B-day hike for Old Timer - trip report

“... for those of you who recall us 'obsolete ones' from years back, just wanted to take the opportunity to commemorate Old Timer on his 70th.

Those of us who were once TT regulars (from PNW and a few others) and who still gather on occasion followed Jim up the hill to his chosen locale and honored his accomplishment. Players; Alpine, Hodgeman of BC, Dunk, Mel, China Chas, Freedom and her new better half, strider, and of course the birthday boy. Target was Sisters Mirror Lakes, south side of South Sister, Oregon Cascades, 6K elevation.

In order (more or less): Sun, clouds, rain, sleet, snow, cloud, snow (3+ total), stars, cold, sun, stars, sun. B-day brownies, b-day candles, gifts. Libations and gooood chow. Amazing fall colors, winter wonderland, newly frosted volcanoes grinning in the sun. Endless stars. Hoar frost, crunchy ponds, steaming lakes.

Old Timer! Salud! May we all have such a 70th!
last edited: 10/15/04 12:34:32 AM”

“Sounds like quite the weather adventure!!

Greetings to all those who went. Really wish I could have been there. Looking forward to more reports and pics!”

“Now that's a birthday!!!”

“I hope to be in as great a state of body and mind as you when I'm 70! I remember the first hike we went on. We jumped out of the jeep at the trailhead and went up and up and up.. I couldn't keep up with you! You've been a great hiking bud and I'm planning on having a LOT more extra time. Let's plan a hike to celebrate your birthday one more time! Who knows... maybe I can make some of my famous chocolate pudding!!I'm moving to Eugene tomorrow, but still have the anne2500 email and the same cell phone.”

“My thanks to a great group of friends. They came from all the westcoast states and Canada. I am so lucky to have such friends. We had a great time and thanks again for a great party.

OT”

“You're more than welcome OT. Actually, it was our pleasure to help you celebrate! What an amazing and memorable weekend it was. Good times with good folks!”

“Wouldn't have missed it for anything Old Timer. You're an inspiration to us all. I'm glad you enjoyed the party
:-))

Photos”

“Looks like the Flamingo found a home! Look forward to the next gathering.”

“Nice photos, Hodge! Especially the flamingo - that's my next "gear" purchase....

Be sure to check out my photos and the Snows' photos to see our storm....”

“Hey Bman - Nice shots. Looks a bit different from when I was there in summer. The snow line dropped below 4000' feet here in the back yard, over the weekend..... ski season's comin'
:-))”

“Yeah, we got hammered with a storm this morning - all the ski web cams I've checked are showin' lots o' white stuff. Feels more like Feb than Oct....”

“Finally, here are my pictures;
http://community.webshots.com/album/201235847WPVQwL
Hope you like them.
OT”

“Jim,

It was a privledge to hike in the elements to honor your 70th Birthday.

Great photos... Between you, Hodge and myself I think we captured the weekend. (Still waiting to see Dunks... hint, hint)

Loved the picture of Boonie and Sarah but Im concerned about one of your other photos. I think that is Alpine with Richard ~doing the dishes~ like a good man should!

http://img2.photobucket.com/albums/v30/FlyFishGal/Three%20Sisters%20Wilderness%20Oct%2004/
last edited: 10/20/04 12:21:46 PM”

“Sorry Freedom, I think the second or third thing to go at my age is eyesight. I can't remember which, I'm still upset over the first thing to go. I'll take care of the caption.”

“I was getting worried if Alpine and Ricardo had a little something special going on the side... ;-p”

“Thanks for sharing. Old Timer, you are now my idol. What a fantastic way to spend your 70th birthday. Great pictures by all of you.”

“A fun way to spend your birthday! Out in the wilderness with good friends! Happy belated birthday!”

“Hey Hodge, not to make you jealous or anything (OK, maybe I am), Kirkwood opens saturday and Mammoth opens tomorrow. Ski season is HERE!!!”

“Hey, great shots. What a crew! Happy b-day to OldTimer and of course I'd still like to be hiking at 70!

Freedom, hey give that guy a trail name! :-)

And Mel... whoa, lookit that hair!

good to see all of you”

“Great pics. Isn't the pink flamingo an endangered species now?

Good to see Mel's picture again!”

“Hey Dunk - I just got the email from Mamoth opening today. Says it's the earliest in a decade ! Whs/Blk should be open for Thanksgiving as usual... maybe with a bit more snow this year. And 1100 acres of new terrain.... YeeHaa !”

“Great to see your birthday party pictures Old Timer. What a photo op mother nature put on for you all. Great pictures all. Many happy returns OT.”

“What a great birthday for you Oldtimer! Lots of weather! Loved the pink flamingo touch! I'll be there for the 71st birthday! Nice to see all the pictures. I finally have cable modem and I don't need to take a nap between pics!”

“Thanks for sharing. Looks like there were some great times and fun there. Enjoyed all the pictures and I'm happy to see another septuagenarian on TT.”