Olympic hike 22-26 Sept

“While stumbling thru the fete for Nomand and Meerkat at Mt. Adams, a trip into the Olymoics was placed on the table and talked thru. We have all the takers we can fit into the allowed group size, but if someone wanted to set up their own trip and just "happened" to pick the same destination, now that would be cool, yes?

We will be playing on and around the High Divide, which is possibly the prettiest section of the Oly back country. Primary access points are either the Sol Duc, Boulder Creek, or Hoh River trailheads. If you're interested in details, and perhaps interested in setting up a parallel hike, e-mail me at strider@silverlink.net.”

“strider, Lookingglass I are going away sometime in September twice. Once for a motorcycle vacation trip, and another for a job related trip out of town. Everything is up in the air right now for us, but I will definitely keep it in mind, and let you know when we find out where the chips fall.”

“I envy you guys. OP is my all-time favotite destination - wish I could afford to get out there more often. Have fun and give my regards to the marmots.”

“Hmmm.. I've been lookng for any excuse, to have a look in there. Tentative plans have me in the Rockies 'til around the 24th, however.

I will be keeping an eye on the Olympics, though.”

“I'm thinking of a winter trip in the Olympics, in November or December. Perhaps starting at the Hoh, Quinnault, or Bogachiel trailhaid and hiking up to the snow line.

I figure 4-5 days, going slow. Any suggestions appreciated.”

“Hmmm? might be doable...who's in your group already Strider? Are you doing the 7 Lakes Basin? 5 days is a bit much for me at this point, but might be able to catch you for a doy or two.”

“As I mentioned in the e-mail, I'll do my best to get there. I may not be in the best mental condition but hey what's new.”

“steve hiker,

Plan on being WET that time of year. Would recommend avoiding the Quinault, as there are several fordings of the river required. Those fords might be impossible when the creek's up, and the creek will dfinitely be up at that time of year. The Hoh and Bogie trails don't cross the main river channels, so would be better options. The trails themselves will be very tuff going - muddy doesn't BEGIN to describe them, and there are holes that contain entire boy scout troops.....”

“switchback, we will be dayhiking the Divide, playing in other areas nearby. If you want details, please e-mail me - the address is in the first entry of the thread.”

“Just bringing the thread back on to the radar screen.... trip info is also on Phil's trip page.”

“Hike window is about a month out, and e-mail planning is about to begin. If you're interested and haven't spoken up, now is the time as we will begin the planning exercise in the next few days....

Trip info and e-mail address is posted on Phil's page.”

“News flash, trip to Asia delayed, I just may get to play. I'll know for sure tomorrow. Woo Hoo!

So, what's the list of campers look like so far?”

“Nomad & Meerkat, Tom, Tekky, strider, Alpine, Biz and Switchback

ChinaChas- you Better check in with strider”

“Ah, I ain't afraid of no Strider. He's just a big cuddly teddy bear.

I'll still be in the group that comes in Sunday. (Myself, Alpine and possibly bc trailguy.) So, I'll pack self sufficient and bring my own food.

Might even have a surprise or two for our fearless leader, you never know.”

“Hey Chas- What do you and Alpine have in mind? How long will you be in for? I may be able to swing coming home on the Wednesday, but that'll be about it.”

“Chas, that's great news.

Old Timer checked in, he's a maybe!

MARArtist are a maybe for the first couple days as well.

We're gonna end up with enuf bodies that we'll need two permits. Cool.

Guess I better go check e-mail....”

“stride- When I called they said I didn't need a res cause it was the off season

???”

“Biz, that's cool.
Evident;y we will be up there late enough that the backcountry campsite reservation system won't be in play. Since you'll be going in before us and coming out earlier as well, you should plan on your own back country permit, but that's no big deal. Just pcik it up as you go thru Pt. Angeles.

bc, hope you can play. I've enjoyed the pix you've been posting. Hope you won't think the Oly's are a dissapointment....”

“BC - Alpine and I will carpool up early Sunday (23rd) morning. On the trail I'm guessing by noonish and push all the way to Cat Basin to meet the rest of the crew.

After that I'm not too sure what Alpine has in mind. If it were me, I'd bail Wednesday at Appleton Pass and head out to the car at Sol Duc thus saving the shuttle.

Strider, we'll get our own permit if we need one.”

“Strider- It's never disapointing to see a place for the first time!! And, I've been thinking of Olympic Park, since I first spotted it from the WCT.

Chas- Are you going in at Sol Duc? Unless I'm mistaken, that's just north of the Hoh. Yes? And I think I know Applelton Pass. Okay, time to dig the map out, from what I laughingly call a file system :-)Could be ugly”

“Strider - I'll be in Port Townsend until the 24th.. I was heading over to the Eagle Cap then, but maybe I can hook up with your group instead. Where will you be on the 24th? I'll send you an email...”

“Hi strider, I'm sorry that I have not kept in touch with you. My illness knocked me out for two weeks on the couch and one day in the hospital. I'm still recovering.

Lookingglass & I both want to go, it's a matter of weather I will be up to it. If we did go, I think it would be Fri, Sat, & Sun, basically just the High Divide part.

I have to see the doctor one more time as I am still sick, and to see if I will be ready for hiking. I'm also thinking that I will be hiking extra slow, and will only be able to be with everyone for one night, as you progress on without me.

I'd love to do this trip, and I will keep in touch.”

“bc, Sol Duc is on the North side of the park. Go West from Pt. Angeles on hiway 101, drive past Lake Crescent, take the first left and go to the end of the road. Drive time from PA to trailhead, probably an hour or so. I figger about a 7 hour walk in from car to Cat, 5+ hour walk out the same way.

Bear in mind, I'm slow. Actual mileage may vary, objects in mirror are closer than they appear. You jocks will probably climb the hill in six.

Ladyhiker, Monday the 24th will be a "layover" day in Cat Basin, folks will be dayhiking the High Divide, or out to the Catwalk, or whatever, but we're not gonna move camp that day. If you started in the Sol Duc trail around 10 (and assuming you're a reasonable hiker, not too fast, not too slow), you could be at camp before dinner. If you can break away Sunday you could come in with Alpine, Chas, & bc.

LH, hope you get well in time to play. If you'se and LG go in Friday, you'll get to see all the kool stuff before we do. Don't use up all the views....

Chas, and everyone.... we could all head down from Appleton to Sol Duc on Wednesday, and avoid the logistics of stashing cars. That plan negates the opportunity to hit the Oly hot springs on that last day. Then again, nothing says a person couldn't drive from Sol Duc to Boulder, and hike IN to the springs Wednesday evening. Hummm..... that might be a plan in and of itself. Get beer, walk to springs, soak, stay a night, go home Thursday.... Hummm.....

Decisions, decisions.”

“We can make most of the decisions on the fly. I have to be back to work Thursday so I'll be coming out via Sol Duc Wednesday. I'm not that broke up over missing the hot springs.

Oh, as we will be passing up that way in the wee hours of the morn, will we be anywhere near the "Titties and Eggs" cafe? ;)”

“LH- YEAH! I hope you feel better”

“Does anyone happen to know what my best ferry route across to the peninsula would be. I was trying to estimate a drive time and couldn't recall the ferry details, if coming south, from BC.”

“Blackball Ferries travel between Port Angeles and Victoria. First come, first serve - no reservations. 250-386-2202”

“Thanks Kleetn, but that means two hours, on a BC Ferry to Victoria, plus the possible morning waits. Some days it would be faster to drive all the way to Olympia and back up. LOL

If memory serves, one of the state ferries goes across, from somewhere around, or north of Everett/ Seattle- maybe via Whidbey?”

“http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Your route will be kind of a pain anyway you try to get there. You could drive to Whidbey Island, then take the Keystone to Port Townsend ferry.

I hate to miss this trip!”

“Thanks again Kleetn- I'll check the link. I guess ferry times are going to be the issue.”

“Chas, the Pine Tree Cafe is in Shelton. Good luck.

bc, the best ferry for you would definitely be Keystone to Pt. Townsend. Ftom I5, take 20 west towards Anacortes, then South to Whidbey Island and follow the signs to the Pt. Townsend ferry.”

“Ya, that's it. First ferry's at 7:45am. I guess that puts me at Sol Duc around 9, or so.

Chas- what's your timing look like, for the Sunday? I'll be home, from the Rockies, late on the Friday, so I could try to make the trailhead, by Saturday night if necessary. Is anyone else spending Saturday night at Sol Duc?”

“bc, 7:45 boat will put you in Pt. T around 8:15. I would estimate a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from there to trailhead, depending on how many traffic tickets you are willing to risk.”

“Ooops, Forgot about the sail time. That's probably a bit late, depending on what Chas has in mind.

Strider, do you know 'who's' going to be 'where', on Saturday night?”

“Hell, I usually don't know where I will be at any particular moment.....

You'll have to check with Chas, but I think he was talking aobut hitting trailhead around ten or so Sunday. Your planz might fit pretty well.

The main group will be heading up the trail Sat afternoon, prolly around 5 or so, after eating dinner frontcountry. We'll put 3 or so miles behind us and camp someplace around the Appleton Pass trail intersection (about 4.5 miles in). Perhaps we'll go as far as the bridge that's about 1/2 mile past that intersection.

You thinking about walking in the dark, and catching up to us?”

“He He He.. not exactly. I wondered if there might be others planning to camp at the trailhead Saturday night, if arriving late. I'll drop Chas an e-mail and see how the Sunday morning looks, for timing.

I'm starting my one week holiday, on the 13th, and have let them know not to expect to see me again, 'til October. LOL. I could be pushing it a bit, but should be good at least til Thurs 25th. I'm looking forward to joining y'all.”

“Well, the planning e-mails are flying hot & heavy. If you're interested and you're not seeng those e-maiils, you best e-mail me and ask to get on the mail lists.

strider@silverlink.net”

“Hmm.. Thurs 25th? I must've been in Oct. already. He He

Keep up the good effort, on the planning, Strider. And here I thought it was easier and less expensive, to 'play in the park', in the USA. It sounds like about the same BS we've got.”

“Okay, tomorrow is reservation day. Anyone else coming in Sunday with the "Trail Gazelles?"

If it gets too late, look for the bouncing headlamps!”

“Maybe in 2002 there Chas. I'd like to do a week out there next year. I'll need some good advise on who, where and when. I'm thinking my wife and I are going out to Seattle for 2 weeks. 1 week is mine and 1 is "ours"”

“'While I was reserving the permit, I asked the ranger how the bears were doing this year. Evidently there's a bumper crop of blueberries this year, and the bears are thick in the high meadows all across the Olympics, just chowing down, being bears.

Way cool.'


uh, come again? what does it MEAN EXACTLY for a bear to be a bear??!!!?? I have never seen a frickin' bear in my life!!!!!!!!”

“Biz, you will see bears this trip.

No griz' in the Oly's. These are black bears, they don't mess with people unless we push them into a corner. Even then, they'll run if at all possible, they are pretty timid where people are concerned. Of course, if someone does something stupid like sleep with bacon....

The bears will be very busy this month, just being bears, browsing berries to build fat for the winter. They won't pay much attention at all to people. Worst case, you might have to detour around one (go off trail for a bit) if you find one that's working on a berry patch next to the trail. You could holler at him and make him move, but then again, it's his turf - he deserves those berries. Case like that, I either walk around, or just sit and wait for him to mosey on his way if the terrain isn't condusive to a detour off trail.

If you're on a stretch of trail up at (or above) treeline, and you don't have much of a view ahead because of rocks or a patch of small subalpine trees, sing some inane "here I come, Bear!" tune, or talk loudly with companions. If they hear you coming, they will move along and you might not even see them as you walk by. Even if you stumble right across one, it's likely he will just run off.

You won't find bears down in the valleys or in the forest this time of year. They will all be up where the berries are....”

“hmmm, sing a tune?”

“Biz, seeing bears is great fun. I've seen a few bears, and it becomes hypnotic just looking at the great beasts roam & graze. I hope we all get a chance to see some at safe distances.

Since you are traveling solo, it would be nice if you brought some bear spray for the four legged & two legged varieties of animals.

I hope you don't bruise easily, because we may all want to pinch you to make sure you are real, since this is your first tt hike that will authenticate you, lol.”

“*pinch*

oooch, that hurt”

“LH- I'm looking forward to meeting you and your hubby. I hope you'll be able to stay, for the duration.

Biz- How long will you be able to stay?”

“bc- check yer email”

“Biz - How long will you be able to stay?”

“Thanks Biz- I sent back to ya”

“Oly Hikers- I'm hitting the road early, in the morning.
China Chas- I'll call you when I get back next Friday evening, or Saturday, to make sure there hasn't been a change, of plans.
See you on the 23rd, provided y'all let me in the country”