A TIMELINE OF TRIPS AND ADVENTURES
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2022
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Name: West 2022 Destination: Wind River Range and Bighorn Mts Timeframe: Aug-Sept Description: An open ended trip never has a defined ending. Most times it's weather, location and other commitments. This year it turned out to be smoke and Covid. They both arrived about the same time. August, thankfully, had been entirely smoke free and I kept reasonably busy doing my backcountry thing. After Labor Day, the Monsoon season in the Wind River Range ended, and as such the prevailing westerlies blew in a bunch of smoke from Idaho. At some point during the first week of September, I was exposed to and contracted Covid - not with standing my 2 vaccine and 2 booster shots. The only time I spent more than a few minutes inside was at the library in Pinedale. Hard to believe I could have contracted Covid there, but I'm harded pressed to imagine where else it might have happened. I thought at first it was the result of smoke exposure, which can result in similar symptoms. Eventually I took an Antigen test that dispelled that assumption. By then I had been in Colorado's IPW for a bit, but kept on as if nothing other than an sinus issue was crimping my style. That is until I tested positive. I isolated all summer, except for when Chuck was in town. I'm still confused. Either way, I felt weak and after a week of driving around and getting up for strategic sunrise locations, I headed south to Denver to visit family before heading home on the 22nd.
The Albums:
The assumption after a year of fairly intense training and preparation was that I was fit and ready to go. A year ago that seemed like solid reasoning. This year it didn't quite play out that way. A 40+ lb pack w/ climbing gear had me on the back foot for five days. What it did was squelch any drive to push the boat out a bit further and go for some climbs that would call for a fairly aggressive pursuit of reasonable goals while moving thru a fairly long route thru the Island Lake - Wall Lake region. It could have been more, but what it was ended up being a very good warm up - and nothing more.
WIND RIVER RANGE - NEW FORK PLATEAU
A great week with my reliable and ready to go brother in law. This year we decided to up the anty a wee bit and do something approaching 50 miles in the Northern Winds. In the end we did a cross-country traverse of the New Fork Plateau with a twist. Rather than start in New Fork Canyon, we started at Green River Lake and after crosing the plateau, we ended up at Summit Lake. From there we opted for the simple return to Green River Lakes via the Highline Trail. Next year, we'll build on this and do something even more interesting.
Southeast Ridge of South Arapaho Peak
An easy and very popular day hike to one of the higher peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. After a few days back up in Wyoming, I returned for a final sunrise scenic drive over Trail Ridge before heading south to Denver and eventually back to NH
2021
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Name: West 2021 Destination: Sierra Nevada in May early June. Family time and North Cascades in the 2nd half of June. Followed by Northern Rockies (Wind River Range and Bighorns) in July / August. A pretty big agenda. Only time would tell what the results would look like. As of late June I'm happy to say it has gone well - the big heat dome not with standing. Timeframe: May-Aug Description: The intent for this trip was to get really fit in the Sierra before heading east to WY for July/August. No real game plan for California other than to see some locations I hadn't yet visited and tag a few more summits on my flexible tick list. Wyoming on the other hand has more of a tick list but one that is as always flexible based on conditions and morale. In the end the 2nd half of this plan came up empty handed. Smoke and heat arrived when I did post 4th of July. Got kind of old eventually and I reset for next year.
The Albums:
HIGH SIERRA: MONO PASS - MT STARR
South Ridge
Always a good idea to get some easy altitude under your belt with a warmup upon arrival from lowly NH. A hike to Mono Pass is familiar ground, but I'd never been to the top of Starr Mt. Worth the effort particularly if you go by way of the South Ridge. The views from the top are excellent. The quick descent is down the chossy gravel fest on the west side, but I should have reversed the route and kept the quality factor at a higher level.
Maple Pass
With the heat dome closing in on the North Cascades Chuck and I pulled off a wonderful springtime ascent to Maple Pass. More or less normal to Heather Pass where conditions went from dry to full on snow cover. Conditions were excellent thanks to the early start. Snow didn't start to soften up until around 10:30 on our way back. Still alot of snow up high. Wonder how much will be left after the heat wave is over.
2020
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Name: West 2020 Destination: Northern Rockies Timeframe: Aug Description: Perhaps the trip that shouldn't have been. Started off well enough and it did include alot of family time, but it also was the year of wildfires, smoke, COVID, tendonitis and early Sept snow in WY/CO. Thus Labor Day found me back in Denver and headed home after six weeks on the road.
The Albums:
BIGHORNS: PENROSE CANYON & EXIT PASS
Connecting the Northern Solitude Trail via Exit Pass
Alot of off trail hiking is required to see the north side of the big peaks found in Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Solitude Trail is the logical point to start and finish this loop. Exit Pass connects the east and west aspects of the trail. The distance covered from Princess Falls to Exit Pass is where the excitement lies. Along the way I was able to explore Penrose Canyon and Loomis Lakes. All told a good loop that starts and ends at Bighorn Reservoir.
2019
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Name: West 2019 Destination: Northern Rockies & California Timeframe: Aug - Sept Description: Again on the way to California, I spent time in the Medicine Bow mts, Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Cloud Peak Wilderness in the Bighorns. One hike, two climbs. Good stuff.
The Albums:
McCabe Pass and Shepherd Crest
After a warm up hike to McGee Pass (LOL - 20 miles), Chuck and I went searching for a shorter adventure where we could bag some sort of peak. We settled on the Steelhead Lake region where we could stay at the lakes just up the trail and explore McCabe Pass etc. In doing so we saw that an ascent of Shepherd Crest would be a logical extension of something to do once you reach the pass. A smart choice. The view from the top is one of the best I've seen in this part of the High Sierra.
Six Pack of Passes - the LeConte Divide
This trip is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm glad I waited until this year. I had an incomplete vision of what was possible and what would work for me. Two trip reports helped. One from Peaks for Freaks and the other, a Flickr album by Craig Taylor opened my eyes to how much more there was than just getting to Hell for Sure Lake and Pass. Indeed.
Exploring the Upper Kern River Basin
With a good forecast and diminishing winds it seemed like a loop up to Harrison Pass from Lake S. America to have a go at Gregory's Monument - Stanford was just the ticket. What the forecast didn't get right was the winds. A 2 day blow came along just as I arrived in the barren open upper basin. The temps were cold made even more so by the strong gusty winds. I bailed for the JMT and a trip to Forester Pass. Then the weather self corrected and it got warm and calm. Go figure. All in all a rather disappointing way to end the season. I really missed doing a real climb. Once I was out, the skies remained clear but the winds returned. Was hoping to enjoy some cowboy camping up on the Gorge Road. Got one calm day. By the night of the 9th, my last night in California, the winds were roaring and Bishop was enveloped in one big dust storm.
2018
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Name: West 2018 Destination: Northern Rockies & California Timeframe: Aug - Sept Description: Did some hikes in Wyoming on the way out. Visited the Medicine Bow Range and hiked out to Mistymoon Pass in the Bighorns. That's a place I want to return to next year. This year I was determined to get back into climbing so I focused almost entirely on doing so. The first three trips included Emerson, Matterhorn and Starlight. Each climb was unique in it's own special way. After the Palisades a batch of rain/snow came thru so my finale this year was a quick three day loop hike on the front side of the Ritter Range. Again I started in Rush Creek and went in via Summit Lake.
The Albums:
MEDICINE BOW NF: MEDICINE BOW PK
Something of a tradition on day 3
On the evening of Day 2, 2000 miles from home I usually arrive at Veedewoo CG in WY. The next day, at least in the summer months I tend to do a acclimitization hike of Medicine Bow Pk. Getting to 12k is a good way to get started and has always served me well. Sometimes I do the full loop from Mirror Lake, sometimes the shorter 5 mile out and back from Mirror Lake but on the front side.
The beginning of a return to Wyoming
This year, after Medicine Bow Peak I added a short duration detour north to the Bighorns where I did a quick day hike into Misty Moon lake / pass. Sort of a recee for next year. Little did I know I would definitely want to come back in 2019 to climb Woolsey.
HIGH SIERRA: UNSETTLED WEATHER
Storms and Convict Canyon Hike
After Starlight I took my normal 3 days of rest, but as that came to an end 3-4 days of stormy weather arrived. I finally got a good day on Oct 5th and decided on a trip up Convict Canyon to Mildred and Dorothy Lakes. The extra effort to get up to the Dorothy lake is worth the effort as the view really opens up. The view of the north side of Red Slate and its appealling couloir is much better too. Even after all the rain, the notorious stream crossing at the old washed out bridge was quite casual. The trail itself may soon be a thing of the past as weather events have done tons of damage to what is a problematic trail to begin with. Still a fine day and well worth the effort.
HIGH SIERRA: RUSH CREEK RITTER RANGE
Intro to Ritter Range
With only a week to go before I was due to pull up stakes and head back to NH, there was time for one more adventure. After a false start thinking I wanted to go to Hell for Sure Pass over on the West Side (I did drive all the way up to Courtright Reservior), I came back and settled on plan B. That turned out to be an intro to the Ritter Range and Minarets. Knowing the shortest way in there was to use the now familiar Rush Creek approach, I came up with a Summit Lake loop. Lots of ups and downs along with some aggressive camping restrictions, but still a nice intro to the area.
2017
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Name: Fall 2017 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: Aug - Oct Description: Betsy and I drove out in late August by way of Beartooth Pass and Stanley Idaho. We got to Bridgeport on our 5th day. We then did some hiking in Yosemite, KCSP and Mammoth Lakes before she needed to fly homr for her real job. I then did the long walk to McGee Pass, a 6 day loop around Silver Pass, a day hike to Virginia/Summit Lakes followed by a very nice 5 day trip to Kaweah Gap and back. After that I needed to get home in time for my friends wedding.
The Albums:
Yosemite - Kings Canyon & Sequoia Nat Parks - Mammoth area hikes
This time around Bets drove out with me and we had a great 2 weeks of exploring and relaxing in the Yosemite, Sequoia NP and Mammoth regions. We went out to Clouds Rest, Moro Point and Duck Pass.
McGee Pass Trail
After two weeks with Betsy wandering around the Sierra and introducing her to places she hadn't seen (the west side in particular), she flew home to the real job and I settled on doing this long 20 mile round trip day hike. Throw in 4000 feet of gain and you can bet my tank was empty when I got back to the trailhead. Big cloud buildup but at best at bit of a spritz from time to time. Lots of snow, bugs and wildflowers.
HIGH SIERRA: MONO PASS - SILVER DIVIDE
A Loop Around Silver Divide
The idea here was to use Mono Pass as a way to get to and cross the Silver Divide twice. On the way in I would use 'Shout of Relief' Pass on the SHR to cross over to the north side and after connecting to the JMT would cross back over via Silver Pass. After that I would have the option of getting back to Rock Creek in one of three ways: 'Half Moon Pass', Mono Pass or the longer but more interesting 2nd Recess to Gabbot Pass and on over the Divide at Cox Col. In the end I choose the way I'd come in mostly because I was tired and wasn't sure what kind of snow conditions to expect on Cox Col. I did not have an axe or micro spikes with me. As boring as that decision sounds it certainly was not. If fact it ended in high drama - weather wise that is.
Day Hike to Summit Lake
Its been quite windy lately so pick your poison. After this and that I decided a quick trip to summit lake would work (10 miles RT). A second look at the map revealed a pass that had to be crossed to get there. So, good workout. A bit rocky on the west side of the pass. But that's just me and my fused ankles. Wind was stout to start but moderated by the end of the day. Fuzzy clouds gave way to a very nice afternoon.
HIGH SIERRA: WEST SIDE SEQUOIA
Crescent Meadow to Nine Lakes Basin
A seriously over ambitious plan was quickly reconciled with reality and morphed into a nice 5 day trip to Nine Lakes Basin and back. Nights 2 and 3 were fabulous examples of being in the right place at the right time. The original plan would have seen me in the forest both these nights. I'm felling pretty lucky about that. The lesson learned on this trip was that I need to lighten my load if I'm going to keep doing these trips.
2016
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Name: Fall 2016 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: Sept - Oct Description: The last of the dry years was about to come to a close. The High Sierra backcountry was so dry that many of the small tarns and streams had gone dry. The weather however was most cooperative. Upon arrival I headed straight out for a 7 day loop around Mt Lyell by way of Rush Creek. After some rest time I then did a 5 day loop of Piute Creek, Goddard Canyon, Davis Lakes and Darwin Canyon. I hadn't been to Darwin canyon since 1981 it was almost like seeing it for the first time.
The Albums:
HIGH SIERRA: A Loop Around Mount Lyell
Donohue, Vogelsang, Blue Lake and Clinch Passes
Sept 2016. Started off the Fall season with a long 65 mile loop around Mt Lyell. Didn't know much about this region but after seeing some images of Twin Island Lakes I wanted to find a way to see this and other parts of Yosemite and Ansel Adams Wilderness. In hindsight I'm not sure the best way to start this loop was at Silver Lake. The trail up to past the reserviors to the JMT provides quick access, but that's about it. I spent the 1st night just south of Donohue Pass, the 2nd on the south shore of Evelyn Lake, the 3rd at the Lyell Fork of the Merced River, the 4th below Blue Lakes, and the 5th at the top of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. After crossing Clinch Pass I spent the 6th and last night at Rogers Lakes before re-connecting with the Rush Creek Trail the next morning.
HIGH SIERRA: Piute - Goddard - Darwin
Piute, Goddard and Darwin Canyons Loop
Sept 2016. Next up was a somewhat convoluted attempt to see more of the North Lake to South Lake terrain that I have such fond memories of (1981). Also wanted to see some new terrain so I added a trip up Goddard Canyon with a exit back to the JMT via the north fork of Goddard Creek and Davis Lake. A comfortable 4 night trip with a serious dislike of the rough conditions over the last couple of miles of the Piute Pass trail as it approaches it's end at the JMT. Darwin Bench and Canyon was as expected a wonderful place to be. The real surprise was how nice the terrain leading up to and around Davis Lake was. Alot less talus and scree than I had been prepared for.
HIGH SIERRA: Called on Account of Pain
An attempt to get to the GWD via Forester Pass
Plan was to go do Thunder by way of Kearsarge / Forester passes and to see Picket Creek to the west of the GWD. After a very productive 1st day, I camped in the last group of stunted trees before the JMT begins it's final rise to Forester Pass. That night I got violently sick with abdominal cramps all night long. Completely dehydrated and exhausted by morning. A bit confused as to what was happening so took 2 casual days to walk back to Onion Valley.
2015
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Name: Spring 2015 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: May - June Description: Spring 2015 was different kind of year for me. After a lean winter the weather in May was mostly unstable and short storms were the norm. The weather never really stabilized. I got in alot of miles but my success ratio was not much to write home about. The weather was OK for a hike to Baxter Pass, Bullfrog Lake and a climb of Muir. After that the weather changed and never really recovered. During this period I did trips to Baker Lake, South Fork of Tuttle Creek and Finger Lake. By the end of the month there was more snow up high than when I had arrived at the end of April.
The Albums:
Day Hike to Baxter Pass
Having enjoyed the hike to Sawmill I was hoping that Baxter would offer up a similar experience. Well sort of but not really. Rocky, rough and other than the alpine looking spur off of Mary Austin and Diamond Peak, a fairly long day without alot of drama. These long day hikes always mean you spend most of your day moving along in what I call the non 'magic hour' when the lighting for photography is less than optimal
Day Hike to Kearsarge Pass and Bullfrog Lake
A quick trip to Kearsarge Pass is one of the better ways to see how much snow is left in the backcountry. Extended it a bit walking out to the JMT. Should have gone to Glen Pass - there was plenty of time.
Baker Lake and Skyhaven Pass
Ramping up for a wet spring, the first of several storms blew thru adding to my downtime. After a 3 day affair I got going again with a scenic trip to Baker Lake via the North Fork of Big Pine Creek. Plan was to top Skyhaven at sunrise. Could have worked, but it didn't. A mostly cloudy sunrise gave way to fierce winds at the pass and little or no reason to scramble up to the summit given the grey cold skies. Settled for a consolation prize by camping at the edge of the drop back in the Big Pine Creek. Enough snow was found to take care of water issues. The 3rd day sunrise was of course perfect.
Tuttle Creek - South Fork
Ramping up for a wet spring, the first of several storms blew thru adding to my downtime. After a 3 day affair I got going again with a scenic trip to Baker Lake via the North Fork of Big Pine Creek. Plan was to top Skyhaven at sunrise. Could have worked, but it didn't. A mostly cloudy sunrise gave way to fierce winds at the pass and little or no reason to scramble up to the summit given the grey cold skies. Settled for a consolation prize by camping at the edge of the drop back in the Big Pine Creek. Enough snow was found to take care of water issues. The 3rd day sunrise was of course perfect.
HIGH SIERRA: Palisades South Fork
Finger Lake
May 2015. After the sucker storm I was starting to lose faith that I would get anything done this season. Snow was melting but it had accumulated to an alarming degree in the shady zones. What to do. In the end I settled for yet another hiking trip. This time I went to Finger Lake, not having been there since 1976. Went thinking I might go up to South Fork Pass, but didn't.
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Name: Fall 2015 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: Sept- Oct Description: After the disappointing spring visit, I decided to come back to the High Sierra in the fall and see what that would be like. It was the year of the Rough Fire, but other than that, the weather was warm and dry. Flying out West with all the gear you need for 3 week in the backcountry is challenging. 100lbs and your carry ons. Hardest part was lugging it around the Las Vegas airport getting over to the car rental. The smoke in the Owen's Valley was pretty thick so I drove around to Wolverton and did a really nice 7 day loop up to the Tablelands and out via Bearpaw. After a short break and a couple of stormy days, I did a nice 4 day trip into Reflection Lake and up to Pilot Knob. I wanted to stay longer, but I was out of time and the days or should I say the nights were getting pretty long by the middle of October.
The Albums:
Tablelands to Lion Lake Pass
Sept 2015. After the stormy spring left me feeling like I hadn't accomplished much I made plans for a fall trip where I could experience the range without concern for snow. Arriving in Lone Pine after the drive over from Vegas, I found the whole Owens Valley full of haze and smoke. Next morning I drove around to the west side and made the hot drive up to Wolverton and what I hoped would be better vistas south and west of the Rough Fire. Other than a 24hr stretch of haze and grey skies, things worked out pretty well.
HIGH SIERRA: On the Tourist Path
Snow storms and Fall Foliage
Oct 2015 - While it may have precluded some high peak ascents, the snow storm the first week of Oct added some great potential to both on oncoming fall color and the generally dry look of the Sierra in the fall.
Longley Pass and Pilot Knob
After the Tablelands adventure and a week of stormy weather, there was enough time left for a five day somewhere. With all the high peaks showing a winter look it seemed fitting to finally take the long walk into see Reflection Lake and upwards to Longley Pass
2014
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Name: Spring 2014 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: May - June Description: Spring 2014 in the High Sierra was a shorter version of the previous two years.
The Albums:
Day Hike to Sawmill Pass
Another year. Similar start. Long hikes to acclimatize. The trail to Sawmill Pass starts low and comes in at 20 miles. Cool temps all day. This trail doesn't get alot of credit but I thought it was a nice outing and found it alot nice than Baxter Pass which I did a year later.
2013
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Name: Spring 2013 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: May - June Description: 2013 in the High Sierra was very similar to the year before. The 2nd drought year and again a very productive trip.
The Albums:
Langley - New Army Pass
After the storm this trip seemed like a good thing to do while waiting for the new snow to melt. Just a long walk when all was said and done ... but a nice one too.
Backside Loop Hike
Additional segments of the Sierra High Route. In this case Bishop Pass to Knapsack Col, to Potluck Pass to Palisades Lakes to Leconte Canyon and back up thru Dusy Basin to South Lake. Good weather the first half of the loop. Bit more fickle after that. Didn't do any climbing, which was a mistake.
3 Day trip to Sailor Lake
After some quality time with the fam where we did some nice hikes @ tioga, mammoth lakes and little lakes valley, Bets and I had just enough time to do a quick 3 day before heading back to NH. Spent first night at Sailor Lake and the 2nd at Blue. An early departure the next morning got us to the Burger Barn in Bishop in time for lunch.
2012
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Name: Spring 2012 Destination: California High Sierra Timeframe: May - June Description: The first of the drought years. It was also the start of really good early season access to the Sierra backcountry. Also the best weather ever. A very productive visit for sure. Towards the end as the mosquitoes arrived Betsy came out for a visit. We did a number of day hikes and then one 3 day trip to Dusy Basin.
The Albums:
Bishop and Mono Pass Hikes
Two warm-up acclimatization hikes before the real show began. Casual start for Bishop Pass. For Mono I started in the dark. Really cold at the pass until I found some sun and a place to sit out of the wind.
HIGH SIERRA: Hiking and Backpacking
Dusy Basin - Long Lake
After the loop hike Betsy arrived and we did a number of nice day hikes followed by a 3 day trip to Dusy Basin and back. Hot, cold, windy and calm. A little bit of everything with the well known hordes of mosquitoes in Dusy.Basin thrown in for extra measure.
2009
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Name: Spring 2009 Destination: Return to the Sierra Timeframe: May - June Description: After the long fruitless drive to Rogers Pass the summer before, I decided it might be time to redirect my energies to a range where the weather was more reliable.
The Albums:
Royce Lakes via Co-Co La
Still want to do the big gully on Feather. Just wasn't going to happen this time around. Conditions were terrible. Warm and soft. Jim and I stuck around for a couple of days before post holing back down to Honeymoon Lake.
Day Hikes Tioga Pass region
Conness was a bust for me. Long walk as the road to Saddleback Lake was still closed. Started raining by noon. Cleared off and the next day we had a very nice day doing the std walk up on Dana. There was still enough snow to keep it interesting.
1998
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Name: Summer 1998 Destination: Another trip to Assiniboine Timeframe: Juy - August Description: Better conditions than the year before. Notable also as it was the beginning of the 'troubles' that a year later would result in an appendectomy two weeks after getting home from Nepal.
The Albums:
Hikes, scenics an a climb w/ Betsy Harrison
After Assiniboine we met Eric in Sedro Woolley where I promptly got very sick the next morning. It lasted all day and I ended up spending a bunch of time getting tests done in Pasco to find out why. Eventually we got back on track and spent a week back in the park before heading east to City of the Rocks where we meet up with my little sister and her family.
1997
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Name: West 1997 Destination: A long road trip from late July to November served up in two parts. Went to Assiniboine, the Bugaboos, Challenger, Adams and Daniel. Other than a couple of routes I'd done before in the Bugs, I can up empty on the rest. Then Betsy flew into Seattle and we shifted into rock climbing mode. Went to Squamish, Smith, City and Red Rocks before making the long drive home in late November. Timeframe: July - November Description: Assiniboine to Red Rocks
The Albums:
Day hikes along the Icefields Parkway & in the Kananaskis
After the long walk out from Magog Lake, Dave departed for home. Meanwhile, the good weather continued, so I stuck around. I spent some time doing some simple day hikes in the area.
1994
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Name: West 1994 Destination: Late summer trip to Colorado, British Columbia and Wyoming Timeframe: July - September Description: Betsy and I drove out to hook up with Chip for his final 14'ers in Colorado. After that I wanted Bets to see the classic Needles Range in the San Juans. We took the train from Silverado and had a great time doing the Chicago / Ruby Lake loop. After she flew home I drove up to Jackson hooking up with Mike Keating. We then headed north to the Can Rocks where we promptly go our egos thrashed by the nature of climbing on limestone on Mt Sir Douglas. The looseness of that rock and the humiliation that went with it fresh in our minds we quickly headed south to the Winds and some classic solid granite. I still had a tick list I wanted to deal with. We tagged two of the three routes on that list. Ambush and Bollinger we got, Warrior One we didn't.
The Albums:
North Maroon Bell and Pyramid Peak w/ Chip Cole
An amazing place with all sorts of opportunities, marred only by its popularity and proximity to Aspen
Chicago Basin Ruby Lake Loop w/ Betsy Harrison
Third trip to this wonderful region, marred somewhat by the presence of a NOLS camp in Upper Ruby Creek Basin. We also had a nice day doing Eulos.
1991
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Name: West 1991 Destination: Fall in the Colorado and Utah w/ Betsy Harrison Timeframe: October Description: A return to the Dez. We flew to Denver, headed up to Jackson to visit with Mark Whiton, drove down thru the Uintah / Wasatch Ranges and eventurally to the Moab Area. Later we moved over to the San Juans for some family time a couple of 14 ers. A really great three weeks.
The Albums:
The mountain part of our 3 week tour of the West
After the Escalante adventure we moved over to Colorado and meet up with family in Ouray. We did a bit of peak bagging, cragging and an auto tour over one of the high passes. After that we were just about out of time and needed to get back to Denver for our flight home.
1990
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Name: West 1990 Destination: Another road trip west Timeframe: July - September Description: By July I was back on the road. After a quick visit with Mark in the Tetons, I headed north for yet another visit to the Bugs. We started as a threesome. After Sue went home Guy Johnson and I went back to the Bugs, did some Can Rocks time and finished up a nice trip with a big loop hike/climb in the Winds.
The Albums:
Too warm to climb
After Athabasca and the day hike.to Edith Cavell, Guy and I decided to fly into the Berg Lake area, and hike out from there. Wanted to see the Emperor Face side of the Mt. Climbers were saying it was so warm the N Face was slush.
1988
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Name: West 1988 Destination: Back on the road to all the usual locations and some new ones. Timeframe: May - September Description: After my divorce I felt a strong need to get back to what I did best - travel and climb. Started with some backpacking in RMNP, Wasatch, San Juans and Elk Range before heading up to Cascades for almost a month of climbing, skiing and backpacking. After that it was Canada time and a return to the Bugs and Mt Robson. There was a bit of Lake Louise and a day at Smoke Bluffs at Squamish before the money ran out and it was time to head home and get some work. Throw in some family time coming and going, and all told I was gone three and a half months.
The Albums:
Snowbird to Bell Canyon Traverse
When I lived in SLC, I loved the Wasatch backcountry. Even after I moved back east I came back a few more times as I still had friends living there. After the tragic death of Jay Wilson and the Whitons move to Wyoming in '91, I never went back.
Sneffels and Chicago Basin
The better part of a week split between a quick trip up the easy side of Sneffels and five nights on a loop up thru Chicago Basin and out via Ruby Creek.
Backpacking with my siblings
After Dave left for home I spent 10 days hiking and backpacking with my little sister MaryAnn, her husband Chuck and my older brother Chip. Chuck, MAC and I started with an overnight up at HIdden Peak, We followed that up with a day hike to Maple Pass and finished once Chip had joined us with a 4 day trip into Itswoot Ridge / Bachelor Meadows. All told, I was in the Cascades July 13th until August 7th. The only bad weather came during the last few days.
1986
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Name: West 1986 Destination: A long varied trip from the end of July until the first week of November Timeframe: July - November Description: This was another two part adventure. Mary only had so much time given her teaching commitments. After she headed home I spent time in the Tetons, Enchantment Lake region, Wasatch, Canyonland, Escalante and the San Juans. I meet up with family and friends at most of these locations.
The Albums:
Introduction to the Needles Range w/ Mary Erdei
Not sure how I found out about this place but I was keen to go there. Only problem was we couldn't take the train because of our dogs. So instead we did the long walk from Purgatory. Took two full days to get up into Ruby Creek drainage. Mary was drained by the time we got to Ruby Lake, so we didn't end up doing anything. I scrambled up some peak on the crest for the view, which was great, so I knew I'd be back.
Late fall backpacking on Handies Peak
The outdoor segment of the family was looking for a casual 3 day way to get up Handies. Formula: short hike to a good camping spot and a casual distance to the peak. Nice summit day in about 6-8 inches of new snow. Third morning the five of us we walked out. Perfect.
1984
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Name: West 1984 Destination: The beginning of almost 4 months away from home. A few cliimbs, but mostly a trip of exploration and getting to know the desert Timeframe: August - November Description:
The Albums:
Getting to know the North Cascades
I run hot and cold with the North Cascades. When the weather is great, I love it. When its bad, I start to think of Wyoming or California instead. Other than Liberty Bell & Prussik Peak (76), I knew little or nothing about the place With a copy of the old Spring / Manning hiking guide I gave myself a couple of weeks for a good intro to the range. After that I moved up to Lake Louise to catch up with my girl friends parents who were doing a trans Canada rail trip. I got in a few hikes there, but the weather was mostly grey so I made the big move down to Utah hoping to warm up a bit and get some sun.
1975
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Name: West 1975 Destination: A major excursion: Yosemite, RMNP, Tetons, Winds, Bugs, Sierras, and back to the Valley to finish up. Timeframe: April - September Description: The first real road trip. The one that set the stage for so many to follow. We left NH late in April and I got back to North Conway around Labor Day. Those were the days. Hard to believe I was able to leave for months on end, do it on a shoestring budget and still have a job at EMS when I got back. Of course nothing lasts forever, but while it did, this was good.
The Albums:
Springtime on Mt Whitney w/ Mary Erdei and Chip Cole - May 1975
Introduction to the Sierra. Late May, normal snow year. Pretty hot too. Back then the world was a different place and late May was not like it is today. We had the trail, the campsite and the mountain to ourselves. Priceless.
1974
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Name: West 1974 Destination: Yosemite Valley and Long's Peak Timeframe: April - June Description: A month in the valley and a trip up the Keyhole Route on Long's Peak in Colorado with my older brother. Setting the stage for longer trips to follow. Life would never be the same.
The Albums:
Keyhole Route w/ Chip Cole
The 2nd of my mountain adventures with my older brother. Still in the air force he pulled some free time and we headed up into the park to have a go at the Keyhole Route. I was heading home from the Valley so this was good timing to hook up with Chip on my way east.