My Updated Trail Cooking System

My Updated Trail Cooking System

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/

 My GSI system, is awesome !! Light, self contained and if you ran out of fuel it can be used on open flame as well. I like this over the Jet Boil for this reason.  I have the Soloist but it is more than enough for 2 ppl. My brother and I used it on our 4 day backpack trip through the Enchantments and it was plenty.

Hurricane Ridge Snowshoeing 1-19-13

Hurricane Ridge, North Olympic Mountains 1-19-13

I have been wanting to do Hurricane Ridge for awhile now, the weather has been great for a couple weeks, which around here is not always the case. We decided it would work best if we headed out after work on Friday, stay at Port Angeles Friday night and then we could get an early start on Saturday. 

When we arrived at PA Friday night it was high fog cover, and by morning it was a low fog cover and pretty thick. But we were told by the park ranger's at the visitor's center that it was clear and warmer up on the ridge. :) 

We were not disappointed,,, it was amazing, no wind and 50 degrees !! 

Mit and Steve outside the lodge, gearing up. 

Every direction you look is a view, 360 degree views,, unbelievable !! There were plenty of ppl, but so what, it didn't deter the true outdoor enthusiast from enjoying this awesome place.

Steve, with the sound behind him buried under the fog..

Steve and Mit, with the Bailey Range behind them.

Hurricane Hill

the crew

Steve and Mit, Mit decided to just use her micro spikes, Steve used his snow shoes

Mit :)

I decided to keep going on up to the point that looks you right at Hurricane Hill, I am looking back at the crew..

Camp Robber

I climbed up to the top the ridge and in the distance is Hurricane Hill, I will hike all the way there next time :)

Mit, in the lower left of the frame, I am up on the point looking back

shot from the top of the point looking back, stunning country

Steve made it to the point too

My bad boy snow shoes :)

awww, the little couple <3

Mt. Angeles in the back

Surrounding mountains

On the way down, the sun was dropping below the peaks

The fog blanket on the valley floor

View before we dropped back down under the blanket...

Ranger- Park entrance ~ exit 

The End

 

2 Col. Bob ~ Quinault ~ 1/5/13

Eagles everywhere !!

 There were many to view, some times they aren't close enough to get good shots of them, but we were blessed today to see so many with in shooting range :)

BFF Mitzi :)

Steve, loves the biggies !!

 Mit, Steve and I geared right up and started the climb the first mile is switch backs a plenty, I must have forgotten that little detail from last yr. but no matter it was all good no rain so that is always good.. :)

 We are the one mile mark at this enormo tree so of course we had to capture the moment !! 

 Last yr. this section of trail was completely blocked by a very large tree that we had to traverse over and around, it was one of many... 

But the Corp Crew came in last season, of course after we came through and cleared out a long stretch of trail, they did a super job !! Thank you CC :)

 Snowy Col. Bob we didn't get out early enough to bag you today, but next time we will ..

 Soft water treats :)  

Eagle Haven :)

1 Rainier Snowshoing 1-1-13

 Rainier Mt. 1st hike of the yr. 

Checked the weather and it was a go, crisp and clear, had to run this one solo, no one could make it this time. In reality the only time you are really alone is when you are driving... Rainier, Paradise area is so popular and for good reason, that once you are there you are really never alone. Arrived early, and was on the trail a little after 10:00 am. the parking lot was all but empty, but not for long.. 

The snow was deep and powdery, the sky was clear and blue, I headed straight through the upper overnight parking lot, leaving the laughter and screams of children as they sled down the groomed hillside in the distance. Soon the only sounds I could hear was from my own snowshoes making a new path through untouched snow. 

As I moved toward the mountain, I could see off in the distance other snowshoer's making there way to intended places unknown. Like little tiny black dots on a pristine white landscape. I worked my way up the valley deciding I didn't want to venture toward the creek and bridge that I knew was some where under the snow, and opted for some higher ground.

I watched a couple trek up the face of this ridge and decided that it would reward me greatly at the top, so that is where I pointed my snow shoes.. and it didn't disappoint.. half way up the views yielded great treasures, that can only be gifted by God our creator... :)

The Tatoosh Range, from the half way point on the face of the ridge, stunning sights to take in.

Up on top of the ridge, I sat down for my little lunch and this was my view, words could not even come close to the majesty of this place...
After my little siesta, I headed back up the ridge to its high point looking back at the Tatoosh Range..

It was an easy climb to the top, and well worth every step.. because when I did reach the top, more great things to see..

I spent a few hrs. up here messing about talking to others and just enjoying the moment. But all things must come to an end, what a great day, so thankful I went.

 In memory of Ranger Margaret Anderson

 Today was also special in that we gave our respects to a fallen ranger, Margaret Anderson. Beautiful long stem roses lay across the hood of Mt. Rainier aid truck, many came and paid their respects on a most beautiful day on the mountain.