the lines of Melakwa may be too difficult. Since I haven't done that one, I don't know where it falls under difficulty.

 

I was thinking something like Goat Lake would be out...

 

Since Marcus (and Shunra?) have done both, I'd be interested in knowing how they compare to one another, and then toss thoughts out for something toned down a bit from either of those!

 

-=-

michelle

[+Bull Moose]

OK, who's coming?

 

I'm not going to be here, I'm going to my college's homecoming in Wisconsin, but I'm curious.

[MarcusArelius]

I hear tell something along the lines of Melakwa may be too difficult. Since I haven't done that one, I don't know where it falls under difficulty.

 

I was thinking something like Goat Lake would be out...

 

Since Marcus (and Shunra?) have done both, I'd be interested in knowing how they compare to one another, and then toss thoughts out for something toned down a bit from either of those!

 

-=-

michelle

Goat lake is way up there on difficulty.

 

I think Purgatory was a bit easier than Melakwa. Without looking at the descriptions Purgatory seemed somewhat shorter.

[+TotemLake]

Well I would rule out anything approaching the 4000 foot level right now. I posted a Snow Advisory here. Although the advisory is good through the middle of the week, Melakwa Lake is 4400' and there is a portion of the trail that is foot hazardous when dry, I'd hate to try it in the snow or sleet. Purgatory would be just under that level.

[+shunra]

... something along the lines of Melakwa ... something like Goat Lake...

 

Since Marcus (and Shunra?) have done both, I'd be interested in knowing how they compare to one another, and then toss thoughts out for something toned down a bit from either of those!

I'd say: save Melakwa Lake until you can do Melakwa Heaven as well - probably not this year, though.

The difficulty level of GL is somewhere between those two, I think.

 

After a 6 week break, I look forward to doing a mountain hike again next Saturday. Is anyone interested in doing the 20 mile hike to a shared FTF on Mt. Jupiter with me? Or are there other suggestions on the table?

[Jeremy]

I'm up for a crazy hike or a moderate one. Mt. Pilchuck (Purgatory) was pretty tame.

[Jeremy]

Oh, and I bought a used Land Rover this weekend, so I gots me 4x4 now. The Jetta was giving me some trouble on the logging trails.

[+TotemLake]

Oh, and I bought a used Land Rover this weekend, so I gots me 4x4 now. The Jetta was giving me some trouble on the logging trails.

Imagine my surprise. That's a good purchase. You'll enjoy it.

[Jeremy]

Looks like a longer hike, but Little Mt Bassemer looks like a fun cache to attempt.

[+shunra]

Looks like a longer hike, but Little Mt Bassemer looks like a fun cache to attempt.

If nobody will join me to Mt. Jupiter, I'll consider that a plan B.

[+Wander Lost]

Oh, and I bought a used Land Rover this weekend, so I gots me 4x4 now. The Jetta was giving me some trouble on the logging trails.

That is funny, our Mini-Van does logging roads just fine. (if you don't mind stopping to change the tires now and then)

 

To answer Bull Moose, Mopar and Geo Ho are going to be here this weekend.

 

If anyone can't make the Saturday hike, Sunday we are thinking of hitting some of our favorite caches on Whidbey: Ebey Bluffs & Light House Point for sure. If anyone has any other suggestions for caches on the island let us know.

[+TotemLake]

I missed out on Whidbey Island the last time, so I'll probably join ya there on Sunday.

[Jeremy]

Mopar and Geo Ho are going to be here this weekend.

I haven't had the opportunity to kick Mopar lately. What are your plans on Saturday?

[+EraSeek]

I'm up for a crazy hike or a moderate one. Mt. Pilchuck (Purgatory) was pretty tame.

You should do Tin Pan Gap. Not many cooler than that, or more spectacluar! By the way, Cache Ahead did it by herself. Wow! What a gal!

[+EraSeek]

Oh, and I bought a used Land Rover this weekend, so I gots me 4x4 now. The Jetta was giving me some trouble on the logging trails.

That is funny, our Mini-Van does logging roads just fine. (if you don't mind stopping to change the tires now and then)

 

To answer Bull Moose, Mopar and Geo Ho are going to be here this weekend.

 

If anyone can't make the Saturday hike, Sunday we are thinking of hitting some of our favorite caches on Whidbey: Ebey Bluffs & Light House Point for sure. If anyone has any other suggestions for caches on the island let us know.

I liked alpac'd up (may have screwed up the name) near Greenbank.

[+Right Wing Wacko]

If anyone can't make the Saturday hike, Sunday we are thinking of hitting some of our favorite caches on Whidbey:  Ebey Bluffs & Light House Point for sure.  If anyone has any other suggestions for caches on the island let us know.

Saturday? Don't forget the WSGA meeting you scheduled for Satuday in Kent!

 

That being said, I would love to meet Mopar and Geoho. Where is this hike again and who's brining the Medivac Helecopter to get me back down?

Edited October 19, 2004 by Right Wing Wacko

[+EraSeek]

Alpca'd up - and gone Great place, short hike, see both sides of Whidbey at the same time.

[+evergreenhiker!]

Looks like a longer hike, but Little Mt Bassemer looks like a fun cache to attempt.

Should save this one for a snowshoe in the winter. Very nice up there. It is a long haul, but worth it.

[+Wander Lost]

Saturday? Don't forget the WSGA meeting you scheduled for Satuday in Kent!

 

Yes!! Don't forget the meeting. Our Saturday is pretty packed so no hikes or caching for us.

 

Watch this space for an update on Sunday.

[+bumblingbs]

 

That being said, I would love to meet Mopar and Geoho.  Where is this hike again and who's brining the Medivac Helecopter to get me back down?

RWW, you did the scary ladder cache once, the second time will be easier. Do it enough times, it'll be like climbing into bed. (not falling out of bed, OK?)

Give a hey! to Mopar and Geoho for me. I'm a Jersey girl, born and bred. Montclair...well, actually (getting all snooty) Upper Montclair. (Darned thankful to not be living there still, but you don't have to mention that!)

KB

Edited October 19, 2004 by bumblingbs

[Jeremy]

Is anyone interested in doing the 20 mile hike to a shared FTF on Mt. Jupiter with me?

I'm seriously considering it. If I'm coming from Bellevue, is the ferry the best way to go, or just go around from the South of the Sound? That way is 2 1/2 hours (so say Mapquest).

[+Bull Moose]

After a 6 week break, I look forward to doing a mountain hike again next Saturday. Is anyone interested in doing the 20 mile hike to a shared FTF on Mt. Jupiter with me? Or are there other suggestions on the table?

Hmm... I'd consider it, but I'll be out of town this weekend.

I haven't done any hiking since St. Helens, either.

[+Barefoot]

Mopar and Geo Ho  are going to be here this weekend.

I haven't had the opportunity to kick Mopar lately. What are your plans on Saturday?

Please keep an eye on Mopar and GeoHo.

They've been known to miss a turn and walk past the trail to the cache.

[+W7WT]

Jeremy, from Bellevue I would go to Bothell, to Edmonds and take the ferry to Kingston, across the Hood Canal Bridge to Quilcene. Less traffic and the ferry runs every half hour and only takes a half hour to cross. In my younger days, I use to cross country ski in that area. Have fun. Dick, W7WT

Edited October 19, 2004 by W7WT

[+shunra]

Is anyone interested in doing the 20 mile hike to a shared FTF on Mt. Jupiter with me?

I'm seriously considering it. If I'm coming from Bellevue, is the ferry the best way to go, or just go around from the South of the Sound? That way is 2 1/2 hours (so say Mapquest).

Mappoint says 2 hours 4 minutes from Bellevue to Duckabush (which is where Mt. Jupiter Road begins) via the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry and Hood Canal Bridge. Of course, you'd have to add ferry (and waiting) time. Driving via Olympia and up 101 might be a leeetle bit faster, but not much, and you'd miss the relaxing ferry bit.

 

I'm at least glad SOMEONE is interested...

[Jeremy]

Looks like I'll be taking the Saturday trip with GeoHo and Mopar, so maybe the next weekend.

[+shunra]

Does anyone feel like a hike in the mountains on Sunday, weather permitting?

 

I thought of going to Mt. Pilchuk the normal way, thaw up in the lookout tower, and then descent towards the Bathtub Lakes, from where we would return via Pinnacle Lake. We would leave some cars at the Pinnacle Lake TH before starting out, to get us back to the Mt. Pilchuk TH at the end.

 

This would involve 4 caches: Pilchuk North, Purgatory, Bathtub Cache, and Pinnacle Lake. Cache Ahead, who might join us, says that snow shoes would be helpful.

 

Anybody interested?

Or does anybody have an alternative plan?

[+Bull Moose]

Got a mileage estimate on that trek? I could figure it out but, ya know, I'm lazy.

[+shunra]

Got a mileage estimate on that trek? I could figure it out but, ya know, I'm lazy.

Can't have lazy people on THAT trek, you know :-)

 

Mileage isn't much - terrain might be an issue. It took me about two hours to get from the TH to the summit of Mount Pilchuk, which included some time searching for Pilchuk North (on which I DNF'ed). The descent from the summit to Bathtub Lakes is about 1 mile as the crwo flies, and I have no idea about the trail. Elevation difference should be less than 1000 feet. From there, my guess is that it's another 3 or 4 miles via Pinnacle Lake to the other TH.

[+Bull Moose]

Can't have lazy people on THAT trek, you know :-)

I'm only lazy after working for a day..

 

So 6-8 miles or so? Hmm... Well, my snow shoes are sitting on the shelf. Unfortunatly I'm a bit heavier than the last time I used them and I fear sinking....

 

I'll look it over.

[+evergreenhiker!]

I've heard the route from Pilchuck to Bathtubs is dicey. Some cliffish parts. I'll look into this more and get back if I learn more details regarding the route from P to B.

Edited November 19, 2004 by evergreenhiker!

[+Bull Moose]

I've heard the route from Pilchuck to Bathtubs is dicey. Some cliffish parts. I'll look into this more and get back if I learn more details regarding the route from P to B.

And if EGH says "dicey" I hear extremely dangerous for mooses.

[+evergreenhiker!]

Another idea is to do Heather Lake in addition to Pilchuck. That one is just 4 miles RT. Anyway, I'll see if I can find some details regarding Pil to Bath.

[+shunra]

Another idea is to do Heather Lake in addition to Pilchuck. That one is just 4 miles RT. Anyway, I'll see if I can find some details regarding Pil to Bath.

I've already been to Heather Lake, and to Pilchuk this year, and for me the Pilchuk-Bathtub bit is the incentive for the trip. Cache-Ahead (whose idea it is) is ready to go, but I'd rather do this kind of thing with a slightly larger group. Alternatively, I'll just do a return trip to Bathtub Lakes (where I haven't been yet) via the conventional route, or do something different altogether.

[+evergreenhiker!]

I'd stick with the Pinnacle route. The few comments I got from NWHiker seems to indicate it's hellacious goign from Pil to Bathtub...cliffs and such to watch out for.