North Cascades/Whatcom Pass

“Three old timers on this trip ??”

“Aussie,

Please don't ridicule, it's not easy having a split personality.

or

I forgot I was going, saw the trip, liked it and signed on.

or

How in hell can you edit that post?”

“Sure wish I could jump in on this one Aussie, but it's just not a week that I can get away :-(”

“So many trails, so many mountains, so few days vacation.....

except for you Canadians !! (The few vacation days I mean.) It would be nice to have you along, but I know how it goes. I have all my vacation allocated for but there's still several other trips I'd love to do.”

“Hodge - saw your post over on NWH - sorry about your back. Hopefully you'll soon be fully recovered and it won't negatively impact your outdoor activities.”

“Looks cool Aussie. I haven't really explored that area yet. Someday. But I have all the time in the world, I suppose.”

“Thanks Aussie - I'm getting my mobility back and should be on the trails again soon. I guess moving shrubbery in the garden is just something that I should not do.... better stick to skiing and climbing mountains and stuff
;-)

How are you doing.... all fully recovered ?”

“Well....this is going to make sound about 30 years older than I really am. Back is doing well, hip is OK - I've worked really hard on building up core strength and its paying off. Just have to maintain it now.

Had a domestic incident 4 months ago - severly sprained my little toe. Still troubles me - found out yesterday that a severe sprain can take up to a year to heal/become pain free. The downside is I've been really active in the past couple of months and have probably been favouring my toe : now I have some other issue near my knee, so activities curtailed for a while. Once one thing gets out of whack, unless you take it easy, others seem to follow. Probably not a lesson I'll ever learn though !!

I do think back issues are the worst though. Glad you're doing OK. Maybe we'll run into each other sometime this summer....?”

“hmmm Aussie, so your an old timer?


Aussie = Goretex?”

“Well....not that old; my body is just not as resilient as I would like. Don't get the Goretex connection....?”

“I'm in! Thanks for putting this together Aussie. Looking forward to this one! Let me know if I can help with anything.”

“If anyone is interested in a side trip from Hannegan Pass to the summit of Ruth Mountain here is a photo album. It would add about half a day from Hannegan Pass to the summit and back. Simple ice axe skills needed and possibly crampons.

http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/album/fxhr1x5d.php
last edited: 4/18/06 7:10:20 PM”

“Thanks for the suggestion USA. Given the snow levels I think I'll be taking my axe and crampons anyway.

Ladyhiker03 - it'll be good to see you again !”

“Ruth Mountain really wouldn't take that much time actually. Hannegan Peak is on the north side of Hannegan Pass, and Ruth is on the south side of the pass. From the pass, Hannegan Peak is about a mile and 1000 feet gain, whereas Ruth is maybe two miles at most and 2000 feet gain. But the view is 5 times better from Ruth.”

“I know this is still a way off....

Is anyone flying in to Seattle ?

I'm hoping to be on a team for the Hood to Coast relay that Fri/Sat so may be driving form Portland to Seattle late on Saturday. My thought is to head up to the ranger station Sunday afternoon to pick up permits.

Since we can't get permits any sooner than the day before we have a degree of flexibility. We can just stay at Whatcom Pass for one night or two. Let me know if you have preferences. Although there's always the chance options will be limited when we get the permit.

This has turned out to be a heavy snow year so I'm sure we will encounter some. I'll review trail conditions nearer the time.”

“Aussie, it sounds great, but I know we'll be needing to catch up on work after Pioneer Basin :-(”

“Well, I was hoping to join this trip but it looks now as if I will be out of town during this time. If things work out, I still might be able to join but I'm not expecting it. This is really a nice trip and great country. As usual, ladyhiker will be hiking another prime area while I only dream. *grins* Anyway, I'll keep watching the trip area just incase I catch a break.

Kilgore”

“Well Kilgore, if your situation changes, even at the last minute, come along.”

“I've actually started looking for this trip before you even posted it, having heard about it. So, I have kept my eye on it as I have watched my own calendar. So I'll still be looking in and I'll see what happens. Anyway, thanks so much for the warm invitation.

Kilgore”

“For a 17 year old in good shape with mediocre hiking skills, should I even consider joining this trip?”

“Well - we all learn by doing. Some of this will be strenuous but if you're in good shape that shouldn't be a problem. Attitude is generally the most important thing.

What's the longest backpack you've done in terms of number of nights ? And where will you be coming from ?”

“Longest hiking trip I've been on was three nights.

Attitude won't be a problem. I've just been itching to get out on another hike for awhile, and you all seem like some knowledgeable people, and I'd hope to be able to learn a thing or two. This was the only Washington area hike I saw on the list there.

I'd be coming from Seattle, so I figure it'd be about a 4 hour drive at tops.

What in the way of unique equipment would I need? I saw the snow axe comment, but it was unclear whether it was really necesary or not.

Thanks a bunch.”

“Forgot to mention I put together a photo album for Whatcom Pass some time ago:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/album/v6y30v2r.php

or...

http://community.webshots.com/album/548022077FmttKJ”

“Big Star - I know two of the other people going on the trip and they have a lot of backpacking experience and I have a fair bit too. Two of us are in Seattle, two from Oregon and I'm not sure where the other's coming from. We would probably arrange to meet at a P&R if you wanted to car pool.

Regarding the ice axe - closer to the trip I'll be looking at trail reports to see what the trail/snow conditions are like. We ended up with quite a bit of snow, but if we get lots of sun who knows what'll it'll be like by the end of Aug.

And in the interests of full disclosure, I think most of us on the trip so far are quite a bit older than you. Not a problem as far as I'm concerned, but I thought I'd let you know.”

“Hah, with names like "Old Timer" I kind of figured that would be the case. No worries, I've been playing the baby of the bunch role my entire life, and as long as none of you mind, then I wouldn't either.

I'm about 50/50 on this right now. The Cascades are beatiful country, so I don't really know what's holding me back. I figure I have a minute or two to decide anyways.

I know you said you most likely wouldn't be going Kilgore, but it might push me over if there was someone going I could discuss Vonnegut with ;-D”

“Well, I love talking about Vonnegut. Interesting fellow and great writer. I almost chose the screen name Ice-Nine. *smile*

I live in Seattle area also and love getting out into the Cascades. The last two years I have ventured more over into the Olympics. Hopefully I will get a chance to explorte the "scablands" soon. There is just so much around here to see and do. But the Cascades remain my favorite and most frequently visited area. I especially like the areas off of US-2.

Anyway, If I can go on this trip, I will post it as soon as I know. This is certainly wild area and a nice challenge.

Kilgore”

“E-mailed everyone asking about travel plans. Heard back from oldtimer and he can no longer make it.

Hoping to hear from everyone else soon.....”