I could not make the final decision to go over the hill tonight or not. I got a call while watching Todd's game. A fellow who had only been to Blue and on Friday thought today's ride may work for his first full crossing was canceling. Then, on Bill's home page after the game, I noted on Twitter that due to snow at the A-Frame Norman had understandably called off that section and Sheep. I figured Bill, who I think had started around noon at Blue Mountain, would maybe still be plugging along somewhere behind and a track over may be encouraging.
And, after all, it was for Marcy. So I'd still give it a whirl. Or, I could always turn around at the snowline in the East Fork if conditions were too bad. I needed to get a couple of hours of riding in the daylight because my batteries would not make a full dark crossing in the snow, which would be sure to take longer. I had three sub par extra lights in the pack too, along with extra cloths and necessary gear to make it through the night if I had to spend it on the mountain. Heavy. I left around five.
The corridor was totally gorgeous. Aspens turning above the main Rattlesnake creek. There was no one at the camp site at Franklin Bridge. I could not figure where the snow line was looking into the mountains prior to the bridge, but it seemed pretty high. I saw no game. I made the East Fork turn off, and the adventure had begun. I've written pretty extensively about this section in the past. It is a favorite area for me, though sometimes terrifying at night. I once while going across one of three creek crossings had an animal growl at me while slowly descending at dusk. Scared the hell out of me and stays with me each time through. Tonight, it was its normal Cascade like jungle, but other than that was fine. No snow until almost 6,800. A few portages, but not bad thanks to the horsemen.
At 6,800 things got interesting and I had to make a decision. Press on and see it through got the nod. Climbing through the snow I was remembering yelling down to Ed and Aaron last year from this area, the red light on my back flashing. This year it was just good tunes and good memories to get me to the top.
The Canon that had survived submersion through Tumbleweed did not survive this trip. Climbing the upper switchbacks, it took a little tumble during a small slip on the ascent. I stupidly had it in an exterior strap pocket and did not notice until I got to the helepad area and wanted to get some shots. So I used the phone and took a few. I called Molly and visited, saying I on my way down through Marshall and Woods. I also sent out a signal. It was about eight, dark and the wind was blowing. I took off the wet jersey and replaced it with a warm thermal below my shell. My feet were wet, but still warm in heavy wool socks. The snow on the face was blown off in many places. Wisherd was quiet with some accumulation. It probably won't be long.
From Sheep Pk. to Blue was full on snow, about six inches most of the way. I descended with out the clips as they were loaded with snow and ice. It was fun. Slow and cautious going, but not too bad. I took the photo of the bike where I once stopped and sat on a log with many friends, enjoying an overlook during a group
ride (Rick, Dave, Dan, Max, Bill, Sten, Ronnie...et.al.). There were a nice set of elk tracks through the snow here which was a new first. Some hikers had been to the top, maybe hunting but probably not. There are sheep on top and in the Wisherd are, but I've only seen them once. I cannot imagine trying to get an elk off of this mountain without a mule or horse.
Between the peak and Blue I was listening to mellow tunes and taking it all in. I was also wondering if Bill was behind me yet. The moon was bright and at my back. I occasionally turned around thinking the light may be my friend. Once at Blue there were two other mountain bike tracks that had stopped there coming up from Woods at some point recently. There was still plenty of snow. I descended down to the first (last) Three Pines turn off and then took it home to the trailhead. I had a text from Norman saying they had talked Bill into pulling this section and they were going to go off again at 12.30 AM to finish the balance of Marcy's ride. I was hammered, but felt great. Martin always motivates me to get the bike out for one more. Thanks Bill.
