Attrition.ws Forums most recent blogs

Happy Birthday To Me

(SPhillips) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:04:31 GMT

Well, today is my birthday and I am sitting here in Redding, California and it's 100 degrees outside. To hot to do anything today. Looking forward to getting back to the coolness of Washington. To be honest, I have been absent from any hiking trail this whole spring/summer. I have been riding my bike a little in WA and CA. But now that I am living in Port Orchard, I might have to switch my hiking area to the Olympics instead of the Baker area. I do miss the trails and need to go back. Might spend a weekend somewhere out there since Labor Day is coming up.

Almost Over

(SPhillips) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 04:26:01 GMT

It is good to be back on the West Coast. I am spending time with my wife in Northern California before heading back to Washington in a few days. Hopefully my new schedule will accommodate hitting some trails.

Mailbox Peak Review Hiked October 5, 2006

(Gail Chiarello) — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:21:21 GMT

Alan Singer and I hiked Mailbox on a gorgeous, sunny Thursday October 5, 2006. We set out from the trailhead at 11:15AM. The way up proved to be an upper body workout as well as a quads/buns work-out. It was so steep I found myself grabbing slender saplings along the way, and literally hauling myself up the trail with my arms.

We tackled the rock pile believing that the mailboxes would be found at the top, but when we had summited the rock pile, there were absolutely no mailboxes. By now it was 2:38PM, so our hiking time up was 3 hours and 23 minutes. In the distance was a ridge with a smaller rock pile on its flanks--presumably that was the location of the mailboxes-- but we were beat, and wanted to eat our lunch. We set out for our descent at 3PM in order not to be hiking this very steep trail--filled with tree roots--in the twilight. Glancing down the rock pile, we saw air in all directions. It was clear it had been easier (although not particularly easy) to climb up this scree than to descend back down it. So we located the rough path north of the rock pile and began our descent.

I disagree with other reviewers of this hike, most especially, ?Tallteleboarder,? who wrote in his October 1, 2006 review, ?I think it would be hard to hike and not summit in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes.? We were close to one hour more than that. Tallteleboarder also reported he and his wife took 2 hours and 10 minutes to descend. Our return took us just under 3 hours ? we arrived at our vehicle about 5:55PM.

Karen Sykes in an old November 27, 1997 ?Hike of the Week? in the Seattle PI wrote, ?If you don?t like the rock slide, you can bypass it on the left ? but personally I prefer playing on the rocks.? In retrospect, ?playing on the rocks? cost us quite a bit of time and was possibly dangerous for somewhat hikers without great balance and sure-footedness.

We are in our mid-sixties and have good stamina. We have done Mount Si and other hikes over 3000 feet. However to climb almost 4000 feet in 3 miles was hard, and the descent was murderously steep. We were lurching from tree to tree to arrest our pace. By the time I was two-thirds of the way down I had ?sewing machine legs? (they were trembling rapidly up and down) and only a stop to gather four white chanterelles provided any relief.

I would warn hikers thinking of doing this hike to be sure to have climbed Mount Si recently (as a test of your fitness), to get an early start, and to avoid ?playing on the rocks? unless you have as much experience and confidence as Karen Sykes. I have since read several more reviews of Mailbox and the general consensus is to allow over three hours for the ascent and an equal time for the descent, because of its insanely steep slope.

Them?s my thoughts.

Boulder Lake (Hurricane Peak)

(SPhillips) — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 12:02:10 GMT

Just got back from a great but HOT weekend trip to Boulder Lake with Jake and Lance. This trip was my friend Lance's idea, he's been there twice. The drive took us across Route 20 to 530 to Suiattle River Road, FS Road 26 to 2660. We hit the trail with an in-car thermometer reading 99 degrees. Since no one had a watch and Lance forgot his GPS, we estimate we hiked for 4 hours mostly up hill along Tenas Creek through some old growth (thank goodness for the shade) and some open fields. The last push to the lake at 5000 feet was scambling up and over the final hill. We were welcomed by a beautiful view of the lake surrounded by Hurricane Peak. The lake was refreshing to jump into with the crazy heat. Rainbow trout were abundant along with the Grey Jays and of course huge flies and mosquitos. Saturday had some cloud cover which spared us the intense heat. Lance went up to Pear Lake while Jake and I tried to remain cool. Sunday morning we awoke with the sun (and bugs) and packed up and scurried down the trail to the truck. We stopped at Birdview Burger on Route 20 and had a great Cascade burger (a huge hamburger with sausage, bacon and cheddar)

Lake Lillian (Take 2)

(SPhillips) — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 05:22:33 GMT

I decided to reserve my first official hike of the year on May 29 for the lake that denied me last year. Once again, I turned around and went home. The first part of the trail was pretty much covered in snow which made the going up confusing and more difficult then normal. Maybe if I was in better shape things would have been different because I was pretty exhausted walking in the snow. But I refuse to let this trail get the best of me. I shall return.

Bear sighting at Mailbox Peak

(kheb13) — Sun, 14 May 2006 10:40:02 GMT

This last Friday (May 12, 2006) I decided to hike Mailbox Peak for the first time with a few of my friends. After two hours of climbing almost straight uphill we departed from the forest and began to scale the rock slide, thinking the mailbox rested on top of the hill. Once we reached the top though we realized we had a good 20 minutes of hiking left to complete. It was here where we decided to stop for a water break and enjoy the view we had of the giant valley below. We couldn't have timed it any better. All of our eyes widened and jaws dropped as we watched a black bear roam the field below us. It was perfect. We were pretty far away but still managed to take a few pictures before the bear rumbled back into the forest. I'll try to post the pics as soon as possible.

Newbie

(shutterbug73) — Sat, 04 Mar 2006 05:09:44 GMT

Just found this site today while looking for some good day hikes. Seems pretty cool! I want to plan 3 photo hikes for June, July and August. I'm thinking the Cape Alava and Sand Point hike at Lake Ozette sounds great. Also, Mt. Townsend and Norway Pass.

ggooooood dayy

(pitak) — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 15:33:16 GMT

the one thing i like working in a retail store is you got to meet people! different kind of people! and today, i met a nice person. he was holding his digital camera and ,since i am interested in photography, i started talking to him. and he showed me some of the pictures that he took! man ...they were nice pictures! but..i could not talk long to him because i had to take care of a customer. darnnnn
oh well,,it's nice to know someone that has a similarity with you..although i dont really know him :) whoever you are, good luck in your photography.
may we meet again hahahahaha

Bell Pass Trail

(SPhillips) — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 11:16:05 GMT

Tuesday, the 25th, I had the day off from work and was set on hitting the trail. I selected Bell Pass Trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF. It was a 10 mile round trip hike and although the sky was slightly overcast, the trail had soem pretty good views of the Pass. And the end of the trail is Mazama Park with a hut and the beginning of Park Butte Trail which leads to Cathedral Crag. I decided to eat lunch at the turn-around point. After finishing my sandwich, I was getting ready to head out and took one last look around. Coming my way down the Park Butte Trail was a black bear probably wanting to see if I wanted to share my lunch. I decided I had enough time to get around the corner of the trail and get out of his sight. It worked and I never saw him again. It was a pretty exciting event during a great day of being alone in the wilderness. Well, mostly alone.

Talapus Lake

(pitak) — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 16:15:17 GMT

Today I went hiking ..boy..it has been a loongg time since I went hiking. My original plan was going to yakima. I wanted to see umtanum creek, supposedly it is a good place for hiking and have a a good view too since it is a recommended place. I dont know it's true or not, but there is only one way to find out. *I have to go there and see it by myself* :)
but, anyway, i changed my mind, i went to talapus instead. it was nice and quiet. there were not a lot of people. I only met 5 people. So I had the lake by myself! But, it is too bad that there was no place to sit. Well, I sat on a big tree trunk. just sat there for 1/2 hour. no sound.nice weather.no people around.aghhh it was so nice. it felt like i was away from the city. It made me remembered the time when i went camping at lake wenatchee. but, of course, lake wenatchee was greatttt!I wanna go back there or go somewhere better!:)

Up the Butte at last...

(SPhillips) — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:54:45 GMT

After seeing Black Butte by I-5 in California many times while driving to & fro, I finally got some directions and found the trailhead and hiked my way to the top. I have been staying in Redding for the past few days now and it's been insanely hot, 100+ degrees every day, so I was slightly concerned about hiking in that heat. But the Black Butte trailhead is about an hour north and over 3,000 feet higher, which resulted in much cooler temps. It turned out to be a beautiful day with great views of Mt. Shasta. For those of you unfamiliar with Black Butte, it basically is a pile of rocks with an elevation of 6,325 feet next to Mt. Shasta and I-5 in Very Northern California. Maybe someday I will get the chance to hike around Mt. Shasta. I got my info from summitpost.org.

Going To California

(SPhillips) — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 23:49:23 GMT

I leave for Northern California tomorrow morning. Not sure if I want to drive down the coast on 101 or take the usual I-5 route. Plan on doing some hiking there, definitely Black Butte by Mt. Shasta next week some time, we'll see what else. Looking forward to a much needed vacation.

Southern Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF

(Puncheon) — Sat, 25 Jun 2005 03:48:17 GMT

I spent two days this week in the southern portion of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, down near Mt. Rainier. Despite a late start, I managed to fit in four hikes. Here are a few quick descripts- I hope to add full reviews later.

Federation Forest - A quiet hike along the White River. The state park protects large, virgin forest in this area. Unfortunately, there's never a visit to the river, even though it's less than 100 yards away. The hike is nothing to shout about- just a quiet walk in the forest.

Noble Knob - This is a great hike. The trail starts high (5700') and ends at Noble Knob (6000'). I had great views of Rainier, the Olympics, and TONS of the North Cascades. What a unique perspective. I saw a 6-point bull elk on the way in- what a big beast! I hiked out in the dark and I spooked a deer- although I'm not sure who was more spooked out!

Bear Gap to Bullion Basin - This is a segment of the PCT near Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. In fact, you pass under one ski lift. But what a great area. The PCT offers great views of the Goat Rocks Mount Adams, and American Ridge (oh yeah, and The Mountain, too).

Greenwater Lakes - The old growth forest along this trail is amazing. I was completely surprised by what a great hike this was. Only two miles, the trail crosses the river four times on cool bridges. I really wish I had brought my fly rod at the lakes.

Camping by Mt. Baker

(SPhillips) — Sun, 19 Jun 2005 22:46:56 GMT

I went camping by Mt. Baker this past weekend with some guys from work. Although it rained off and on for most of Saturday, it was a pretty good time. While waking up Sunday morning, the sun was shining bright, just in time to pack up and go home.

Lake Lillian (Part 1)

(SPhillips) — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 12:52:54 GMT

I made the drive out to Lake Lillian although the weather was questionable at best. I was hoping the further east I drove the better it would get. I was wrong. Made it to the trailhead determined to atleast try. There were others on the trail but I was in no mood to be cold and wet. Well, I didn't get all that far, actually I didn't even make it to the first of four lakes, Margaret Lake. I was extremely disappointed with myself and went home. I can say that the first part was a nice little incline, worked up a good sweat in 46 degree weather. I have every intention of making in back there and actually going to Lake Lillian. Just give me some warm dry weather for crying out loud!

Oh well...

(SPhillips) — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 23:40:13 GMT

I got out of work until late tonight to go hiking but since every place is calling for rain and possible heavy stuff, I guess I will opt out. Maybe tomorrow. And what is with this 59 degree highs in June??? It was warmer in December!

Cutthroat Lakes

(Puncheon) — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 06:56:53 GMT

My friend Ben and I hiked to Cutthroat Lakes yesterday. We agree that it is one of the better hikes in the region. Despite cloud cover at 6000' we managed to enjoy great views of Seattle, Puget Sound, the Issaquah Alps, and many glacial valleys. Although the lakes were enticing, we refrained from jumping in. It's a great hike for all!

Whew hew Finally got out on the trail again!

(John Munyan) — Sun, 08 May 2005 15:25:20 GMT

So I finally got out on the trail again. Alex and I went to Wallace Springs to check it out. If you are looking for an easy hike with a lot of waterfalls this hike has you covered. Hopefully I will be putting up a review of this tomorrow or the next day!!!!

On a different note, I have almost completed the finaly database design, and in only a couple short weeks will be beginning work on the new site. From the looks of it I should have the bulk of it done by July and the new site will allow registered users to upload their own hikes, and pictures to create reviews like those which exist on the site. I am stoked to be doing this. It has been a long time in the coming. Just can't wait to see what sorts of hikes users submit. Should be able to handle several thousand of them.

Cheers,

John

Franklin Falls/Gold Creek

(SPhillips) — Mon, 02 May 2005 20:14:46 GMT

While walking the dog Sunday morning, I discovered a nice day was on the way, so I threw some stuff together and made the 2 hour drive over to Route 90. I was planning on going to Franklin Falls adjacent to Denny Creek. Although the Falls were pretty nice, the round trip of 2 miles wasn't enough for the time I spent in the car already, so I decided to just drive around the area and sooner or later I would find a trail of some sort. After a half an hour, I stumbled onto the Gold Creek Trail. It turned out to be a pretty good day. The trail was hard to follow in some spots which meant I had to pay attention but the minimal views allowed for that. Eventually I lost the trail in the snow but thought maybe it crossed the river. Didn't really have the equipment to do any river crossing, so I turned around. When I got home, I checked here to see about the river crossing and sure enough, it was probably at that point. Maybe next time. It was a good 3 hour hike, with a good mix of terrain and a nice waterfall in one of the clearings. It definitely made the trip worth it.

Denny Creek Trail

(SPhillips) — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 11:13:30 GMT

Spent this sunny day not at work but on the trail, the Denny Creek Trail in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to be specific. Had a good day, great lunch, and a good workout walking through the snow. The trail was pretty well maintained, atleast the part you could see. Had a beautiful view for my lunch break, sat on a big rock in a exposed area, the highlight of the day. Thanks, John, for this website. Once again another good hike.

Tax news

(John Munyan) — Wed, 09 Mar 2005 07:48:39 GMT

I am almost done going to school for an MBA. Just found out last night the tuition can be deducted since it is key to my career. Thus I am due for a bit of money this year in my return. Will make getting a new server all that much more possible. My current configuration is good - buy noisy so going with what I have planned will among other things be more quiet, flexible, and easy to recover. Of course it is somewhat spendy, which is always the down side. Am debating whether I should wait for dual cores to come out in Q2 or go ahead with a purchase now with a dual proc. We'll see. Guess it is all predicated on the tax return.

Crazy Day In The Snow

(SPhillips) — Sun, 06 Mar 2005 14:36:23 GMT

I guess I got a little over-zealous in the snow yesterday. I left Whidbey Island around 7AM and went over to Rampart Ridge off of Route 90. Once I got on Road #4930, it was covered in hard packed snow. I decided to turn around and maybe park further down before hiking but came across a fellow hiker driving up the road. So I turned around again and started going back up the road. He turned off of the packed snow and got his vehicle stuck in the softer foot-and-a-half deep snow off to the side. I parked my vehicle in the middle of the road and we commenced to dig him out. Three hours later, he was successfully back on the road, but as the day went on, the hard packed snow of the morning began to melt and was much softer now. Not really having any room to turn around, I began to back my vehicle up hoping to reach a wider part to turn around. Being unable to have total control in the now softer snow, I quickly got stuck myself on the side of the road. My Ford Expedition was no longer sitting on its tires but the frame was resting on the snow unable to move in either direction. My new-found friend and I were not prepared to dig out yet another vehicle (all we had with us was my ice ax used to chop the harder snow and his skis used to scoop the snow away. Since his vehicle was now loose, we left mine there, and made the crazy drive out of there to get more tools. After purchasing chains, bringing shovels and another person, we successfully dug out my vehicle in the middle of the night, made an additional new path around another stuck car on the way out, and was on Route 90 around 1AM. All in all, although I never actually got to go hiking yesterday, the events gave me a new found realization that total strangers can get together and do some pretty productive things and there definitely is a future for us as humans if we can continue to work together like we did yesterday.

Another day at the mill

(John Munyan) — Sat, 05 Mar 2005 00:50:56 GMT

In class today doing more of the empirical project management thing and marketing. Not really looking too forward to today - but it is the last meeting of these classes other than for finals. Tomorrow is going to be dedicated to moving the website in the am and then finals, finals, finals. Also will have to put together slidedeck for the Monday class the 'official' last class of the quarter. YEAH! Only downside is I will still have to work on finals for the balance of the week. Then I get a break week, and it begins again...for the last time.

So what this means is that in another 10 weeks or so I will have an MBA and will be able to return my attention in full to 1) Hiking, and 2) this website . I am really looking forward to that day let me tell you!!!! Just have to hang on a little longer.

Moving the website again

(John Munyan) — Fri, 04 Mar 2005 05:19:01 GMT

This time the website is coming home to my place where it will be for the forseeable future. This should occur Sunday morning sometime so there will probably be a couple hours in the morning where the site isn't available.

The good news is I have a couple hikes other people have submitted that I want to put up on the site. Hopefully will get this done by next weekend. I think there are 4 or so.

This Weather???

(SPhillips) — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 08:26:43 GMT

Can anyone explain this weather to me? When was the last time it rained? I forget what clouds look like. It is to bad I have to work all this weekend or I would probably wander around Mt. Baker. I cannot believe I am about to say this, but we need some rain or we will be hurting this summer.