Thursday, July 30, 2009
5218 8th Ave. NW - 07/30/09
Katie and I were meeting up with her friend Laura to discuss shooting their wedding next summer. We both dressed up nice and took some great photographs. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/seattle/2009/5218-07_30_09/
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hidden Lake Peak Lookout - 07/24-26/09
After much deliberation, Katie and I decided on Hidden Lake Peak Lookout. With major threats of thunderstorms and high temperatures, we both didn't want to do any alpine climbing and with mosquitoes and flies at their peak, we both didn't want to hang out by a lake. We got a late start from Seattle on Friday afternoon and then ran into lots of traffic on I-5. Finally the traffic eased and we were on our way to the North Cascades. After stopping in the Marblemount Ranger Station, we found out that there was already a party of 4 and a party of 3 up there and the chances of us getting the lookout that night were slim. I did get a backcountry permit in case the lookout was full and we wanted to stay at the lake.
After some quick organization at the trail head we were on our way and making great time. However, our first bump in the road occurred just as we left the woods when it started to rain. After getting on our pack covers, our second bump in the road occurred when Katie realized she left her camera in the car. Because the main focus of this trip was photography and that we were only 700 feet above the car, we decided that we would go back and get the camera. Now that it was raining hard, we had to decide to either drop the packs, retrieve the camera, and continue hiking or hike back to the car and sleep at the trail head. All of a sudden the rain slowed down and there was some sun in the sky. We then dropped our packs in the woods and ran back down to the car. Soon after we were hiking back up and nearing our packs when it started to rain again. This time it was followed by thunder and lightning. We were definitely not going to hike in lightning above treeline so we found a small campsite in the woods and set up our tent.
After a half hour or so, the rain stopped and were hungry so we got out and made some dinner. Refueled, we discussed heading up more to camp or staying put and leaving very early the next morning. We knew the lookout was out of the question for tonight, but wanted to be in a good position to get it for the second night. Eventually we decided to stay put and as I was brushing my teeth, I saw two more people hiking up through the woods who were walking extremely slow and had huge packs. They knew they wouldn't make the lookout, but decided to go as far as they could. Just as they were out of sight, it seemed silly to us that we were camping in the woods so we packed up our things as quickly as we could to get closer to the lookout than them. At this point, it is almost 8pm and we knew we would be hiking in the dark.
After quickly packing up, we were hiking again out of the woods. Now the tall plants in the meadow were dripping and we were soaked in a few minutes. After 15 minutes we passed the couple and kept heading up the trail along Sibley Creek. In no time, we found ourselves crossing the creek and making our way across the long traverse below Hidden Lake Peak toward the lookout. It was very peaceful hiking across the traverse at dusk, watching the storms in the distance. Once we started slowing down due to the darkness we put on our headlamps. We were getting tired and I kept on trying to find places to camp, but there was no spots as the terrain is very delicate. We were on track until we didn't notice that the trail turned uphill, as there was still a trail going straight and tracks in the snow beyond that, and when we lost the trail. Pretty soon thereafter, we are scrambling and downclimbing hard snow and big boulders. It was definitely getting sketchy and eventually I made it onto a snow slope which was extremely thin and had gaping holes in it above boulders. After calming myself down I retraced my steps back to Katie and we decided to go back to where we lost the trail. I climbed above the first snow slope and looked down and was on the trail. We were psyched and back for some more hiking. A half hour later, I noticed a spur trail which led to two small campsites, which was such an awesome site. We setup our tent and chowed lots of food as it was after 11pm by this point. Once we were relaxed, we actually did some night photography capturing star trails before going to sleep.
The next morning I woke up to such an awesome sunrise. I walked around a bit to see what was going on and once I realized the photo oppurnities, I went back and woke up Katie. She was glad I did so and we took tons of excellent photos for a few hours. There were great clouds, colors, reflections, flowers, etc... Once that was done, we filled up our water bottles and were prepared to make some breakfast when all of a sudden Katie saw a party of three coming down from the lookout. They walked right by our tent and notified us that there was nobody else up there. Katie and I looked at eachother and without saying a word, we stopped thinking about breakfast and instantly started packing up. Within a few minutes we were on the trail headed to claim the lookout.
Just as we started hiking, the clouds started to get dark and I informed Katie that we were about 800 feet below the lookout and that hopefully it won't rain in the next half hour. Within minutes it started to drizzle and slowly started to rain harder. I then mentioned that hopefully it won't start to thunder and lightning in the next 15 minutes. Then just as we got to the ridge between Hidden Lake Peak and the lookout, it started to pour with sideways rain. We were getting hammered and instantly were freezing. The rain actually was penetrating our ear canals, which was pretty weird. After some suffering, we were soon opening the door to the lookout. We quickly put on dry clothes and hung up all of our wet clothes. A few minutes later, another couple came inside the lookout, also drenched, and mentioned how they have no tent and would like to stay on the floor with us. They were both Russian, and the woman spoke no English and has only been in the US for one month. He was dressed in a full camo outfit with a mesh tank top underneath and a large knife, which was slightly disturbing. He then expressed his anger with us that since we did not sign the courtesy trail head sheet saying that we were staying at the lookout, that they did not bring a tent. He also said that he used to work for the Forest Service and said that you can't stay in the lookout without signing the sheet. He had no clue and I didn't believe that for a second. We get their first and he is lecturing us. I don't know what this guy was talking about, but he wouldn't drop it. I don't have to sign anything, besides the form was totally full and there was no place to write anything, and I did get a backcountry permit from Marblemount. I don't know why he was mad at us, he should have been mad at himself for not taking responsibilty for his situation as well as partners, who had no clue about backpacking. Neither of them changed into dry clothes and began to eat this huge meal.
The sun did come out and Katie and I went outside to warm up and dry out all of clothes. Soon enough, day hikers made it up to the lookout and we were chatting with all different people for hours. We then located the number one voted outhouse in the Cascades and took pictures of wildflowers. Back at the lookout we found out that the Russian woman didn't feel well and then they both took a very long nap. High clouds started to form and day hikers began to leave to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. The guy told us again that she was still not feeling well and that they decided to hike out and not stay the night. Of course because such a skilled ex Forest Service employee, he waited to leave just as the rain came. Another great job of taking care of a woman who doesn't know a thing. Way to go mate!
They left and we were totally psyched as we had the lookout to ourselves. And then the real fun began as for the rest of the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms pounded all of the ridgelines all around us. There were high clouds, so we could always see the peaks, but the photography session that insued was one of the best I have ever been a part of. Because we were in a lookout we were the lucky ones to be able to witness the crazy storms up high without fear of being caught in it. A total lookouters dream and Hidden Lake Peak did not let us down. All of a sudden as we were taking pictures, we heard some buzzing and then our hair stood straight up. We quickly ran for the lookout. For the first time, the storm was over the lookout and for about an hour, we got pounded by rain, constant rolling thunder, and lightning. When that ended, the clouds parted and we went back outside for some more storm watching. As night fell, we got tired and went to sleep.
the next morning we enjoyed a lazy start. But once the sun came out, it got hot out and day hikers started to arrive. We chatted with all of the nice people and eventually made it back to our wildflower spot for some more photography. Around 1pm, we packed up and slowly made our way back to the car. We definitely wanted to beat the storms and get home at a reasonable hour for Katie. Lots of bug bites later, we were taking off our boots and heading back down the Cascade River Road. No trip to the North Cascades is complete without stopping in Burlington for some Tacos Guaymas. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/mountains/2009/hlp-07_24_09/
After some quick organization at the trail head we were on our way and making great time. However, our first bump in the road occurred just as we left the woods when it started to rain. After getting on our pack covers, our second bump in the road occurred when Katie realized she left her camera in the car. Because the main focus of this trip was photography and that we were only 700 feet above the car, we decided that we would go back and get the camera. Now that it was raining hard, we had to decide to either drop the packs, retrieve the camera, and continue hiking or hike back to the car and sleep at the trail head. All of a sudden the rain slowed down and there was some sun in the sky. We then dropped our packs in the woods and ran back down to the car. Soon after we were hiking back up and nearing our packs when it started to rain again. This time it was followed by thunder and lightning. We were definitely not going to hike in lightning above treeline so we found a small campsite in the woods and set up our tent.
After a half hour or so, the rain stopped and were hungry so we got out and made some dinner. Refueled, we discussed heading up more to camp or staying put and leaving very early the next morning. We knew the lookout was out of the question for tonight, but wanted to be in a good position to get it for the second night. Eventually we decided to stay put and as I was brushing my teeth, I saw two more people hiking up through the woods who were walking extremely slow and had huge packs. They knew they wouldn't make the lookout, but decided to go as far as they could. Just as they were out of sight, it seemed silly to us that we were camping in the woods so we packed up our things as quickly as we could to get closer to the lookout than them. At this point, it is almost 8pm and we knew we would be hiking in the dark.
After quickly packing up, we were hiking again out of the woods. Now the tall plants in the meadow were dripping and we were soaked in a few minutes. After 15 minutes we passed the couple and kept heading up the trail along Sibley Creek. In no time, we found ourselves crossing the creek and making our way across the long traverse below Hidden Lake Peak toward the lookout. It was very peaceful hiking across the traverse at dusk, watching the storms in the distance. Once we started slowing down due to the darkness we put on our headlamps. We were getting tired and I kept on trying to find places to camp, but there was no spots as the terrain is very delicate. We were on track until we didn't notice that the trail turned uphill, as there was still a trail going straight and tracks in the snow beyond that, and when we lost the trail. Pretty soon thereafter, we are scrambling and downclimbing hard snow and big boulders. It was definitely getting sketchy and eventually I made it onto a snow slope which was extremely thin and had gaping holes in it above boulders. After calming myself down I retraced my steps back to Katie and we decided to go back to where we lost the trail. I climbed above the first snow slope and looked down and was on the trail. We were psyched and back for some more hiking. A half hour later, I noticed a spur trail which led to two small campsites, which was such an awesome site. We setup our tent and chowed lots of food as it was after 11pm by this point. Once we were relaxed, we actually did some night photography capturing star trails before going to sleep.
The next morning I woke up to such an awesome sunrise. I walked around a bit to see what was going on and once I realized the photo oppurnities, I went back and woke up Katie. She was glad I did so and we took tons of excellent photos for a few hours. There were great clouds, colors, reflections, flowers, etc... Once that was done, we filled up our water bottles and were prepared to make some breakfast when all of a sudden Katie saw a party of three coming down from the lookout. They walked right by our tent and notified us that there was nobody else up there. Katie and I looked at eachother and without saying a word, we stopped thinking about breakfast and instantly started packing up. Within a few minutes we were on the trail headed to claim the lookout.
Just as we started hiking, the clouds started to get dark and I informed Katie that we were about 800 feet below the lookout and that hopefully it won't rain in the next half hour. Within minutes it started to drizzle and slowly started to rain harder. I then mentioned that hopefully it won't start to thunder and lightning in the next 15 minutes. Then just as we got to the ridge between Hidden Lake Peak and the lookout, it started to pour with sideways rain. We were getting hammered and instantly were freezing. The rain actually was penetrating our ear canals, which was pretty weird. After some suffering, we were soon opening the door to the lookout. We quickly put on dry clothes and hung up all of our wet clothes. A few minutes later, another couple came inside the lookout, also drenched, and mentioned how they have no tent and would like to stay on the floor with us. They were both Russian, and the woman spoke no English and has only been in the US for one month. He was dressed in a full camo outfit with a mesh tank top underneath and a large knife, which was slightly disturbing. He then expressed his anger with us that since we did not sign the courtesy trail head sheet saying that we were staying at the lookout, that they did not bring a tent. He also said that he used to work for the Forest Service and said that you can't stay in the lookout without signing the sheet. He had no clue and I didn't believe that for a second. We get their first and he is lecturing us. I don't know what this guy was talking about, but he wouldn't drop it. I don't have to sign anything, besides the form was totally full and there was no place to write anything, and I did get a backcountry permit from Marblemount. I don't know why he was mad at us, he should have been mad at himself for not taking responsibilty for his situation as well as partners, who had no clue about backpacking. Neither of them changed into dry clothes and began to eat this huge meal.
The sun did come out and Katie and I went outside to warm up and dry out all of clothes. Soon enough, day hikers made it up to the lookout and we were chatting with all different people for hours. We then located the number one voted outhouse in the Cascades and took pictures of wildflowers. Back at the lookout we found out that the Russian woman didn't feel well and then they both took a very long nap. High clouds started to form and day hikers began to leave to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. The guy told us again that she was still not feeling well and that they decided to hike out and not stay the night. Of course because such a skilled ex Forest Service employee, he waited to leave just as the rain came. Another great job of taking care of a woman who doesn't know a thing. Way to go mate!
They left and we were totally psyched as we had the lookout to ourselves. And then the real fun began as for the rest of the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms pounded all of the ridgelines all around us. There were high clouds, so we could always see the peaks, but the photography session that insued was one of the best I have ever been a part of. Because we were in a lookout we were the lucky ones to be able to witness the crazy storms up high without fear of being caught in it. A total lookouters dream and Hidden Lake Peak did not let us down. All of a sudden as we were taking pictures, we heard some buzzing and then our hair stood straight up. We quickly ran for the lookout. For the first time, the storm was over the lookout and for about an hour, we got pounded by rain, constant rolling thunder, and lightning. When that ended, the clouds parted and we went back outside for some more storm watching. As night fell, we got tired and went to sleep.
the next morning we enjoyed a lazy start. But once the sun came out, it got hot out and day hikers started to arrive. We chatted with all of the nice people and eventually made it back to our wildflower spot for some more photography. Around 1pm, we packed up and slowly made our way back to the car. We definitely wanted to beat the storms and get home at a reasonable hour for Katie. Lots of bug bites later, we were taking off our boots and heading back down the Cascade River Road. No trip to the North Cascades is complete without stopping in Burlington for some Tacos Guaymas. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/mountains/2009/hlp-07_24_09/
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Exit 38 - 07/22/09
Katie and I went to Exit 38, but it was so hot we decided on heading to Neverland so we would not have to hike long. We setup at the Lost Boys area and did two multi-pitch routes. The first was a two pitch 5.9 and the second had a 5.9 first pitch and a 5.10a second pitch. Both were extremely fun and we had a great time. No pictures were taken.
Led:
I Wanna Go Home (2p) 5.9
The Plank (2p) 5.9, 5.10a
Led:
I Wanna Go Home (2p) 5.9
The Plank (2p) 5.9, 5.10a
Monday, July 20, 2009
New York - 07/16/09-07/20/09
I flew back home to visit my family in New York for 5 days. My grandmother also flew up to New York from Florida. It was a great time relaxing with all of my family. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/travel/2009/newyork-07_16_09/
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Emily and Chase Wedding - 07/10-12/09
I joined Katie to attend Emily and Chase's Wedding over on the Kitsap Peninsula. I took an afternoon ferry and made it over to Katie's parents house just in time to take a quick shower before the rehearsal dinner at the Silverdale Brewing Company. After the dinner, we went over to the wedding site for the actual rehearsal. The next morning while everyone was getting ready, I went on a solo bike ride of about 40 miles from Silverdale to Port Gamble and back. It was a great loop, although very hot and I was pretty dehydrated. Once back, we had a few hours to relax before heading back to the wedding site. The actualy wedding ceremony and reception was beautiful and tons of fun. I was even able to practise some wedding photography and took many photographs. The next morning we went out for breakfast in Poulsbo and took an early afternoon ferry back to Seattle. It was an excellent weekend and wonderful to meet all of Katie's family. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/seattle/2009/emilychase-7_11_09/
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Exit 38 - 07/09/09
With many chores needed to by on Wednesday, Exit 38 was out of the question. Luckily I was able to find a partner, Jackie from the UWCC, to go climbing with on Thursday. We headed to the Far Side to escape the crowds and settled on the Gunshow area. We warmed up by both leading a 5.8. After that we ventured up the two pitch 5.9, where I led the first pitch and Jackie led the second pitch. It was a really fun climb, where the first pitch was steep and the second pitch was slabby. Good views from the top. Next I tried my hand at a 10b, but had to lower. Jackie then tried it and didn't get past where I stopped. So after she lowered, she led the 5.8 to the left of the 10b and was able to set up a top rope and retrieve our gear. I then top roped the 10b and was able to climb it after some flailing. No pictures were taken.
Led:
GS-6 5.8
Elation At The End Of Eternity pitch 1 5.9
Top Roped:
Elation At The End Of Eternity pitch 2 5.9
GS-4 5.10b
Led:
GS-6 5.8
Elation At The End Of Eternity pitch 1 5.9
Top Roped:
Elation At The End Of Eternity pitch 2 5.9
GS-4 5.10b
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Olympic Coast (3rd Beach) - 07/03-05/09
Katie, Megan, and I spent the July 4th weekend on the Olympic Coast. Katie of course does not have the holiday off and we left early Friday afternoon. After stops including long ferry lines, dropping off Bandit in Silverdale, bumper to bumper traffic at the hood canal bridge, getting permits in Port Angeles, we finally made it to the 3rd Beach trailhead around 8pm. Just like the coast always is, it was sunny the entire drove over and got cloudy at the trailhead. Luckly the hike to 3rd beach is only 1.5 miles and we were quickly setting up camp and cooking dinner. Fire roasted smores and whiskey topped off the evening. The next morning we woke up to misty conditions. With that we decided not to move our camp and we day hiked it out to Strawberry Point. Tons of pictures were taken along the way including misty overland forests, bald eagles, and driftwood. At Strawberry Point we decided we had enough and soon were making our way back. All was going well until I ran into Evan Jewett, a fellow UW climber. We spoke for a while and eventually Katie and Megan had enough and went ahead without me. Evan then mentioned if we knew about the car accident that took place early that morning. Of course we didn't. A guy in a truck, pulling a boat, fell asleep and caused a 5 car accident in the trailhead parking lot. His description sounded like where we parked and I quickly took off to catch up to Katie and Megan. After telling them what had happened we booked it back to our tent and then Katie and I went back to the parking lot to see if her car was hit. Unfortunately, her car was hit, although it was not totalled and 3 others were. The cops deemed it driveable and it was not towed when the accident occured. She had front and rear bumper damage, possible frame damage and fluid leaks, hood and back door alignment issues, etc.. We couldn't do anything at the moment given the day and time so we hiked back to our camp and tried to relax as much as possible. The sun eventually came out and we enjoyed a few hours of lounging around in the sunshine, eating mushroom risotto, and drinking loco cocoas. We decided to wake up early to take care of the car. After stops at the Forks police department and the Mora ranger station, we were finally on our way home. Because the back door was screwed up, we were unable to get Bandit and he had to stay in Silverdale for the week until Emily's wedding. After days and days of dealing with insurance companies and staying patient, Katie was finally able to obtain a rental car and drop off her car at the Jeep dealer. Hopefully the frame isn't damaged and will be able to be fixed. All in all, a very typical trip for us when we wanted a mellow weekend without vertical gain. Pictures can be found at http://alpinenapping.com/main.php/v/mountains/2009/3rdbeach-07_03_09/
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Exit 38 - 07/01/09
Katie and I headed to Exit 38 under blue skies for the first time in weeks which was very exciting. We headed to the Far Side up to Eastern Block at Interstate Park. We warmed up on two .8s and felt up for Ellie's Sweet Kiss. It was a fun pumpy climb over a few roofs, but actually was very easy for the grade. We were both excited bout climbing it and then wanted Katie to work on her leading. She make quick work of the .7 feeling very strong and confident and was up for her first .8. We found a good climb and she made quick work of that as well pulling over an overhang. Excellent job mate! No pictures were taken.
Led:
EB-3 5.8
EB-2 5.8
Ellie's Sweet Kiss 5.10a
Top Roped:
Kiss Of The Crowbar 5.7
EB-6 5.8
Led:
EB-3 5.8
EB-2 5.8
Ellie's Sweet Kiss 5.10a
Top Roped:
Kiss Of The Crowbar 5.7
EB-6 5.8
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