Diamond Dave - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2009

End for now...

Started out 4 days ago from Trout Lake alone. Three other hikers came in as I was leaving. They all planed to get off the trail due to large amounts of snow that made any progress minimal. I hoped that if I could get on top where the sun wasn't blocked by trees or shaded by ridges that I might have a chance. I climbed steady and began seeing patches snow in the trees like I expected. The trail was mostly snow covered but visible. The drifts ramped up and down steeply over what is normally nicly graded trail. The drifts were 8' to 12+', but hard enough to walk on as you kicked in steps. At times you would balance on narrow icy ridges between trees as you walked along. The snow around the bases of the trees was melted to the ground in a perfect circle that created a pit. The tree pits were as deep as the snow, 8' - 12'. You didn't want to slip down into one of these pits. It took 6 hours to go 7 miles to reach the 6000' point that got me to the top of my first major saddle. The weather was fantastic, warm and clear. From a rocky point you could see all the big mountains, Hood, Rainier, Adams, St Helens, Jefferson and the Sisters peaks again, but closer. It was a calm and quite. In the sky right above me was a majestic bald eagle soaring above me. After a long lunch that included making phone calls to share the moment I packed up and I was looking forward to crossing the next stretch. Along the ridge it was a fairly constant elevation that climbs to 7000' at Goat Rocks Wilderness. But who was I kidding, the snow was now continuos, even in the open sun exposed area that I hoped would be melted and now packed solid around the trees! It made for better walking but the trail was no where in sight. All I could do is use was my GPS and way-points. Progress was slowing. I had about 4/5 days food for 65 miles (16 miles/day) and at 10 miles/day the math was looking weak. After 3 miles of trudging through the snow and no McDonalds in site, I had to make a decision, get lost and starve or turn back. The fun meter was going down. I decided to come back in a few weeks when the snow is less of a factor or I grow snow shoes. I've already got a ride back to Trout Lake setup. (To be continued)
David Margavage
Via iPod

Entry 32 of 32
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