The Many Faces of Mt. Rainier

March 29, 2020 by Willis Wall

Self quarantine allows one to indulge in more leisure activities; in my case, assembling and editing video and photos. I chose close to 100 photos of Mt. Rainier from various vantage points, some on trail, on the roads, off trail and far afield cross country. The mountain presents faces in almost unlimited variety, depending on the time of day, time of year, and position/elevation on the orbit. Hugging the flanks at 9000 feet offers a unique vista vice being miles away at low elevation. Decades of hiking in the park in all seasons allows me to present this comprehensive assembly, starting at Longmire and proceeding clockwise around the mountain. Presented in 4K, please enjoy!

*Looking south from Anvil Rock (9584’), MRNP*

MRNP: Anvil Rock (9584')

March 21, 2020 by Willis Wall

Warmed up from my Cowlitz Rocks skin/ski a few days ago, I hit the snow with a full 1.5 liter bottle spiked with Tailwind this time, heading up the familiar Muir Snowfield to tag Anvil Rock (9584’). I know I took my daughter by here when she was 16 but figured I’d make it official. My scramble guide to Mt. Rainier suggested not trying to stand on the rock that marks the peak, instead tagging it with one’s pole. If you consider the sheer drop on the other side and the crumbly nature of Rainier’s makeup, it sounded like a prudent idea to me.

Take a Saturday with incredible weather, add in the spiking effect of Coronavirus with social distancing and shutdowns galore (meaning people are getting outside probably more than ever), and tweak the mix with free entry to the park, and one gets a bloated parking lot. The whole trip up the snowfield had specks of humans booting, skinning and snow shoeing in nicely spaced lines for the better part of the day. Everywhere I turned the specks were visible both high and low. However, with so much open space it was quite easy to have your own bubble. I opted to boot up Panorama Point as I saw some skiers having difficulty skinning. Besides, there is always a nice boot track here making it easy peasy. It looked like party time at the top with people taking a break and paying homage to the malignant sun god. I snapped a few pics and continued up the remaining short steep two steps to the gentler terrain above. After this it was shush shush shush goes the skins for some time. I broke off from the main thoroughfare, making my own track to the right to position myself for Anvil.

*Anvil Rock (9584’) visible from the snowfield above Panorama Point*

I found a nice bit of rock to take a break about 500’ below Anvil, eating some chow and quaffing my liquid. I had noticed some chaffing on my Hoji’s (inside ankle side) from my prior trip, so I shed the boots to take a look. I applied some mole skin and changed to thicker socks and this seemed to alleviate the problem, at least until I took the mole skin off in the shower at home. The layer of skin that came with it raised an eyebrow to say the least. From the rocks it was a short skin to just below the summit rock of Anvil, where I found a flat spot to stash the skis. Low angled soft snow made an easy jaunt to the summit rock where I placed my pole atop the top. Tag! Nice views here to while away a few minutes, and far enough off the main route to enjoy solitude whilst watching the ants, noticeably slower now with the higher elevation.

I configured for the downhill, somewhat dreading the conditions. However, it turns out the crud at 9000’ wasn’t nearly as bad as what I encountered below Cowlitz Rocks and was quite manageable. In fact, as I proceeded lower the skiing became less survival and more glidal, with pretty good soft spring conditions all the way to Paradise. Maybe a little choppy in places but fun nonetheless. The steep slope below Panorama point was doable without traversing and was over in short order with tight turns. After that it was cruising to the parking lot, now packed to the gills with people everywhere. I even passed a group in lounge chairs with tables adorned with beer. I weaved through the parking lot to my car staying 15’ from everyone and did the pack up chores….drying the skis, pouring coffee, eating a peanut butter cookie; the usual stuff. Light traffic had me home in short order and my wife treated me to a salmon dinner. Welcome to retirement.

*Looking towards Camp Muir from Anvil Rock*

MRNP: Cowlitz Rocks

March 19, 2020 by Willis Wall

One of the things an at-risk 65 Y/O newly minted retiree can do in today’s crazy virulent world is recreate outside. Real easy to keep social distance in the great outdoors. I departed with after-hike snacks and a thermos of coffee for Mt. Rainier National Park to tag another peak on the 100 list and get some fresh air. Traffic was light on the 2 hour drive and the park kiosk was unmanned. The gate from Longmire to Paradise usually opens at 9 so I timed my trip to be there accordingly. Normally I would get there earlier and have breakfast at the Inn, but at the moment there isn’t too much normal going around. The Paradise parking lot had a few cars and most of the people mulling about were skiers with a smattering of snow shoers (the sno-play area was shut down). The round trip to the Cowlitz Rocks is under 8 miles and I kept this in mind when I discovered (already on trail) I had left my liquid replenishment at home in the fridge. I determined that by frequently eating snow on the way, I could keep overwhelming thirst at bay and salvage the trip. For this outing I decided to pack my skis vice snowshoes. I knew the terrain was low angle and didn’t expect any good skiing, but I liked the thought of skinning with the chance of a few turns on the way back.

I had visited this area on October 4, 2017 so had an idea of the terrain. To access I hiked down the closed Paradise Valley road a short distance to where the parking area hid under the snow. As expected, there was a good snow shoe track leading up to Mazama Ridge, where I took to skinning on gentle terrain. The path to the Cowlitz Rocks essentially runs next to Stevens Creek, buried by feet of snow. The going was rather toasty in these snow bowls and I throttled back a bit to preclude too much sweating, what with my liquid dumbassery. I shed my pack and skis at Glacier Gap for the final ascent, at first sinking up to my knees in snow but eventually finding my way to crappy frozen scree and rocks, always a pleasure to climb in ski boots. When the rocks ran out and I looked to the actual summit rock ahead and 20 feet above me, I decided not to risk booting up the slightly frozen 30 degree slope with no ice axe. No sense risking a tumble into the rocks below on my first outing after retiring, that would be poor form indeed. So there, I’ve fessed up but still counting it.

*Nearing my high point; Glacier Gap upper right; you can spot my skis and pack below*

Needless to say the views were “incredible, tremendous”. Nothing quite like an outing with complete solitude (once I departed the snow shoe track). There’s also nothing like trying to ski through a slightly warmed 3 inch thick crust with powder underneath. Sometimes backcountry skiing can be a humbling experience, considering I was shushing down the black diamonds at Crystal just two weeks before. I’m surprised I stayed upright. Somehow I managed a few turns and was actually grateful to put the skins back on for the rest of the trip back, sometimes skiing down sections with the skins. Higher speeds on skins sound really cool.

Finally back at my vehicle, I cracked open a soda water and poured my still hot coffee while my skis were drying on the macadam. There were maybe 15-20 vehicles in the lot, attended by skiers coming back from their runs down the Muir snowfield. I leisurely packed up and enjoyed the downhill in my Prius C, clocking 99.9 MPG for quite a distance out of the park until it came back to 81 MPG when I filled up in Graham. Nice. After copious Purelling before touching anything I enjoyed the light traffic during what would be a normal rush hour all the way home. May we live in interesting times. Stats: 7.8 miles/2400’

*Mt. Adams and part of the Tatoosh range to the south*

Panasonic M43 Leica Lens Trifecta (8-18/12-60/50-200)

February 25, 2020 by Willis Wall

In preparation for retirement travels, two years ago I decided on purchasing a Panasonic G9 for various reasons. Aside from affordability, the M43 format allows for much lighter and more compact lenses (I already owned a few) vice a full format camera. I fretted in the decision making process, coming from the smallish (but fixed lens) Panasonic LX100. In all my research the more compact cameras always had a deal breaker, be it the lens, lack of 4K video, lack of weather sealing, sensor performance and/or size or fiddly interfaces. I finally decided to go with the larger form factor of the G9 as, for my uses, the pros outweighed the cons. A large part of this process involved lens selection.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS

The first lens I purchased (at the same time as the camera) was the Leica 8-18. Most of my photography is landscape oriented, but this lens also has much flexibility for architecture. In depth reviews can be found on line for each of these lenses, so this post will only deal with my uses and observations as a non professional photographer. The wide end of the 8-18 makes for interesting shots and with the right subject can be quite arty and pleasing. This lens accepts 67mm screw on filters, another bonus, along with internal zoom (the lens does not extend).

However, in landscape photography the wide end of this lens will minimize the center subject and create aberrations on the periphery, which is sometimes not appropriate.

*Leica 8-18 at 8mm; notice the distortion of my daughter at the edge*

As long as one understands these limitations, this lens has been an excellent performer for me and is weather sealed. The middle range allows for precise control for framing a nearer subject.

*Leica 8-18 at 12mm, hand held; the combination of lens and body offers up to 6 stops of stabilization*

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS

The next lens I purchased was the Leica 12-60. This lens is light (315 grams) and compact. I find the extra reach makes it an excellent walk around lens as well as giving me the ability to bring in those more distant vistas. Once I put it on my camera I didn’t change it out for most of last year. It too is weather sealed but it does extend for zoom and, being a smaller lens than the 8-18, takes 62mm filters; I had to purchase a separate set. I imagine this is the lens I will use the most in my travels due to its versatility.

*Grandpup (Leica 12-60 at 60mm cropped)*

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS

I have the older Panasonic 45-150 lens I paired with a Panasonic GH2. That lens packed a lot of bang for the buck. I gave this combo to my daughter for her trip to Africa a few years ago, which she used on a safari at the end of her stay. I was blown away by the images she captured with this dated but very capable combination. I also used this lens on my new G9, giving me just enough reach to capture some nice eagle shots on Whidbey Island.

*The newer G9 with the older Panasonic 45-150: 150mm*

I’m not a wildlife photographer so that 45-150 would be perfectly acceptable for the few times I need some reach. However, Kilimanjaro is on the docket for this year, with my daughter and myself doing a 4 day safari at the end. My wife and I are also talking about a possible Antarctic cruise. These two once in a lifetime trips alone convinced me that I should pick up the Leica 50-200. Of course it’s weather sealed and accepts my 67mm filters, two more bonuses. My wife and kids surprised me with this lens for my recent birthday, and I haven’t had much time to use it. However, today I took it out for a hazy but nice weather hike to our local Tiger Mountain just to get a feel for it. At first, when Mt. Rainier showed itself, I zoomed to 200mm and the mountain was jumping all over the place. Then I realized I had not turned on the lens OIS; doing so locked the image in the viewfinder down, the difference was amazing. I think the reach will suffice for my recreational photography nicely, although no wildlife appeared on this busy trail. I guess Lars will have to do instead.

*Issaquah HS at 200mm from Poo Poo Point*

*Crop of the above photo (Leica 50-200 at 200mm)*

*Mt Rainier from Poo Poo Point (Leica 50-200 at 200mm)*

This lens is the third in a series of three Power OIS lenses from Panasonic, and from my recreational photographer’s standpoint I believe I have all my bases covered. I’ve found with the 8-18 and 12-60 that judicious use of the zoom and minimum focusing distances produce perfectly acceptable macro images, and a recent review of the 50-200 lauded the ability to get insect shots without getting too close to the subject.

*Bygone Cholla cactus: Leica 12-60 at 60MM*

Just as a reminder, the M43 lenses have an equivalent doubling of a full frame 35mm camera; 12 = 24, 200 = 400 etc. I should also mention that these OIS lenses, in combination with a camera like the G9, provide enough stabilization that I find I can hand hold up to 2 second exposures. They are also fast enough to track motion decently, and the stabilization on all 3 provides excellent results shooting 4K video (although untested at 200mm on my latest lens). Remember, if you want detailed reviews they are readily available on various sites, usually provided by professional photographers putting glass through its paces. This overview is therefore from the perspective of a hobbyist. I don’t dig deeply into the capabilities of my cameras unless there is a specific need to do so, like night photography and star shots. With this understanding, I can offer that the combination of a good camera body that takes advantage of the Optical Image Stabilization of these lenses makes for a smooth user experience….most of the time I can just point and shoot, occasionally adjusting the exposure. I always have a UV filter on, but also employ an ND filter if I have a tripod (which is not that often). I can’t attest to use of these lenses with Olympus cameras with regards to taking advantage of the OIS, or other brands. But my last 2 years with the Pany G9 and these tailor made lenses has been a real delight.

*Leica 12-60 (60mm, 4 sec exposure with tripod; cropped)*

Retirement Thoughts: Fun with 65

February 03, 2020 by Willis Wall

It’s time for the transition. Turning 65 is not just a birthday, it’s also the end of a career. I’ve been flying since 1982, and with the mandatory retirement age of 65 my 38 years of aviation have come to an end. It’s also the beginning of my wife’s and my next phase; we’re kicking off retirement with the “big purge” (the most difficult part of the process), selling our home, selling our vehicles (we may keep one) and heading off to Europe for hopefully a few years of travel. 2020 is booked already and includes time in Budapest, Prague, Ireland and the UK. My daughter and I are doing Kilimanjaro in August and I’m going back to Italy for another week of biking. There will always be time for hiking, running and cycling. Which leads me to the reasoning behind my clownish “65” birthday feats. I figure if I’m really lucky, I might have 10 years of mental and physical fitness to do many of the things I’ve put off because of time commitment while working….kayaking the Inside Passage, skiing in Greenland, any one or more of the long trails, cycling endurance events etc. With this in mind I have kept on top of my fitness with an eye towards preparing for retirement. Essentially, I figure I should be able to run a half marathon, bike a century, or hike over 25 miles per day for multiple days at the drop of a hat with minimal extra preparation.

*Partly cloudy skies on the west side of Lake Sammamish*

My “test” of progress took 4 days, centered around my birthday. On day 1 I confiscated the stair machine and climbed 6500 feet in 3 hours. The next day was weight day, so I did a plank for 65 seconds, leg pressed 65 pounds 65 times in 65 seconds. Next up was bench press; 65 pounds, 65 reps in 6.5 minutes….this was actually the hardest thing I did. There was little time for rest between sets to get under the time limit and I was sore for days. Lastly I grabbed some 20 pound dumbbells and curled 65 times in a row. Day 3 was treadmill time. After a half mile warmup, I ran 6.5 miles at 6.5 MPH pace. Weather delayed my final task, the 65 mile bike. It’s been rather wet and gloomy here in the PNW but a few days later the forecast was for partly sunny skies. With temps in the mid 30’s I set off on my Salsa and rode north and back, looping around Lake Sammamish in the process and riding around a neighborhood a few times to arrive at home with 65 miles on the Cateye. My 5 hour ride (2000’ climb) was mostly pleasant, with some rain showers, followed by sleet and snow about 50 miles in.

I kind of chuckle with the whole “65” contrived workout thing, but it did validate my training regimen and has positioned me physically to handle strenuous outings for my upcoming events. Of course, there is always the caveat that shit happens, but we have no control over many things in life. I’m concentrating on what I do have control over. Thanks for reading.

You Look Like an Old Lady

December 30, 2019 by Willis Wall

My daughter and I have done a December hike for the past 6 years when she comes back to the PNW for the holidays. We were looking for something that didn’t require too much driving and didn’t take us too high into the clouds, and Lake Annette filled the bill. This is a popular enough spot so there is a well established boot track, no snow shoes required…..my studded trail runners and her microspikes did the trick. But beyond this, the Lake Annette hike has a more special meaning for me. The first time I did this hike I was 29 Y/O and took my then 60 Y/O mother, who was visiting me from across the country. I remember teasing her a bit, telling her at one point when we were negotiating the bouldery trail across one of the avalanche chutes, “Come on Ma, you look like an old lady.” She was quite active at that age so I was allowed, after all I’m the favorite son. The second time I did the hike I took my visiting 12 Y/O niece; that was 24 years ago. Lots of flies. And today I went with my daughter. After we got back to the vehicle I wanted to get some longer exposures of the creek, so I grabbed my tripod and put on the ND filter. It was just a “hop, skip and a jump” (one of my mother’s sayings) to the creek, but the short trail was a little steep and icy. My daughter had taken off her microspikes. On the way back, she was having a hard time not sliding on the ice, so I offered my hand for stability. I know I was sporting a wry smile when I said, “Come on Cassie, you look like an old lady.” Happy New Year!

Willis Wall Year in Review 2019

December 09, 2019 by Willis Wall

Any year that ends with continued good health is a good one, but I had some exceptional trips this year, notably the 10 days I spent in Peru (including hiking the Inca Trail) with my daughter and a week of cycling in Italy based in Riccione. My hiking miles were quite a bit less than last year but I had some quality trips, peak bagging in Mt. Rainier National Park well into November, doing two versions of RIMROBOD (Short Course and Century) and one good backcountry ski trip to Whitman Crest and the Fryingpan Glacier. My daughter and I even borrowed my son’s dog and did a two day trip on the Sauk River. I also included clips of my usual layovers as my 37 years in aviation are coming to an end. This video is mastered in 2.7K so please expand for the best viewing experience. Music by Willis Wall.

Joshua Tree NP in the Winter

December 03, 2019 by Willis Wall

My daughter and I visited Joshua Tree NP a while ago in July, enduring temperatures over 100 degrees; no big surprise, this is a desert. On a recent visit, we returned to see what it was like this time of year (Nov-Dec) and explored areas of the park we hadn’t been before. The first day was in the mid 30s with strong winds, and the feeling was like a mid winter hike in the PNW….we enjoyed ourselves immensely but it was cold, cold, cold. The next day the winds abated and with higher temperatures more in the 40s to low 50s we were sometimes hiking in a single layer. Beautiful weather and, despite being there on a holiday weekend, we had plenty of time to ourselves wandering about; off trail travel, some mild bouldering and hiking into the sunset, just making it back to the vehicle before needing lamps. We both preferred these lower temperatures, especially because our water needs were vastly lower compared to summer. While I was processing photos I had a lot of macros, highlighting this aspect of the park….it’s not just about far vistas, there are delights that catch the eye both near and far. What impressed us the most on this particular visit was the stroll through the Teddy Bear Cholla nearer the southern part of the park, and our hike to the Lost Palms Oasis, an improbable place nestled in a gorge but obviously fed by a spring. On our return we took a loop to climb Mastodon Peak and were privy to an incredible sunset, constantly stopping to snap pix of the various iterations of a sky on fire. It was a privilege to wander one of our national treasures during this time of year; highly recommended. Complete photo set here

*Underlying structure of Teddy Bear Cholla*

*My custom Zimmerbuilt Bigstep on the Inca Trail, Peru*

Zimmerbuilt Custom BigStep Pack Review

November 22, 2019 by Willis Wall

My life is about to change dramatically; I’m retiring in a few months. My wife and I are planning extensive travel right away. This means weeks and months “living out of a suitcase” as we spend time in various countries, having the flexibility to come and go as we please. Of course I’m planning on hiking and backpacking, not just because it’s what I do but because my poor spouse needs a break from me. Through all of this planning I need a basic, minimal kit that will see me through various climes and be able to handle anything I have in mind. I decided on a modified Zimmerbuilt BigStep to fill the bill, offering more internal volume (2400 ci) than the slighter QuickStep (1700 ci).

*Electronics setup on BigStep pack straps*

The BigStep looks pretty good right out of the box, but I needed a few modifications. The side pockets made of mesh weren’t going to hack it, because during bush whacking, branches and nubs are liable to tear mesh; solid side pockets of Dyneema help solve that problem • I sometimes carry a tripod or pole(s) so I needed side compression straps to secure these longer tools, especially if I’m doing a bike/hike. • I do plenty of snow hiking so wanted the option of an ice axe loop • I always want a haul loop • Although I haven’t used it yet, I have a removable top V bungee I can attach for things on the outside of the pack, like securing a jacket when not in use. • Instead of removeable straps, I have a minimalist hip “belt” that keeps the pack from swinging if I’m trotting. It’s thin but wide enough to lay comfortably across my hips.

*Custom BigStep with camera carry system*

In my correspondence with Chris I was looking at the black Dyneema Hybrid Composite material, but he was getting low on inventory. I’ve had good luck with XPac so was fine with that, which is actually cheaper. The total bill for these changes added very little to the standard price on his site, which is $220. My bill was $242.99, not bad considering there were some sewing alterations that needed to be made; the BigStep design has one seam on each side (near the back of the pack) so the compression straps and side pockets needed to be secure without significantly altering the original design. As usual, correspondence with Chris was timely; my first email asking about the alterations went out on March 8th and the pack was shipped on March 19th. Maybe I got lucky in the timing concerning his work load, but I’d call that pretty spectacular service. This attention to detail and customer service is why I’ve had several packs made by Chris over the past few years.

*Custom Quickstep has a handy mesh front pocket*

I’ve used this pack for just about every off trail scramble and peak bagging trip I’ve done this year, with the exception of ski trips. I’ve been tangled in gross slide alder on steep slopes, I’ve ‘schwacked through thick underbrush and conifer tangles, I’ve squeezed through narrow caves and scraped against all manner of geology, and through all of this abuse there is no evidence of wear on the pack with the exception of dirt that I can’t quite clean off of the front mesh pocket. I used this pack for my daughter’s and my 4 day trek of the Inca Trail….in our group of 7 we were the only ones (she also had her Zimmerbuilt pack) who didn’t utilize a personal porter, easily carrying clothing and sleep gear to the next overnight. Because there is no frame, this pack can lie flat or roll up in a suitcase. And it’s not like I’m just schlepping a few pounds; I embarked on a 4 day trip in October of the Wonderland Trail, starting off in snow, and I had this pack. As it turns out I turned back due to the slow progress through the early season snows, but my point is I had 4 days of food and overnight gear appropriate for essentially a winter hike. Despite the lack of a frame, the fit and comfort of the pack straps allow me to carry kit, food and water in the vicinity of 20 pounds with no discomfort. I also use a Keyhole camera carry system that easily attached to the pack straps.

The more I use this custom BigStep, the more I think it may be the best overall pack I’ve owned. It can cinch down for day use, or has the volume to add overnight gear for multi day trips. It packs easily into a travel suitcase and is obviously robust enough withstand moderate abuse on scrambles and off trail travel. But like any piece of gear, there are some limitations…..• Don’t count on your contents staying completely dry; I’ve used the pack in all day rains and items in the pack were damp. As usual a liner bag or individual stuff sacks are appropriate for extended use in wet weather…..• The side pockets are always handy, but despite cinching them up tight I’ve had a tall liter and a half Nalgene fall out when I’ve bent over on tricky scramble sections. If I’m anticipating contortionist movements through difficult terrain, I now put the large bottle inside the pack….• Securing straps; the roll top design is definitely something I like, but this minimalist design uses long skinny straps and tiny buckles on each side to cinch down the top. These are sometimes hard to find when I’m securing the buckles, but mostly the long strings can be a slight pain if the pack is not very full, dangling hither on the side. Occasionally I’ve just stuffed them inside the side pockets.

It seems like every review I do I end with “it all depends on usage” and that is true here. There is no padded back so you have to pack appropriately or you’ll get something sticking into your back. Any frameless pack is limited in a comfortable carry weight, but I don’t exceed 20 pounds even with a full load of kit, food and water. You’re not going to be able to carry skis or snowshoes. But if you need a pack that takes up little room in a suitcase, can handle day hikes, brush bashing and light overnights, works just as well biking as hiking, has enough volume to pack bulkier items, can carry a tripod or Zpacks staff or trekking poles, and has enough gumption to handle a modicum of abuse, then this may be the pack for you. It certainly has proven itself for me. In my coming travels I’ll have this little number in my rollaboard, ready for any number of forays we may choose, be it Norway or Croatia or New Zealand. Chris can make it happen for you, too. EDIT: when I first posted this I mistakenly wrote this up as a customized QuickStep; it had been months since I bought the pack and I had the QuickStep in my mind. Apologies if this caused any confusion.

*BigStep roll top securing straps and buckles with compression strap and solid side pockets*

*TumTum Peak (4678’) and Mt. Adams from 5500’ (below Mt. Wow)*

MRNP: TumTum Peak (4678')

November 21, 2019 by Willis Wall

On another foray into the park this late November I had it in mind to hit 3 peaks: TumTum (4678’), Ararat (6010’) and Mt. Wow (6040’) over the course of two days. The weather forecast drove my schedule; I would hit TumTum in the morning of the first day (rain and mist) because of its limited views, then proceed on the same Kautz Creek trail towards Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground to hopefully enjoy clearing skies from the summit of Ararat, offering big late afternoon views of the mountain with visions of alpenglow dancing in my head. I set off in the early morning, eventually donning my rain gear (including pants) as the brush was wet and there was a steady drizzle. When I left the trail there was little evidence of prior travel so I was basically on my own; I don’t think TumTum is often visited. The forest sections weren’t particularly hard but had the usual obstacles to surmount. I found that skirting rocky outcroppings on the left looked the best way, and once I attained a saddle to the west of the peak it was easy going to the forested summit. I decided to return the way I had come as descending the east ridge was an unknown. As I regained the Kautz Creek trail there was a moment of sunshine filtering through the trees so it looked like my plan was coming together….off to Ararat!

*Drizzly conditions above 4700’ on the trail approaching Mt. Ararat (6010’)*

*Majestic giants on the Kautz Creek trail*

Unfortunately that brief splash of sunshine was also the last of it, and as I climbed above 4700’ on trail I encountered more drizzle and wet, gloppy snow. I continued with hope and optimism to 5100’ on trail, nearing the point where I would break off for the Ararat summit. My plans were dashed as I looked up to a totally obscured Ararat and continuing drizzle; Ararat is best served by the afternoon view of the mountain, so I decided to save it for another day. This time of year the forest starts getting dark at 4 PM. My plans have been to be back on established trail by 3 as I don’t mind hiking in the dark but I don’t want to be route finding off trail. I regained my vehicle by 5 in complete darkness and made plans for dinner and truck camping. Tomorrow’s forecast was for sunny skies and I had the much more difficult scramble of Mt. Wow (6040’) on the agenda. Today’s Stats: 14.5 miles/5000’ elev

WOW FAILURE The West Side road was gated on November 4th from its entrance, so I came equipped with my mountain bike to do the easy 1.85 mile ride up the road to the climbers trail that leads to Lake Allen above and the slopes of Mt. Wow. This is a quad busting steep climb, taking me from 2500’ to above Lake Allen at 4700’. The description of this scramble is “difficult” with route finding problems, and I must say I encountered such. There just didn’t seem to be an easy way to attain the upper slopes leading to the saddle between Mt. Wow and Point 5614. I’ll synopsize; between verglas on rock, cliff bands, snow covered steep grassy slopes and thick foliage, I made it to an elevation of 5500’ with the saddle in sight along with Mt. Wow, just 500’ above me….and decided to turn around. My decision was based on estimated time to climb to the saddle and scramble the ridge to Wow and back, the uncertainty of attaining the lower slopes (I had lost my Whippet during one intense battle with slide alder on one such slope, not going back that way!), negotiating the slippery sun softened snow over steep grassy slopes I was currently on (without my Whippet) and reestablishing myself on the climbers trail before darkness fell. As it turns out, my descent route was the “appropriate” way up and down….not easy, as I found myself looking down on a 60 degree gully at one point, slightly off the proper track. If only the days were longer, I could have enjoyed the in your face clear views of Rainier, glimpses of which I caught on the ascent over my right shoulder. The guide I use to reference these peaks has general descriptions and may be slightly understated….perhaps more from my geriatric viewpoint, but this one is definitely a “hard scramble with route finding difficulties” for sure. Hopefully next time, bolstered by my newfound familiarity with the route, I will meet with success. Just an example of exercising judgement based on conditions and circumstances. I was back at my vehicle by 3 PM but the steep descent through the forest to regain my bike on the West Side road was already getting darkish at 2 PM. No second thoughts on this one. Cheers! (Stats: 10.3 miles/4500’ elev)

*The sun at 2 PM on November 20th; descending from Lake Allen*

*The summit of TumTum Peak (4678’), Mt. Rainier National Park*