STORIES... WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEND US YOUR WRITING ON HUMAN POWERED SPORTS. PLEASE KEEP THEM CLEAN AND SHORT. WE DO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT.
STORIES
Most of this year,
I have been very involved
In the festivities
of the Spokane Mountaineers.
We turned 100.
I was honored to have served,
but am anxious to see it all end.
Chic 10.26.2015
When my long time hiking and skiing buddy Chris and I got to the trailhead for Fault Lake in the American Selkirks at 6AM, it was still pitch dark. We decided to snooze until the sun came up.
As I got out of the car I could hear Fault Creek roaring beside the road. We went over to the bank and found that at this location the creek was impassable. We spent an hour searching for a crossing up and down stream, but decided that it wasn't in the works.
As we drove away from the trailhead, disappointed, we decided to head up to the Harrison Lake trailhead at the top of the Pack River drainage.
As we approached the upper stretch of road we could see that the high country was blanketed in a dusting of white.
The hike towards Harrison Lake was very picturesque and we ran into snow about a mile and a half from the trailhead.
Once we reached the granite slabs, the snow was 3 inches deep. As we made our way to the lake, the snow accumulated under our boots to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
All morning the weather was cool but pleasant for walking. When we finally reached the lake the winds kicked up something fierce. After a few photos we headed to the huge rock that overhangs near one of the campsites. Chris set up his stove, and we prepared our lunch. I had made spaghetti soup a couple of days before, which we heated and ate. Along with the soup I had
Brisket beef sandwiches on garlic toast.
For a while the sun kept us warm and the soup gave us nourishment, but good things all come to an end. We packed our supplies and strolled down the snow covered trail.
Along the way, the glimpses of Harrison Peak thru the trees made for nicely framed images. Further down the trail, the views of some of the Seven Sisters shined above, with the Beehive Dome covered half way down. Because this was possibly the first snow of the season, the texture of snow and rock made for dramatic scenes.
Like Fault Creek, the streams and creeks coming off the Sisters were finally running again. It was so nice to hear the sounds of babbling brooks, tiny cascades, and distant waterfalls once again. Not to mention one of the best fall colors, white.
Seeing the large slabs of granite blanketed in fluffy snow, gave me hope for this winter.
Chic. 11.5.2015
ESCURE RANCH & TOWELL FALLS
We hiked the Washington scablands yesterday.
I was worried about snowy road delays.
As we got close to the ranch.
The snow was only an inch.
That dusting of snow.
Was all for show.
The massive black basalt mesas.
Had snow on top of their faces.
The contrast with the tall beige grasses.
Put a smile on our faces.
As we approached the island.
We were happy to see the falls again.
Even the upper falls was flowing.
Often this time of year, its dribbling.
After lunch on this bluebird day.
A nap was surely on its way.
I have photographed the ranch and falls in all seasons.
But with a dusting of white, for this reason.
Winter time in the scablands of eastern Washington.
Is a place you should not pass on.
chic 12.18.2015
With the prospect of rain on the weekend, I decided to go night skiing at Mt. Spokane. The sun shined bright with just a few thin clouds were passing by.Once on the snow I found soft conditions and friendly people. After several runs I decided to climb the short distance to the famed Vista House. No one was around so I enjoyed the view and setting sun from the south deck. Snow piled up about a foot over the rock wall. After a snack I donned my skies and pushed off over the porch. I can remember from my childhood, skiing off the roof and using the porch as a jump.
In the summer, below the porch, are massive granite boulders some the size of small cars. But today, they were covered with many feet of snow. The soft conditions made turning a breeze, one that took me back to the 50's and 60's. The descent off the deck and the steep slope brought a smile to my face, and many fond memories.
As I rode chair 3 to its end, I heard a delightful sound along the ride of several small creeks below, gurgling and splashing on their descent. Those sounds were like a song to me. One that not only sparks memories but offers hope for the coming spring. But today the clouds were turning bright orange and the sights and sounds calmed my soul as I rode the lift. Such a small occurrence has made my day.
Before nightfall I decided to ski the face of chair 2. A daunting task in any conditions. But today, as perfect as the day was, it was a delight. Soft bumps, sometimes the size of VW bugs dotted the slope. But today they were not menacing. I had to stop and rest often but that allowed me time to take in the marvellous views all around.
As the day turned to night, the lights came on, illuminating the snow. I found myself on Gates Park and Allison's Way. A narrow trail down steeply thru the trees, lite for night skiing. What a delight this run came to be. I skied it several times with no other skiers on the slope. As I rode chair 2, the views of the lighted runs off in the distance below on chair 3 made the lights look like diamonds twinkling amongst the trees. On chair 3 the lights high above around chair 2, made the area light up and seem more massive.
After Mt. Spokane's food court delicious fish tacos, the mountain glowed with exciting possibilities.
The best snow I found was directly under both chair 2 and chair 3. It seems people are leery about skiing while people are watching. But tonight the soft snow was exactly what I was looking for.
I can't stress enough how beautiful the day was. How well the mountain's slopes were groomed. How much fun I had skiing a resort that I started skiing on over 65 years before.
If you have never skied under the lights, you are missing out on one of life's great pleasures.
chic. 3.5.2016
The cattail grasses were so green and lush as I paddled Cougar Bay. They swayed in the breeze and the gentle undulation of the waves. They towered over me as I sat in my kayak slowly drifting past their stands. Osprey whistled their distinctive one note alarm from their perches high on the pilings. Turtles jumped off their lily pads in a hurry to disappear, while bass scurried away, leaving a muddy trail behind them. A Bald Eagle swoops down off it's nest and grabs a fish with such ease and grace. Talons gripping it's prey tightly as it struggles to gain elevation. Soon its out of sight, undoughtedly happy with it's bounty.
I found a bank to pull out on for lunch. It will be a good place to photograph the fireworks on the 4th of July. Lunch was pleasant and quiet. I relaunched my kayak and paddled east along the shoreline towards the main body of the lake. As I rounded the point north of Casco Bay, the waters were calm with few boats.
A day on the water is so pleasant without the noise of jet skis and power boats. Cougar Bay is such a treasure. Thanks go out to the Nature Conservancy for their insight and ability to save an important bay from development.
chic 6.4.2016
Yesterday, what a day.
A friend form Issaquah came to visit, and to go on a hike that we had done 30+ years ago.
The hike was the Stevens Peak Traverse.
Once at the trailhead south of Mullen, we headed up the Upper & Lower Stevens Lakes trail. The triple waterfall just below the lower lake was raging. Along most the trail in, the sounds of Willow Creek fill your head. Lower lake was just coming out of winters grip, while upper lake still had snow but struggled to be warm.
After a snack, we walked the west shore line up to the upper lake. Glacier Lilies blanketed the slopes toward the summit. The creek between upper and lower lakes ran beautifully. We spent a short tome here, because the summit was our next objective.
Instead of walking the lingering snow fields below the summit,
we climbed straight up the 45 degree slope to the ridge between Stevens Lakes and Lone Lake. It was definitely a grunt but the views and the ridge are spectacular. Ahead of us was the rocky summit of Stevens Peak. We scrambled the north ridge and popped out on top tired but exhilarated. Thirty years ago we hiked and skied to the summit, and a tree we called the creepseat where we ate our lunches. After a nice lunch and a nap, we did a Sherpa Fun Run. You go for a run across the cornice bare foot. Pulling off the snow when your feet get real cold, then do it again and again. It revitalized our feet. We continued on west of the summit, and around Lone Lake's basin. After the rock cliffs, we headed down to the "Upper Sanctuary".
Large snow fields still lay in the shadows. At the south end of Lone Lake is a small, noisy waterfall we admired as we headed north to the trail out.
We figured that the hike was a 10 miles loop and gained about 2900'. It took us 10 hours mostly due to a nap and the abundance of photo ops everywhere, not to mention the difficulty.
This hike is not for everyone, but for those comfortable with steep slopes and hard hiking will love this traverse.
chic. 6.9.2016
The sounds of rain
falling on new spring leaves.
Outside the window.
As if the leaves are struck by millions of tiny drum beats.
Conjures up a sense of peace.
Their solo's fill the air
it is the rains spirit I hear.
Mother Nature, Thank You.
chic. 6.10.2016
A three inch powder day.
As I rode the gondola at Silver Mountain, I was sceptical of the conditions. The sun popped in and out and some of the high terrain was cloudy.
As I walked outside to leave my skis, I was taken by the soft dry snow.
When I made my first run down Junction, the snow off to the side was only 3 inches, but pushed so nice.
As I rode Chair 2 to the top of Kellogg Peak, I noticed the tracks of skiers that gave me hope.
As usual, the second run was down Upper South of the Border, then to Secret Trees ( my designation). The tree run had a bit more than 3 inches, and pushed so good. But most importantly, the runs, all 8 before lunch were untouched by skiers.
Upper Quicksilver, SOB, the Road to Heaven, SOB again, the trees between Why Not twice, and Paymaster's trees were freshies.
I went over to Chair 4 and decided to climb Wardner. It took this old guy 21 minutes to reach the top. As I had a snack and clipped into my skis, I noticed a pain in my right knee. I knelt and packed snow around my knee for about 10 minutes, as I contemplated my descent. Skiing 16 to 1 seemed like a bad idea with my knee. So I decided to ski back down the cat track and try Marsha's Edge ( my designation).
It also was untouched and provided a smooth route down. By the time I reached Gold I noticed that my knee had no pain.
So I headed thru the trees next to Gold. When I reached Chair 4 midway, I did an assessment, and decided I was okay. It was about lunch time so I skied the 1st of Centennial to Chair 3, and lunch.
After lunch, I determined that my knee was okay so I found several runs either untouched or lightly tracked. I haven't had any issues since, so I think I'm okay.
Paymaster's trees were so good I skied them twice before heading to South of the Border. The trees next to Steep and Deep were pretty good and the trees next to Quicksilver completed the run.
All in all, this three inch powder day was quit spectacular.
chic 1.24.2017
Cabinet Mountain Wilderness
There is an adventure that I do every year.
In the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness of Montana, Leigh Lake stands out as an exceptional day hike. When I do this hike, I always take my 2 man raft and kayak paddles, so I can paddle among ice bergs in spring and view the hundreds of waterfalls off the 3000 foot north wall. Often time Mountain Goats wonder about the lakes vertical cliffs.
My favorite thing to do when I'm in my raft, is to paddle on only one side, so the raft spins gently. Its like watching a giant IMAX movie as I lay comfortably in the raft.
Along the southwest part of the lake is a small beach to get out on. Above the beach is an area I call the Amphitheater. Polished rock starts a hike into the amphitheater at about 35 degrees, but lessens to about 25 degrees after a short while. Once in the amphitheater, many small streams and cascades, feed the wildflowers which abound everywhere.
This hike is a short 1.5 miles but gains 900 vertical feet to the lake.
An amazing waterfall below the lake on the trail in, offers a good place to shed the pack, and splash water on your face.
I have led dozens of trips to Leigh Lake, and I am told by friends that words can not adequately describe the beauty and the experience they have at Leigh Lake.
Chic
P.F.S.
Most of this year,
I have been very involved
In the festivities
of the Spokane Mountaineers.
We turned 100.
I was honored to have served,
but am anxious to see it all end.
Chic 10.26.2015
When my long time hiking and skiing buddy Chris and I got to the trailhead for Fault Lake in the American Selkirks at 6AM, it was still pitch dark. We decided to snooze until the sun came up.
As I got out of the car I could hear Fault Creek roaring beside the road. We went over to the bank and found that at this location the creek was impassable. We spent an hour searching for a crossing up and down stream, but decided that it wasn't in the works.
As we drove away from the trailhead, disappointed, we decided to head up to the Harrison Lake trailhead at the top of the Pack River drainage.
As we approached the upper stretch of road we could see that the high country was blanketed in a dusting of white.
The hike towards Harrison Lake was very picturesque and we ran into snow about a mile and a half from the trailhead.
Once we reached the granite slabs, the snow was 3 inches deep. As we made our way to the lake, the snow accumulated under our boots to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
All morning the weather was cool but pleasant for walking. When we finally reached the lake the winds kicked up something fierce. After a few photos we headed to the huge rock that overhangs near one of the campsites. Chris set up his stove, and we prepared our lunch. I had made spaghetti soup a couple of days before, which we heated and ate. Along with the soup I had
Brisket beef sandwiches on garlic toast.
For a while the sun kept us warm and the soup gave us nourishment, but good things all come to an end. We packed our supplies and strolled down the snow covered trail.
Along the way, the glimpses of Harrison Peak thru the trees made for nicely framed images. Further down the trail, the views of some of the Seven Sisters shined above, with the Beehive Dome covered half way down. Because this was possibly the first snow of the season, the texture of snow and rock made for dramatic scenes.
Like Fault Creek, the streams and creeks coming off the Sisters were finally running again. It was so nice to hear the sounds of babbling brooks, tiny cascades, and distant waterfalls once again. Not to mention one of the best fall colors, white.
Seeing the large slabs of granite blanketed in fluffy snow, gave me hope for this winter.
Chic. 11.5.2015
ESCURE RANCH & TOWELL FALLS
We hiked the Washington scablands yesterday.
I was worried about snowy road delays.
As we got close to the ranch.
The snow was only an inch.
That dusting of snow.
Was all for show.
The massive black basalt mesas.
Had snow on top of their faces.
The contrast with the tall beige grasses.
Put a smile on our faces.
As we approached the island.
We were happy to see the falls again.
Even the upper falls was flowing.
Often this time of year, its dribbling.
After lunch on this bluebird day.
A nap was surely on its way.
I have photographed the ranch and falls in all seasons.
But with a dusting of white, for this reason.
Winter time in the scablands of eastern Washington.
Is a place you should not pass on.
chic 12.18.2015
With the prospect of rain on the weekend, I decided to go night skiing at Mt. Spokane. The sun shined bright with just a few thin clouds were passing by.Once on the snow I found soft conditions and friendly people. After several runs I decided to climb the short distance to the famed Vista House. No one was around so I enjoyed the view and setting sun from the south deck. Snow piled up about a foot over the rock wall. After a snack I donned my skies and pushed off over the porch. I can remember from my childhood, skiing off the roof and using the porch as a jump.
In the summer, below the porch, are massive granite boulders some the size of small cars. But today, they were covered with many feet of snow. The soft conditions made turning a breeze, one that took me back to the 50's and 60's. The descent off the deck and the steep slope brought a smile to my face, and many fond memories.
As I rode chair 3 to its end, I heard a delightful sound along the ride of several small creeks below, gurgling and splashing on their descent. Those sounds were like a song to me. One that not only sparks memories but offers hope for the coming spring. But today the clouds were turning bright orange and the sights and sounds calmed my soul as I rode the lift. Such a small occurrence has made my day.
Before nightfall I decided to ski the face of chair 2. A daunting task in any conditions. But today, as perfect as the day was, it was a delight. Soft bumps, sometimes the size of VW bugs dotted the slope. But today they were not menacing. I had to stop and rest often but that allowed me time to take in the marvellous views all around.
As the day turned to night, the lights came on, illuminating the snow. I found myself on Gates Park and Allison's Way. A narrow trail down steeply thru the trees, lite for night skiing. What a delight this run came to be. I skied it several times with no other skiers on the slope. As I rode chair 2, the views of the lighted runs off in the distance below on chair 3 made the lights look like diamonds twinkling amongst the trees. On chair 3 the lights high above around chair 2, made the area light up and seem more massive.
After Mt. Spokane's food court delicious fish tacos, the mountain glowed with exciting possibilities.
The best snow I found was directly under both chair 2 and chair 3. It seems people are leery about skiing while people are watching. But tonight the soft snow was exactly what I was looking for.
I can't stress enough how beautiful the day was. How well the mountain's slopes were groomed. How much fun I had skiing a resort that I started skiing on over 65 years before.
If you have never skied under the lights, you are missing out on one of life's great pleasures.
chic. 3.5.2016
The cattail grasses were so green and lush as I paddled Cougar Bay. They swayed in the breeze and the gentle undulation of the waves. They towered over me as I sat in my kayak slowly drifting past their stands. Osprey whistled their distinctive one note alarm from their perches high on the pilings. Turtles jumped off their lily pads in a hurry to disappear, while bass scurried away, leaving a muddy trail behind them. A Bald Eagle swoops down off it's nest and grabs a fish with such ease and grace. Talons gripping it's prey tightly as it struggles to gain elevation. Soon its out of sight, undoughtedly happy with it's bounty.
I found a bank to pull out on for lunch. It will be a good place to photograph the fireworks on the 4th of July. Lunch was pleasant and quiet. I relaunched my kayak and paddled east along the shoreline towards the main body of the lake. As I rounded the point north of Casco Bay, the waters were calm with few boats.
A day on the water is so pleasant without the noise of jet skis and power boats. Cougar Bay is such a treasure. Thanks go out to the Nature Conservancy for their insight and ability to save an important bay from development.
chic 6.4.2016
Yesterday, what a day.
A friend form Issaquah came to visit, and to go on a hike that we had done 30+ years ago.
The hike was the Stevens Peak Traverse.
Once at the trailhead south of Mullen, we headed up the Upper & Lower Stevens Lakes trail. The triple waterfall just below the lower lake was raging. Along most the trail in, the sounds of Willow Creek fill your head. Lower lake was just coming out of winters grip, while upper lake still had snow but struggled to be warm.
After a snack, we walked the west shore line up to the upper lake. Glacier Lilies blanketed the slopes toward the summit. The creek between upper and lower lakes ran beautifully. We spent a short tome here, because the summit was our next objective.
Instead of walking the lingering snow fields below the summit,
we climbed straight up the 45 degree slope to the ridge between Stevens Lakes and Lone Lake. It was definitely a grunt but the views and the ridge are spectacular. Ahead of us was the rocky summit of Stevens Peak. We scrambled the north ridge and popped out on top tired but exhilarated. Thirty years ago we hiked and skied to the summit, and a tree we called the creepseat where we ate our lunches. After a nice lunch and a nap, we did a Sherpa Fun Run. You go for a run across the cornice bare foot. Pulling off the snow when your feet get real cold, then do it again and again. It revitalized our feet. We continued on west of the summit, and around Lone Lake's basin. After the rock cliffs, we headed down to the "Upper Sanctuary".
Large snow fields still lay in the shadows. At the south end of Lone Lake is a small, noisy waterfall we admired as we headed north to the trail out.
We figured that the hike was a 10 miles loop and gained about 2900'. It took us 10 hours mostly due to a nap and the abundance of photo ops everywhere, not to mention the difficulty.
This hike is not for everyone, but for those comfortable with steep slopes and hard hiking will love this traverse.
chic. 6.9.2016
The sounds of rain
falling on new spring leaves.
Outside the window.
As if the leaves are struck by millions of tiny drum beats.
Conjures up a sense of peace.
Their solo's fill the air
it is the rains spirit I hear.
Mother Nature, Thank You.
chic. 6.10.2016
A three inch powder day.
As I rode the gondola at Silver Mountain, I was sceptical of the conditions. The sun popped in and out and some of the high terrain was cloudy.
As I walked outside to leave my skis, I was taken by the soft dry snow.
When I made my first run down Junction, the snow off to the side was only 3 inches, but pushed so nice.
As I rode Chair 2 to the top of Kellogg Peak, I noticed the tracks of skiers that gave me hope.
As usual, the second run was down Upper South of the Border, then to Secret Trees ( my designation). The tree run had a bit more than 3 inches, and pushed so good. But most importantly, the runs, all 8 before lunch were untouched by skiers.
Upper Quicksilver, SOB, the Road to Heaven, SOB again, the trees between Why Not twice, and Paymaster's trees were freshies.
I went over to Chair 4 and decided to climb Wardner. It took this old guy 21 minutes to reach the top. As I had a snack and clipped into my skis, I noticed a pain in my right knee. I knelt and packed snow around my knee for about 10 minutes, as I contemplated my descent. Skiing 16 to 1 seemed like a bad idea with my knee. So I decided to ski back down the cat track and try Marsha's Edge ( my designation).
It also was untouched and provided a smooth route down. By the time I reached Gold I noticed that my knee had no pain.
So I headed thru the trees next to Gold. When I reached Chair 4 midway, I did an assessment, and decided I was okay. It was about lunch time so I skied the 1st of Centennial to Chair 3, and lunch.
After lunch, I determined that my knee was okay so I found several runs either untouched or lightly tracked. I haven't had any issues since, so I think I'm okay.
Paymaster's trees were so good I skied them twice before heading to South of the Border. The trees next to Steep and Deep were pretty good and the trees next to Quicksilver completed the run.
All in all, this three inch powder day was quit spectacular.
chic 1.24.2017
Cabinet Mountain Wilderness
There is an adventure that I do every year.
In the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness of Montana, Leigh Lake stands out as an exceptional day hike. When I do this hike, I always take my 2 man raft and kayak paddles, so I can paddle among ice bergs in spring and view the hundreds of waterfalls off the 3000 foot north wall. Often time Mountain Goats wonder about the lakes vertical cliffs.
My favorite thing to do when I'm in my raft, is to paddle on only one side, so the raft spins gently. Its like watching a giant IMAX movie as I lay comfortably in the raft.
Along the southwest part of the lake is a small beach to get out on. Above the beach is an area I call the Amphitheater. Polished rock starts a hike into the amphitheater at about 35 degrees, but lessens to about 25 degrees after a short while. Once in the amphitheater, many small streams and cascades, feed the wildflowers which abound everywhere.
This hike is a short 1.5 miles but gains 900 vertical feet to the lake.
An amazing waterfall below the lake on the trail in, offers a good place to shed the pack, and splash water on your face.
I have led dozens of trips to Leigh Lake, and I am told by friends that words can not adequately describe the beauty and the experience they have at Leigh Lake.
Chic
P.F.S.