Tour 6

Day 1.
Had to wake up at an ungodly hour to be at the station by 630. Gear packed and we drove 2 hours to meet the horse packers at Buttermilk Creek (I napped). It was so nice not to carry our packs up and over the pass. The hike itself was rather boring- not pretty views or interesting things to see. But it was semi redeemed by a few huckleberries along the trail.

The actual pass is pumice scree and a great view across the valley. At the top Kenny says "It's choose your own path", and proceeds to skid straight down the slope.

We are camping at Star Lake (it should be called a pond). It's in a pretty meadow area.

Tonight we feasted. Because we were being horse packed in the first 6 miles we brought along a fancy dinner: steak fajitas w/ rice and peppers and fresh veggies. Corn on the cob and potatoes steamed in foil over the fire. It was an epic meal, and it got even better w/ dessert. Halden had told us about something called a banana boat on our last trip and it made us all drool, so we had them tonight and they are melty goodness: a split banana, butterscotch and chocolate chips, nuts and marshmallows all wrapped up in foil and melted on the coals. Joyness. Round 2 we made them flambe.. (we've decided our word for this trip is epic, because so far everything is).

Cooking things on the fire can be exciting, especially when a banana boat is involved and someone is poking the fire. Halden warned them 'don't make Natalie cry or a black cloud will follow us' as I was very anxious about wood being pushed around and I almost lost a tinfoil wrap of goodness. (but I was happy in the end).

My newest toy is a Big Agnes sleeping pad. (I gave Kristian my therma rest and I think she is now converted to air). 2.5 inches of air, and it packs down to the size of a football. I am going to sleep so well. Food coma and comfy mattress- someone's sleeping in tomorrow.

Day 2.
We all slept in this morning- had to drag myself away from my mattress. We had another feast for breakfast- biscuits w/ sausage gravy. Ate so much we became lethargic and layed around camp the rest of the morning reading books. (I love the fact that we eat well after having good food all weekend, and before we're really starving yet).

In the afternoon Kristian and I went on a hike w/ tools. We saw a lot of marmots everywhere. Our destination was Surprise Lake, but it never surprised us. Somehow, we lost the trail. One moment we were on it, and then it disappeared. We oriented ourselves on the map and tried to hike over a ridge in hopes to meet up w/ the trail again. No luck. On the bright side we summited Baldy Mountain. Unintentionally. We figured if we got up there, the lake would be on the other side. I felt like a mountain goat as we clambered up and traversed the peak (surprisingly I only slipped once). We finally figured it had to be over 1 more ridge and we could see part of the trail below- but we were completely baffled at how we lost the trail in the first place, and why it didn't match up to the drawing on the map.

We stayed on the ridgetop that led over to the pass where we caught up w/ the trail and dropped back down to camp.- on the ridge we found a giant cairn, literally in the middle of nowhere w/ no trails around it.

Upon returning to camp we discovered from Kenny that the actual junction was marked and further down the trail and what we took must have been some unused path to a camp. Oh well. We went swimming in the pond and felt better about life.

Kenny went to climb a couple of peaks, but we stayed back, we had already climbed our peak for the day. He was our evening entertainment though- every once in a while he'd chuck big rocks off Star Peak and we'd cheer the rocks on hoping they'd hit the water- none did- the highest score was a 9. It was like having a fireworks display.

Finished off the evening playing cards (still haven't beaten Kristian at Egyptian Ratscrew). This time the guys won at cribbage- war is on. And we ate s'mores and popcorn- last night before we split down the North and South forks of the Summit Trail.

Day 3.
The mosquitoes made the morning very unenjoyable- so we packed up camp and left. On top of the pass again, we could see storm clouds brewing in the distance. Made it to the correct junction today, and as we were contemplating what to do next, a thunderstorm hit. We sat on our hard hats in the woods and waited it out. Second time this season a storm was directly above us. The thunder would boom, then echo thru all the valleys and canyons- it sounded like bombs were being dropped- and then it hailed.

The storm cleared for a bit so we set up camp where we were (we only moved 2 miles today). Then we went on a hike w/ tools to clear to where we'll camp tomorrow. In a heavily wooded area, we were surprised to find no work. We hiked to the Prince Creek shelter. It's a neat shelter- 3 walls, bunks and table still intact.

Just as we make it back to camp thunder rumbles again and another storm passes over. This time we hide out in our tents (the booms added dramatic effect to my book which has bombings in it). The ground was jumping w/ hail. I eventually dozed off- defense mechanism- can't be hurt if I'm asleep. The evening was quiet, but the clouds are still brewing. We're hoping for clear skies so we can swim in Surprise Lake when we finally find it.

Day 4.
We finally found work- 3 logs on the Surprise Lake trail. Got to the lake finally and it was drizzling. Of course by the time we climbed back up the ridge it was sunny and the lake looked real nice, and we were 2 miles away.

Packed up and moved camp to the Prince Creek shelter- no tent for me, I'm sleeping inside. Wiled away the afternoon reading, and daydreaming, and napping. I've already had to ration the pages in my book- I read too much the first 2 days, didn't expect so much down time. I'm definitely caught up on naps now.

Yet another thunderstorm rolled thru midafternoon. We watched it from our shelter, had a nice campfire and played our ghetto version of cribbage- I think it's the best way to play. Hopefully the storms are done w// us, and I hope to find something crafty to do like whittle. Eating to compensate for boredom is not a pastime I can indulge in our here (however much I might want to).

We have an entertaining time checking in on the radio. Every am and pm so they know we're alive. They have the hardest time understanding us- once again they think we're in 'French Creek' instead of 'Prince'- I don't think french creek even exists. We're in the woods, that's all that matters.

Day 5.
Every morning we play the game 'How much shit can I shove into my brain' (they double as our daypacks). Ready to go and after a few feet I realized I forgot to put on my boots.

Kristian had a pretty epic fall right in the middle of a creek we were crossing (I slipped on the way back, but I stayed standing and only soaked my boots. They will be fun to put on in the morning).
We got our quota of 3 logs. Hiked up a pass at the wilderness boundary. The meadows are marmot land- such bizarre land beavers. There should be a sign saying 'Here there be Marmots'. They are quite sneaky as they stand perfectly still on top of a boulder and stare at you.

We hiked up to Boiling Lake- after taking a mile and a half detour the wrong way at the junction. The water was nice, but the sun wouldn't stay out long enough, so no swimming. We were surprised to enjoy spending a nice break at the lake. Absolutely no mosquitoes.

We met some dirt bikers and some mountain bikers. It was a mind trip to be out of the wilderness, but still in the woods, and see people on vehicles.

The view from the top of the pass was amazing. It's neat to look at the landscape and say "there's the peak we climbed, and the ridge we clambered across, there's the pass we took yesterday, there's the valley we'll be in tomorrow.' These mountains aren't just a pretty view anymore, we've been in them and they're alive to us.

I set up my tent tonight after sleeping in the shelter last night. I heard a critter in there and was certain it was gnawing on my gear, and I definitely heard it mowing down on a bunk post. There's something strangely comforting about being enclosed in four walls. You might wake up to critters, but there's a thin fabric separating you instead of air, and that makes all the difference (they can't crawl over you then). (I also set up my tent in the middle of the trail again, it seems to be what I do best).

Day 6.
Moved camp once more. As we hiked we started to see a burn area, then we saw huckleberries lining the path, and then a bear ran into the woods and we knew we were home in Prince Creek.

Our campsite is perfect. Waterfalls w/ swimming holes nearby, huckleberries right outside my tent, sun shining thru the trees to dry our stuff, rocks by the waterfall to sunbathe on and huckleberries EVERWHERE you turn- life doesn't get much better than this.

I unintentionally found a swimming hole. I accidentally knocked my waterbottle while we were lying on the rocks and it went skittering down the boulders and into the creek. I scrambled after it and saw it was floating in an eddy. As I was trying to figure out how to get to it, my foot slipped on the rocks. All Kristian heard was a small scream and few minutes later I reappear on the rocks w/ my waterbottle in hand, soaking wet. We couldn't stop laughing. I had found a nice waterslide, got a bath, and rescued my waterbottle (which was floating right in front of me when I popped out of the water). Later on today when we finished work (which was brushing, I hate brushing. And we got a few logs- I was getting used to carrying the saw around as a shoulder ornament). I went swimming again, this time intentionally down my rock slide.

And I am in Huckleberry Heaven! There are absolutely everywhere and fill me with joy and sweet goodness.

Day 7.
We had huckleberries in our granola and I made huckleberry tea. We were gardening in the woods for the 1st half of the day. It wasn't so bad because we were mostly in the shade and every once in a while we'd pause and pick a few thimbleberries. I was so happy they were ripe.

We then trudged back up the mile and a half to our camp to a late lunch- it was a power walk. Headed straight for my waterslide, ate lunch, layed around in the sun for a while and felt a little better about life.

Our next mission was to clear the trail up to Cub Lake. It was painful. I was really tired after lunch for some reason & grumpy to find a big log to move when I had gambled on not bringing the saw, so I had to go back and get it. I think both of us had heat exhaustion. I was dying in my work clothes and was considering hiking naked, and I was annoyed for no reason.

1.5 miles, climbed 1500 ft. and we finally made it to the lake. I went straight in, and then stood chest deep in the lake for 20 minutes while we waited for the iodine to treat our water. Life was getting better, although now I am biased against the Cub Lake trail, but the lake is amazing, and there are fish in it.

We made it back to camp around 7. It was a long day. I put on my camp clothes and go to get water for dinner. I needed to keep moving, or else I'd crash and dinner would never be made.
And then I go for another swim- this time I didn't want to swim.

I headed straight to the creek for water, and I had the thought 'this rock might be slippery' but I brushed it off, I figured I wouldn't step on the wet part. I had our 2 big pots and my 2 waterbottles in my hands. I crouch down by the water, and the next thing I know, I'm in it.

The rocks formed a little bowl into a waterfall, and I floundered around in this bowl for a few moments trying to get a purchase all the while thinking 'oh god, oh god, I'm in the waterfall!' I finally grab a piece of rock, pull myself up a little, and then slip over that rock straight down the waterfall (I think it was maybe 10-12 ft). I let out a scream as I went down, and somehow kept clutching my waterbottles. I popped up near my eddy by my waterslide and struggled against the current to get in the calm water and into shallower water where I can stand. I pull myself up onto a rock and just sit for a moment, legs dangling in the creek.

Remarkably, the only thing hurt was my finger which had been hooked thru the lids of my waterbottles. The river gods took the pots. Kristian appears on the rocks because she heard my scream. She sees me once again soaking wet down by my water slide and laughs. Then I point to to the waterfall and she is in disbelief. Luckily we still had Kristian's small pot to cook in, although dinner was slow, and we had to eat out of our helmets.

When I crawled back out of the rocks I still had to fill my waterbottles, but this time I went high up where I could catch myself in a pool if I slipped again. I had to put my work clothes back on though, which made me very unhappy, but my camera (which lives in my pocket) still works! I consoled myself about life by adding huckleberries to my chocolate pudding. Now I just need sleep so life can be good again.

Day 8.
I could easily enjoy life as a bear. We were working on our ceonothis deforestation project again (gardening in the woods isn't so bad when you can actually see you're making a difference). There really is a trail under the brush. We also got to enjoy more huckle and thimble and black raspberries. I love this trail! It is full of yummy surprises.

We only worked half the day, then spent the hot part of the day bathing in the creek and sunbathing (I avoided the waterfall area- although w/ a life vest, swimming waterfalls could be a fun game). I then spent 3 hours in the afternoon pleasantly picking huckleberries. I filled a gallon ziplock 2/3 full. My hands are berry stained, so is the rest of me, and I have happy dreams of making cobblers w/ my spoils. I meandered around the trail picking in the shady spots and moving when the sun came and I hardly made a dent in all the bushes of joy.

We are amazed at how hot it is in the mountains. Sleeping outside my bag, w/ my tent windows open.

Day 9.
We got a distressing radio call this morning telling us we needed to hike out and catch the boat today. We were pissed. We had a plan, and it did not involve hiking in the heat of the day w/ no shade. We were six miles out from the dock.

Our plan was to work in the morning and finish our ceonothis project, dink around all afternoon, and then hike down to the dock in the evening when it was cooler and camp there, then catch the boat tomorrow.

Apparently not though. So we grumpily packed up and trudged down. We didn't use the cottonwood to cross the creek this time. The water was so low we walked across (but we used sticks to stabilize ourselves). the water was knee deep in the middle. The trail was very hot and we were unhappy, we also ran into our quota of 3 logs. (It's surprising that we got more logs on this trail which we had already cleared, than on the rest of the summit trail).

Chelan was a nice cool temperature so we swam while we waited for the boat. Once we saw it we started waving our shirts to flag it down. We were a little worried it wouldn't see us and we would be left in the woods. But we were rescued once again. Our boss picked us up from the boat and we got him to stop for icecream (He also told us the message the boys gave us to come out a day early was for them, not us. Instead we came downlake, and they got to goof off in stehekin for another day and eat at the restaurant and bakery). Oh well. We at least were back to the comforts of home.

I also had my huckleberries. Which I had carefully packed in my helmet and put at the top of my pack to protect them on the trip downlake. And I made an amazing huckleberry crisp topped w/ whipped cream and icecream.

Day 10.

We had to drive to pick up our truck which we left at the Buttermilk trailhead. We got a little lost, and I wasn't much help as a navigator because I had been asleep on the way up the first time.
We drove past some cows w/ their little moos tagging along behind them. We also drove up into a rainstorm in the mountains, but back to the heat when we returned to Chelan.

I shared my huckleberries w/ the rest of the office, and we did random things all afternoon until we picked up the guys from the dock. We exchanged trail stories of thunderstorms and heat and we made them feel bad for making us spend a day in the office. Then we booked it out of there as fast as we could before our boss got back so we wouldn't be stuck there another hour while he talked.

And with all my huckleberries I shared them w/ my hosts and we had huckleberry pancakes, huckleberry muffins, and huckleberries over icecream. I also got to enjoy a musical called "I love you, you're perfect, now change" That Aunt Kathryn is the pianist for.

Tour 5

Day 1.

The Stehekin bakery lives up to its fame. The entire town of Stehekin is a mind trip, and I wish we had time to explore, but off we went on the Agnes Creek Trail.

There were 3 bear sightings today, but I missed all the fun. I was the slow one. My pack weighs 55 lbs again (minus tools, so it's probably now 65 lbs). I was not a happy camper. But Agnes is a nice trail, I might have enjoyed the hike to 5 mile camp if it weren't for my pack. For once a trail is gradual- it doesn't go straight UP like Fish and Prince and every other trail. there are huckleberries everywhere and lots of other neat plants to identify.

I like that our first 2 days of the trip we're just hiking to our work spot. We've got a good distance to cover, about 30 miles, and by the end of it we'll be down at Holden.

Aunt Kathryn sent homemade goodies w/ me for the crew- bread and cookies. We were very happy. It made our first dinner really good.

Day 2.

Finished the 12 mile hike to where we'll start work. I kept tricking my body to think the pack was light by loosening all the straps and then cinching everything up real tight a few steps up the path.

We played scategories and the alphabet game as we hiked to pass the time.

Our campsite has a nice boulder we were trying to traverse. Kenny brought his climbing shoes, but failed to tell us we should bring our shoes. Halden laughed as he watched TV- three of us climbing across this boulder.

I made a really good pot of chili mac n cheese. The pot was overflowing, and now my pack is 2.5 lbs lighter. Although I had to haul everything 12 miles and now we'll base here for a couple, three nights, but it will be lots easier to carry in a few days.


Day 3.

Brrr! It was really cold this morning. I could see my breath. Some trash had been thrown in the fire pit and was smoking, so we went ahead and lit a morning fire.

Logged out the South Fork of Agnes. Almost made it to Cloudy Pass, it was a half mile further. But Kristian said we should turn around (we were a good 5 miles away from camp).

The skeeters were bad. We doused ourselves in Deet- grudgingly. And I had a nice bug snack on the way down the trail. Inhaled quite nicely.

We asked Halden for a tree fort because he stayed back in camp today, but all we got was some firewood and a bench to sit on by the fire. I was disappointed.

Some spikes were sniffing around camp- apparently looking for pee. Kristian & I weren't aware we shouldn't pee by our tents. Apparently the thing to do is pee by someone elses tent and have the deer pawing around and bothering them at night.

Kenny, Kristian and I were hobbling around like old people tonight. Our ten mile hike took it out of us- even though we just had day packs.


Day 4.

Logged out the PCT today. Crawled thru a cave that looked interesting.

3 miles up the trail the trees open up and we were in a basin filled w/ snow. Peaks all around us & an avalanche field of snow to crawl over. I let Kenny & Kristian try to find the trail while I gaped at the view. By the time we found the trail it was time to head back. We had hiked quite a ways up the snow. Kenny asks "You guys good at skiing?" & he slides down the mountain. We followed, although it was slightly difficult with a crosscut. You'd think it might help w/ balance- but it didn't.

We entertained ourselves tonight by climbing on our boulder, and Kenny read aloud some of the twisted fables from his book 'The Book of Lost Tales'.

I have to ration my book like my food. This trip it's 'One flew over the cookoo's nest', and to make it last I only get 30 pages per night.

Day 5.

I got to play in the mud today! Kristian and I were fixing some really eroded tread (the guys were brushing the PCT- we had the better deal). The trail had a creek going thru it. Creek on trail and a huge puddle in the middle that you could sit in and take a bath.
I really like playing in the mud. I built a nice water bar and for part of the day took off my boots, rolled up my pants and waded thru the creek collecting rocks (and I played barefoot in the mud).

We shared a Mountainhouse raspberry dessert tonight and it was heaven. One spoonful and you passed the bag around until it was all gone. (We cannot wait to have icecream again at Holden).

Our TV tonight was watching Kenny try to juggle a fuel can (and beat himself up w/ it). Then we played cribbage- counting points w/ pine needles (1 pt), twigs (5 pts) and small rocks (50 pts). Classic teams of guys against girls- and we owned them.

Day 6.
Moved camp to Cloudy Pass. Kristian and I went in the morning, got rained on in the middle- the guys waited until after the rain to hike up. Took a break at 2 miles and we were drenched. It was really humid. Then rain came and we were soaked from inside out, and outside in. Otherwise, the hike was nice. Our packs felt real good w/ a few days less food in them. the sun broke thru by lunch when we got to the junction- switched to dry clothes and we were mobbed by mosquitoes. No relief- and the clouds were coming in again.

We rushed to pitch tents and escape the cold and bugs. The best flat spot was right at the trail junction- in the middle of the trail- and that is where my tent went. Then I ducked into Kristian's tent and we drank tea and played cards to pass the afternoon.

We got brave (and warm again) by mid afternoon and took a joy hike up cloudy pass. 1 mile and 29 switchbacks. The views were spectacular. As we neared the top we heard a rumble, just our luck, but made it anyway to see the view. We were right above Lyman Lake and Lyman Glacier. A wicked storm was brewing over those mountains, we watched it for a few minutes, then rain and thunder followed us down the pass.

The guys had set up camp by this time- they took their time and found a nice spot in the woods. We all enjoyed drying off by the fire, and Kenny read us more bed time stories from his book of twisted fables.

At one point I hiked back to my tent to get my fleece and some water, the storm had passed (at least the rain) and I saw fog rolling down the hills. We sat around the fire watching the fog roll in, drop thru the trees and surround us as we played musical chairs around the fire to avoid the smoke.

There is a cold chill in the air and the sky still rumbles as Kristian and I go back to our exposed tents in the trail, surrounded by mist.

-Our wildlife today was a rabbit w/ white socks bolting thru camp while we ate breakfast, and a fat marmot creature up cloudy pass.

Day 7.
Woke up cold and the world was wet. We slept in- didn't want to leave our warm bags. I started reading for a while in my tent before I remembered I've had some bad experiences doing that first thing in the morning (dehydration) so I grudgingly put on ALL of my layers and we went over to the campfire the guys had just got going.

We sat around the fire until about noon feeling sorry for ourselves. Then Kristian and I decided to see how far up the PCT we could get- it beat sitting in camp. We hiked until we saw blue- smiled at it, and kept going until we saw sunshine- for just a moment, and I started singing John Denver 'Sunshine on my Shoulders'. We hiked until we met up with ourselves from the other side. We tried to take the blue back with us as we trudged over snowfields, but the fog in our valley kept it at bay- until tonight, when we thought we might have seen the sky, just maybe.

As we work we count logs- today we got 30, and now we count falls as well. I have a tendency to trip and fall on the trail, mud, snow, accidentally kicking a root. The counting game started a few weeks ago (for me) but today we were pretty even with slipping on the snow- Hear a thud, Kristian 'Is that 2 today?", me 'no, I'm already at 5', Kristian "Man, you're 3 ahead of me', and then she slips.

The boys kept the fire going all day- but they didn't build me a tree for like I had requested. I was very disappointed in them. But we did appreciate drying off by the fire (playing musical chairs again). Keeping the chill at bay as we dream of getting to Holden and eating icecream and real food.

Day 8.
The wind was whipping thru the valley all morning. I was curled up in my sleeping bag- hearing it thwap against the tent, threatening to blow the tent and me away.

We packed up camp, so chilly, but the wind brought us sunshine! Kristian and I finished logout on the PCT and looped around Suattle pass- I felt like a mountain goat clambering over rocks on the steep slope w/ my pack on- then over the top of Cloudy Pass. The views were spectacular once again- this time w/ sun. We said hello to another marmot- it scurried across the meadow and I called 'marmot marmot' and it looked at me.

Over the pass by Lyman Lake we scouted out a campsite, then took a short break before working on a spur trail. I sat on a log and had my own personal mosquito genocide.

We thought it was cold on our side of the pass, but this side, while sunny, has a bite to it. We're only 9 miles out from Holden now. We decided to get there Wed. night so we can have dinner there- so tonight we all OD on dinner and ate 2 each- all our remaining food. It's time for a food coma now.

Day 9.
Woke up to mosquitoes saying 'we want breakfast!'. Sat on a log huddled in my rain gear and had another mosquito genocide. Then someone had the brilliant idea to eat while pacing- 4 people wandering back and forth around the campsite w/ a trail of mosquitoes behind us.

We hiked up to the upper Lyman Lakes to check them out and see the glacier up close. It is minuscule, but still a glacier. Then all the way to Holden! We stopped at Hart Lake for lunch. First thing when we got there dropped packs and jumped in. Hard to believe we were cold and miserable a couple days ago. The last 4 mile stretch to Holden dragged on because we knew we were close, but we still had a ways to go, and it was hot. Hiking in Tevas made it better.

Gorged ourselves on a Holden dinner until we were sleepy. Layed on the grass drinking tea and reading until icecream time. Then watched "Yes Man" with the village. We love Holden's hospitality. Good food, hot shower, late night snacks at the bread bar (and they have a giant bowl full of Fresh bananas!)

Day 10.
Freedom. Took the fast boat out of the woods. Got out of the office as quick as we could to get to home where a shower, hot food (and lots of it), and a comfy bed awaited.

Tour 4

(More training, then uplake finally to Prince Creek where we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!)
Day 1.
Working 23 days w/ only a 2 day break in the middle. It sucks, and it still involves horrible training.

Kristian and I had first aid already so we lucked out and only had to get re certified in CPR in the afternoon. We did odd jobs until then: took the Tahoe to get an oil change. Walked back to the office. Checked out a bookstore. Took a drive to echo ridge. Cleaned some toilets and did trash detail. Got milkshakes. Then to the dreaded CPR class.

Day 2.
Please! No more training. District Orientation today- then defensive driving. The only good thing was we got to see everyone who works in our district, and there was a potluck lunch.

I spent the time practicing napping w/ my eyes open. It didn't work so well, so I just let my imagination wander to more creative ideas.

I think they taught us how to back up a vehicle in defensive driving. I can't really recall. I doodled amoebas. Kristian was drawing a design for our t-shirts & as I started to draw she asked if I was helping. I explained that I was creating amoebas and she thought I was joking. She was impressed w/ my page of amoebas I had by the end of class.

Day 3.
Another office day- but it was trip prep. Communication is good. Day before the trip, we finally learn when we're leaving, where we're going, how long we'll be out, if we're in split groups, and who we're split w/. Kristian and I get to head up Prince Creek while the guys go to Domke Lake.

We spent the afternoon building a wallowa toilet, along w/ trying to convince the boss to buy us kayaks. Over the course of lunch and the afternoon, we developed a wonderful scheme that involved basing the crew out of Lucerne, matching bathing suits, opening up an icecream empire and ferrying people in our kayaks on our days off. The boss was not convinced, but we built a really cool toilet.
It is made out of cedar. The design is from a plan that was last revised in 1929. We thought that was pretty awesome, and by the end of the day (which we had to stay late to finish it) we had our wilderness toilet.
Then the boss took me swing dancing in Wenatchee! It was a sweet treat after the past week and a half of torture. And it's our last night in civilization before hitting the trail tomorrow, might as well dance.

Day 4.
My pack only weighs 40 lbs! I'm so proud of myself. Loading up this morning, Kristian hefted my pack to compare weight and was shocked. So was I (my pack is normally heavier than hers). So I pulled the scale out of the fire cache and our whole crew weighed in packs (mine was lightest). This was before tools were added though. (I was really glad for this on the hike up Prince Creek.)
Finally- into the woods again. Get dropped off at Prince Creek- walk the plank- and then the 4 mile hike was Brutal. We started at noon- wrong time of day, this area has burned a couple times, not much shade left, and it's our first time out w/ our mountain packs in a month. (We've gotten used to the soft life of base camps).

At mile four is a creek crossing w/ a broken bridge. We had a good scramble up and down the bank trying to find the best crossing. Finally settled on a cottonwood that had conveniently fallen straight across the creek. (We found it first, but continued our search for two hours to find a less risky crossing). Our mountain packs were too unbalancing so we had to make multiple trips across the log to get all our gear to the other side.

We like this side of the creek better. It has a sweet campsite on a sandy bank (that we envied the whole time we were trying to cross). Although the creek is loud and the constant sound of running water makes me have to pee constantly. We were beat when we finally sat down. We averaged about 1 mile/hour. And we even had a mile detour in the beginning when we went the wrong way looking for the trail junction. Slow moving as we got our bodies re hydrated and made camp.

Our bear tree branch broke as we tried to hang our food. That was an excitable moment. Didn't know we needed to wear helmets in camp.


Day 5. Legacy Log (Another log from Hell)
This time the log won.
We woke up excited for the trail on this side of the creek. 50 yards up a giant log was completely covering the path. We figured it would take until lunch. We were wrong.
It was probably 3 ft. in diameter. We could also see our tents below us the whole time we were working.
1st cut took 2 hours. Then we spent 2 hours using wedges and levers trying to make it move. After lunch we broke down and made a second cut. We tried every angle and combination of wedges and levers and it only budged a smidgen. We called defeat at 5. But we'll be back in the morning. One way or another we are going to make it move.



Day 6.
I found huckleberries! Maybe they'll be all the way ripe before we leave.

We spent another hour on our legacy log. Finally w/ chopping, levers, and turning green and muscling it- victory!
We got 8 logs today. Maybe made it 1/2 mile up the trail. Only two more before lunch. Every time we think it looks easy, the cut works, but moving the damn log is hell. We stopped at a nice mess of trees all piled jackstraw. All set to spend a day in that mess. Out of a reported 36 logs, we still have 28 to go and so far they are not small like we were told.

Kristian and I have a bet for how many visitors we'll see- it's for icecream. I said zero but she's hoping for at least 2. We're still hoping to see a bear and I think we have higher chances of that than seeing people.

Something bit me today-I was just minding my own business too. And I tried to squish my finger between the pulaski and a tree branch. It stings.

We had a nice campfire tonight. Pulled out the cards and played speed and Egyptian ratscrew.
In bed early again in my brand new tent! I love my tent- it's the first tent that's actually mine- I was sick of the faulty one I was issued. My new tent is very lightweight and still spacious.

Day 7.
We found more huckleberries! This time they were ripe. Snacked on them on the way up and collected more on our way back to save for dessert. I have this idea in my head to take some home and make huckleberry cobbler.

We got 20 logs today. Maybe 1/2 mile further up the trail. We joke that our productivity is increasing exponentially.
Still no bear. Or any signs of wildlife (aside from bugs & squirrels & birds). There aren't even mosquitoes.

A small bird yelled at me today, hopping from branch to branch. I was confused until I saw it's nest on a branch right by the trail. So I politely excused myself.

I finished catch 22 tonight and am now wrapped up in the count of Monte Cristo. Reading by the fire until dark.

Day 8.
Our work really is increasing exponentially. 32 logs today, 1/2 mile further up the trail, and maybe 1/2 mile left until we hit the junction. The numbers stand: 1st day-0- 2nd day- 3 before lunch, 8 total- 3rd day- 3 before break, 9 before lunch, 20 total- 4th day 9 before break, 22 before lunch, 32 total. We'll see what tomorrow has for us. (We did skip one log because a bee bit me while we were sawing. We'll sneak attack that log tomorrow morning while the bees are still asleep.)

Our trail is also heavily overbrushed. Ceonothis is sometimes taller than us and we lose the path. It's really bad when we're returning to camp on path we've trod on already today, and can't tell which way the path goes, there's just a wall of brush.

Since Barbara isn't w/ us this trip, we are going to compose a note on our boat ride asking her all of our random wilderness questions like: why is there beach sand on a ridge that is all rocky? She will love it.

On our trek back (we got more huckleberries), we were contemplating having to go on a special trip on our off days to see a bear. Kristian was saying w/ all the brush a bear might just be chilling and we'd walk by it w/ out even knowing, or walk right into it.
Right then I saw something brown moving 20 feet down the path in some brush. "It's a bear" I say. Kristian looks too and says "no, it's just the wind.' And then a bear walks into view across the path. We were thrilled.
We started whistling at it and talking to it asking it to please mozy along. It looked at us and slowly ambled up the hillside pausing now and then to watch us. I think it might have thought we were a strange, loud animal. I definitely got pics of it.
Our trip is complete now. We finally met our goal and saw a bear. It seems more realistic now to be on the watch for bears. Now the wilderness seems wild. We were glad it was a small bear and we saw it before beating down the brush and running into it.

We played more Egyptian ratscrew tonight while watching a single ant drag a mostly dead moth across the campsite. We were impressed by its strength- until it dragged the moth straight into a small plant and got stuck.

And we saw a bear today!

Day 9.
We finished logout today. 10 logs. We made it up to the trail junction and the wilderness boundary. We debated whether or not to hike another mile to cub lake, but it was hot and the hike looked steep so we decided against it.
Close to the boundary, we took lunch at a campsite and I found a social trail that led to a waterfall- it was a series of falls and chutes. It was pretty gorgeous. Tons of wildflowers.

We did a minor deforestation project on the ceonothis covering the trail. We gardened it clear to our huckleberry snack spot, collected more berries- I think we have enough for a cobbler- And whistled our way home hoping to see the bear again.

My squished/mangled finger keeps getting dirt in it, so I duct taped a cast over it. If dirt gets in there, I give up..

We are looking forward to hiking out tomorrow and having icecream and pizza. In that order. As soon as we get back.

Day 10.
We packed up camp. Then unpacked everything to ferry it across the creek. Multiple trips across our cottonwood. Repacked, and headed down the trail. We took care of 4 logs on our way down. They weren't there before, and one we had to saw above our heads. That was a little tough. But we also saw a very small fawn go boinging into the woods. Once more our only sign of wildlife.

I managed to trip and fall face first w/ my mountain pack on not once, but twice. Apparently one fall wasn't good enough for the trail. On the second fall my mountain pack was trying to drag me down the slope and I couldn't stand up by myself. But my knees and hands did a wonderful job of saving me from eating dirt.

We saw a jet cruise right through our valley. We were almost level w/ it on the trail. We thought wilderness was a no fly zone, but the jet didn't seem to care.

We were guessing what time we'd hit the trail junction, and we kept lowering our guesses. My guess was spot on at 12:03. 4 miles in about 2 hours. Much better time than on the way up. We enjoyed cruising by each shade spot we stopped at to rest on the way up. Going up, we'd pause every single shady spot. It was slow trudging, down was a breeze.

Left our packs at the junction and wandered over to the campground by the lake for lunch. Jumped off the dock a couple of times. Cold, but bearable, for a few seconds anyway. Just chilling for a couple hours waiting for the boat pick up.

The boss understands about icecream. He was coming downlake too and we insisted on making an icecream stop at Pat and Mike's (our favorite cashier was there as usual- he knew we were coming for icecream and he gives big scoops.) Then home to real food sunburned and scraped as usual, but perfectly contented w/ life.

Prince Creek is a really nice hike. I would recommend camping by the lake the first night and doing the first stretch early in the morning before the heat hits. There's a great campsite four miles up the trail. Lots of huckleberries in the next 2 mile section if you're hiking in July. No mosquitoes. A cool waterfall by a camp by the junction. Cross another footlog and you can either hit the summit trail, or head over to cub lake. It's a really gorgeous hike, one I wouldn't mind hiking for fun.


Day 11.
Once again, my week is not over yet. We did a few odd jobs. Sent some more tools up to the NYC crew that is working at our lovely camp in Fish Creek (Hell). The boss has decided to call the camp Dilly Dally camp after my suggestion.
In a safety meeting last week, I was bored, so I asked if 'dilly dally' is official forest service terminology because it's on a few signs I've seen that say 'Don't Dilly Dally in the drainages..' and explain that a fire had been through there and it's not safe to linger. The answer to my question was no, but when the signs were made, the boss was talking to someone, used that word, and it seemed to fit the message.
So we've built a camp in a drainage you're not supposed to 'dilly dally' in so I said we should call it that. The boss loved it and told the NYC crew that's the name of the camp, and then we here them check in today and they say their exact location and we cannot help but laugh. The whole forest listens to the radios and I wonder how many people are rather bemused that someone is calling from dilly dally camp, and where in hell it might be.

Kristian came over for dinner tonight and we made our huckleberry cobbler. It was fantastic.

Day 12.
And my week continues. But I get overtime today so I'm not really complaining. We started building another wallowa toilet yesterday, and I volunteered to finish it today. Put my carpenter skills to work and made a lovely wilderness toilet all by myself! (although I'm not quite patient when it comes to being exact w/ measuring and cutting straight, and lining things up straight, so my toilet is a little uneven and crooked, but it's going into the wilderness.)

Tour 3

(our next week was a week in hell-not fish creek this time- fire school)

Day 7.
Fire school is a horrible kind of torture.
Sitting in a classroom all day going out of my mind- so I start to doodle.

Day 8.
Then I start to doodle w/ my right hand. Squiggles and amoebas and strange designs.
Reminds me of high school- I'd get so bored I'd doodle on everything- Now here I am making swirls in my notebook as they teach us how to get on a bus.
Kristian also brought a crossword that we worked on.
We did go outside and learn about hoses. One instructor had us get in a mini waterfight-that was the highlight- cooled us off just a touch in our fire gear.
Then 2 more hours of classroom torture.
Halfway thru the day I realized it was still Tuesday. I feel braindead.

Day 9.
The subject was a little more engaging today, or else the notebook required more filling in of blanks.
I kept myself entertained by writing w/ my right hand all day.
We did get to practice deploying our emergency shelters. They flap around in the wind and are very hot. It's like being wrapped in a foil burrito.
So far the best day of this hellish torture. I have some serious issues w/ sitting in one spot all day. And they pound so much useless information at us. I can't really remember what happens in a day, or I just don't care enough to remember. I spend my time doodling and daydreaming.

Day 10.
Today I progressed to scrawling in cursive w/ my right hand.
They showed us tools and how to properly use a shovel- 'This is a shovel' (as they hold it up, just in case).
I enjoyed the safety video. Everything was classically timed. I was laughing to myself the entire video. It was absolutely dreadful. But I was entertained by its awfulness.

Day 11.
I hate that it is day 11. I want my weekend.
Took the fire test. We sort of studied on the way over, we only had to pass w/ 70%. Upon arrival we are told we can use our books. I was miffed because I had made a minor attempt to take this seriously.
Kristian and I arrived a few minutes late, and then got funny looks when we were the first to turn in the tests.
We then drove somewhere to light something on fire and put it out.
That was the coolest part about the week. Digging line is like building trails. I could do it all day.
The bad part is 'mopup'. Where we had to make sure the fire was really out. We first did the attack and destroy method-putting out any smoke we saw. Then came the tedious part of gridding the fire spot again and again. That fire was dead.
I am glad I am not a firefighter. Trails is so much better.
Ended the day covered in soot and dirt, and just glad that we survived guard school.

Tour 3

(First part of the trip, myself and Kristian were sent up to Holden to dig a path through an avalanche fall on the Holden Lake Trail.)

Day 1. Office Day
I really dread office days. Staring at a computer screen at endless words- taking some training course- all the type blends together and I feel like I'm turning into a zombie.
Put on a fat suit and took the pack test today. Walking 3 miles in 45 minutes wearing a vest that weighed 45 lbs. It felt easy- I mean, we were only walking in circles on a flat surface. Round and round the track (nothing like what we do in the field).
Since Kristian and I were staring at computers all day, and worked through lunch, we got ourselves milkshakes on the way back to the office. Made the rest of the crew jealous.
Didn't even have to explain to the boss that we got lost on the way back and had no idea why there were milkshakes in our hands- he didn't even notice.

More paperwork. Two trails people hovering over the fax machine trying to make it work.

Day 2.
Another day at the office. It really makes me go insane.
Today we were issued all our fire gear. I got nomex pants that don't fit- but will suffer them anyway.
Went for a drive w/ the boss. Just because. (Kristian and I needed to get our government driver's licenses.)
Helped Margie clean up a camp. Trash detail. It at least got us outside. Then we hid in the warehouse until almost 1630-just in time to say bye to the boss as we fled the premises.

Day 3.
Uplake to Holden! We took the put put boat (forest service boat). Saw some awesome mountain goats grazing on some rocks by the lake. Then we had to help load a toilet and drive it up to the village. We thought they meant just the toilet part- they meant the whole house.
Managed to load it w/ help. Then there were three of us to unload it. A quote from Kristian 'I'm so glad we get to experience this- and w/ just the three of us.'

Home sweet home- moved into our awesome one room guard station- we feel spoiled. Then up to the avalanche on the Holden Lake trail. Lots of adventuring trying to figure out the best place to put a trail through it that is llama passable. Thunderstorms threatened and then went away. Ate a good dinner at Holden, and then returned later for icecream! We really are spoiled. Toured their awesome pool hall and bowling alley. Attempted pool and failed. The wall artifacts are fascinating.
Pulled out the mattresses and slept in the guard house. Nice and cozy.

Day 4. A snake, a bear and a llama
(and a few giant mice).
Hiked back up to our avalanche today. A snake was lying in the path looking dead. We poked it. nothing. poked it again and it flicked it's tongue a couple of times. Maybe it ate something big and couldn't move.
A little further up the trail we heard a huge rustling all of a sudden. My first instinct was that a tree was falling, but there was no wind. Kristian and I were on opposite sides of the movement. We realized it was a bear and froze-almost sure it would bust out of the trees. But it went the other way. We were really hoping to see it, but never did.
Then to our avalanche. We plotted the rest of where our trail would go thru it. To do this we had to ask ourselves the question 'If I were a llama, would I go here?- the answer was invariably-no- not any sane llama anyway, but they will have to go through there, so we found a way.
Our half dead snake was gone on the way down-but we saw plenty of giant mice. They stand there staring stupidly asking to be shot. We figured we would be a rugged crew if we made snakeskin toothbrush holders, chipmunk ear muffs and deer hide waterbottles (The critters around Holden are not shy, and we find it irritating).

Someone has moved into the guard station. We were a little taken aback when we got off the trail this afternoon. Had to actually set up our tents- we would have slept out w/ out them, but the weather said rain. It's not raining, but it probably would have if we didn't have tents.
Got icecream again and played bananas in the guard station (it's a fun word game).
We are very spoiled at Holden w/ a kitchen, lots of good meals w/ fresh fruit and veggies!

Day 5.
We enjoyed hiking w/ our flora expert Barbara. We really like learning plants and trees and such. There were lots of mosquitoes at our work site and Barbara also showed us how to look 'officially stupid' I didn't know it could be official, but mosquito netting makes it so.
Back up to our avalanche. Stayed late to finish our trail. We have an awesome llama passable- at least for now- reroute.
A storm was blowing in as we finished. But we decided to try and make it to Holden lake. We were so close- w/ in a mile. Got a good way up the trail until a clap of thunder crashed right over our heads. We looked at each other and said 'let's get the hell out of here.' Booked it across our avalanche trail to the safety of the treeline. Grabbed our tools & hauled ass down the trail keeping an eye on the sky.
At the edge of the treeline, we had a decision to make. There was about a mile of open switchbacks to get through before reaching cover. 3 options: A-take the tools & book it. B- stash the tools & book it. C- sit it out.
We hadn't seen any lighting yet so we went w/ option B. A ways out of the treeline and just past an alder thicket we see lightning flash across the trail. We immediately duck down and sit on our helmets. Thunder follows instantly. We are still 3 miles to camp- so we high tail it back to the last alders we just passed and hunker down- we then realized we weren't in the safest place sitting in the middle of the trail, so we climb onto the bank and sit in the middle of a bunch of slide alder. Pass stories as we wait out the storm. were waiting for about 45 min in faulty rain gear, it left, and we radio in before heading back to camp.
Arrive soaking wet from rain and wading through brush. But we were still in time for icecream at the village. - the important things in life.

Got jipped on icecream (I got a small serving instead of lots), am beat from the trail. Had a cool tree lesson at the guard station - spruce are sharp, fir are flat, pine come in packs-
Need sleep now. It's weird having someone live in the station. she went into the village, we were just chilling around the table and she says 'make yourselves at home', and I thought- but I am home.

Day 6.
We took a recreation hike to Hart Lake. 4 miles there. Ate a quick lunch and hiked back. It was a nice stroll through the woods and we had nothing better to do w/ our morning.
Downlake on the Lady.
Some friendly fishermen helped me fish my boot out of the lake. It flew off my pack right as I hefted it on at the dock. The boot was much cleaner afterwards.
Got icecream on our way back into Chelan and we were happy campers.

Tour Two

(This trip our mission was to get crosscut certified at Holden, then we were building a camp in Fish Creek for another crew that will actually spend two weeks working on that trail.)

Day 1-
No holiday. But the rest of the crew started today. We planned a shared menu for our trip, fancy breakfasts at the Guard Station at Holden Village, and dinners at Holden.
Spent the day playing with gear and preparing for the next trip.

Day 2-
Manual Labor day. (they had nothing else for us to do). We went uplake and moved some lumber for a dock. Spent the afternoon helping clean up the Guard Station at 25 mile landing.

Day 3-
Uplake on the Lady to Lucerne- then up to Holden. Amazing village.
Toured the museum. Fascinated by old photos of the mine and the people who used to live here.
Hiked up to the Portal to check out the old mine shaft. A cold draft blows there and draws you in. It calls you to open the door.
2 nights camping at the Guard Station. It's a one room cabin situation. We camp outside of it and cook inside. I decided to sleep on the porch rather than set up a tent.
Boring crosscut class today, but at least we're at Holden. Exploring is fun.

Day 4-
Hiking upper portion of Railroad. Only got 3.5 miles in (still a 2 mile stretch left in the middle).
Lots of logs. Am now crosscut certified- yes there is a science to it- a combination of physics, reading binds, and common sense. Our crew makes good saw teams.
On our hike back from Railroad Creek, we ran into a tree that wasn't there before. Good laugh as we shucked packs and rolled it out of the way.
Holden has a prom tonight and we are going.
Eating well at the village and in our guard station.

Day 5-
We rocked it at prom last night. Stayed and danced till the end. (It was over at 11, but that felt late to us.) Myself and another guy on the crew found clean shirts to wear from Potty Patrol (what they call lost and found)- felt dressed up to us, and we went and danced with the village.
Got a couple of swing dances in with the boss.

Today we logged out 10 mile creek trail. Pretty steep- lots of switchbacks. Ran into a nasty log that tried to steal our saw- we won in the end. Did everything we could so we wouldn't have to chop it out of the log.

Moved camps to Moore Point. Refreshing boat ride. Beautiful campsite right by Lake Chelan. Will probably end up swimming in it soon.
I set up a tarp with mosquito netting, am boycotting tents at the moment. The mosquitoes outside the net look confused & I laugh at them. I won't be food tonight.

Day 6-
Up Fish Creek- 3 hours to go 4 miles. Up and back into the mountain. We arrive at the spot where we're supposed to build a camp for the NYC, and the boss announces "Holden was paradise. Welcome to Hell."
We have come to the conclusion we should get paid more when we actually bust our asses working. When we look at where we're supposed to build this camp, it looks like it will be some work. Instead of getting to it, we sit down, shuck our packs, look around and say 'Damn that's going to be some work', and proceed to take a break.
We do work hard on the way back clearing the trail and logging it out. By the end, we are out of water. Hiked the last mile and a half very thirsty.
The lake was looking pretty good. Headed straight for it when we hit camp. Pumped enough water to gulp down and dunked myself in the icy water.
Called it early tonight on account of mosquitoes. Hung out 'til we couldn't stand the swarms anymore, then escaped to our mosquito netting and tents.
Feels funny going to bed when there's so much light outside. Don't even have to read by headlamp.

Collectively, our gear has taken a hard hit over the last 24 hour period. Most of it happening yesterday afternoon: First there was a flat tire on the truck. Then a screw got lost on the small saw. The boss lost his watch somewhere on 10 mile creek. Kenny fed the creek his waterbottle. Barbara dropped the file in the lake. A pulaski lost it's handle. Then today Halden lost his safety glasses as we hiked up Fish Creek.
But on the upside, someone gave us sweat bread and sticky buns from the Steheiken Bakery as we were leaving Holden.
We are still eating very well.

Day 7-
Built a camp. Looked pretty deluxe when we were done. Fish Creek seemed like a more difficult hike today. Our bodies knew what to expect- that there are no flat spots to rest- and hated us even more for going up there.
Our crew is full of funny sayings. They just keep rolling into conversations.
'One Hawaiian shirt away from a vacation'- Kenny regarding Steheiken.
'Let's make like snakes.' Me after we stuffed ourselves last night.
'Not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree' - and lots more from Barbara in a story she told.
Every time a saying comes out, Kristian and I look at each other and start cracking up. This is why our crew will make a fun summer.

Met some kayakers from Ashland. Chatted for a while. Got us sold on the idea of taking the ferry from Bellingham and touring the Alaskan coast- like a cruise, only better. People put their sleeping bags out on the deck of the ferry and get on and off at however many stops on the trip around Southeast Alaska.



Day 8-
A playful working kind of day. (We refused to hike up Hell anymore). One log to get that WTA left on the Lakeshore trail. Took our time with it. Then took a leisurely lunch as we played the rock game (chucking rocks from the trail and trying to hit various trees, puddles etc.) and debated whether or not to hike to Steheiken for fun. In the end- not. Back to camp early to hang out the rest of the day.
Our new neighbors are a school group of 6th and 7th graders. It's like having TV. They came in around 8 last night after an 11 mile hike- but jumped with energy when they saw the lake. This is a great kind of TV.
Hiked up to the old apple orchard. It used to be a resort with an orchard and a hotel. No idea where the building was-or the trees. Now it's a beautiful meadow with only two apple trees and a low rock wall bordering the field.

Day 9-
Lazy day. Finished a book. Layed on the dock and got sunburned. More TV from the 6th graders. Explored a private property with Kristian. The Lakeshore trail goes right through it, so we went off trail to check it out. Found a cool loft/fort with a real bed and someone hung a chandelier up there-in the middle of the woods-someone's romantic tree fort. There was a gorgeous cabin. Nice garden. But we still didn't understand why they had sprinklers running everywhere- watering trees and just woods-places sprinklers aren't expected. But they ran anyway.
Kenny went on an adventure last night to go find a mine he thought was somewhere up the hill. We all thought he was crazy, but he rolled back into camp around 1030 this morning- he actually found the mine portals and got to explore them.
Met a woman who came into camp who used to be a ballet dancer/mountaineer. I'm not the only crazy one out there. She was doing ballet with a company while taking a mountaineering class. She had hiked the PCT and worked on trails for NPS at some point. I was very impressed. Someday I'd like to have the PCT on my resume, and still be hiking and backpacking when I'm a crazy old person.
Flagged the boat down this afternoon and we were rescued from Hell.
At Fields Point, we thought our rig was gone. Met some trails folks from NPS who offered a ride- and then we found where our rig had been moved to. That was an excitable moment.

Day 10-
Office days are long and boring, but we made plenty of jokes about working in Hell, safety and Job Hazard Analysis in Hell and the boss reminisced about the one time Hell froze over.
We do not love Fish Creek.
Catatonic after lunch. We all got burgers and milkshakes. Hard to stay awake in a safety meeting that just dragged on endlessly. The boss really likes to talk, and he will drag a subject out for 3 hours when it could have taken only half an hour.
But we survived the boredom and made it to the weekend!

Important to Note: Fish Creek really is Hell. There have been two fires through there in the past 6 years. Absolutely no shade. It is really hot and humid. Bright sunshine. And the trail just continues to go UP. Whoever built this trail did not understand the concept of having flat stretches.

Tour One

(First 10 day tour on the trail crew. Myself and the crew leader were sent out on an 8 day trip base camped out of Domke Lake).

Unoffical Day 1-
Arrived in Chelan right in time for dinner.
Love Aunt Kathryn.
Early man for rehearsal joined us for dinner.
Wine and Lively conversation.
This is going to be a great summer.

Day 1-
Lots of paperwork.
Checked out gear.
A quote in someone's office "Everyone is born righthanded. Only perfect people overcome it." (makes me feel special being a lefty)
Packed all my gear- pack weighs 55 lbs, I weigh 138. Adding tools will not be fun.

Day 2-
Uplake to Refrigerator Harbor. 3.5 mile Hike to Domke Lake. .5 mile hike to campground.
I hate my pack.
It must weigh at least 70 lbs.
Wondered if I would survive the short trek.
Nothing like Florence, but uphill and heavy pack come close. Never been this miserable on a hike. Must find a way to pack lighter (although everything in my pack is either a basic necessity or tools).
Campfires are good. Talked until dark.
Hopefully no bear, wildlife or tic disturbances to ruin the fun.
It started raining this evening, hopefully will stop by morning, working in the rain will not be fun.

Day 3-
Hiked up Railroad Creek today. Mission was to log it out.
Silky saws were our best friends. Only had to crosscut one tree.
9 mile hike round trip.
Saw wildlife on the way up - a very small frog.
Saw more wildlife on the way back -Deer hid on the hill and we stared at each other as I walked by.
The trees talk. They make pleasant and eerie creaks.
Today the hike was mellow, felt rather good at the end. Then hated my dinner. I didn't cook it right. Forced some down then burned it in the fire.
Campfires are good.
Drying clothes by the fire.
A rainy morning turned into a pleasant afternoon. Want it to get warm enough to jump in & out of the lake.
Feet are happy I brought camp shoes.

Day 4- The Log From Hell

Beautiful Morning. Hiked 2 miles out to the trail junction, about 25 paces up the Emerald Park trail, and that is as far as we made it.
A decent sized log was in the trail, completely blocking the path. 2 cuts and over with. Nothing to it. Or so we thought.
We ended up having to chop half way through the thing, saw a little, chop some more. Guess that's one way to spend the day. 6 hours on one stupid log.
Hot, sweaty and dirty, so I decided to swim in the lake. 2 steps in and decided it was a bad idea. Quick dunk and jumped out to dry.
Disturbed a few sunbathing lizards on my way back to camp.

The Call of the Wild. That's what we've decided to call the sound an unidentified bird makes. We think it's a loon. It's a very wild sound. Hear it at all hours, but haven't seen it yet.

Day 5-
A deer went boinging into the woods today as I walked by.
Went up Emerald Park trail, about 3.5 miles logging it out.
A little steep, but uphill only one way (Railroad was uphill both ways).
Used my first aid skills to tape up my heel today. I think my achilles has a little tendonitis, not fun when I must continue to hike and irritate it, but my skills worked (more or less).
My dinner refuses to cook, and is making me angry, dessert first.
The fish in the lake jump all the time. They are fun to watch.
Made friends with a couple of frogs when I went to pump water tonight. They are rather large. I talked and they stared.
The stars are beautiful out here, and the lake is stunning any time of day.
It is so silent out here.

Day 6-
We went up Emerald Park again- maybe a mile further. Didn't make it to the meadow, or see the creek- Snow in the way.
Did some minor mountaineering across three snowfields. Stopped at the 4th field adn turned around.
We named a creek on the trail Icy Creek and call it the watering hole.
Drinking from a Camelback makes the water taste like plastic so I stuck a teabag in there. Much better.
Lots of mountain frogs on the trail. They are leaf brown and about the size of a quarter.
The trail does not joke about going up. We gained 2000 feet in elevation before lunc-about three miles up. Went from 2200-4200.
Trails around here have one general direction.
When you get high enough up the hill you can see Domke Lake below and Lake Chelan on either side behind a hill.
Dipped in the lake again. Another icy shock.
Had another conversation with a frog. I talked, it stared.
Stars and campfire are wonderful.

Day 7-
Hiked up Emerald Park trail one more time. Gardening in the wilderness.
Feels weird to use loppers out here.
My heel doesn't hurt anymore, but my hands and feet are sore. Lopping for about 6 hours today. My forearms will feel it soon.
Almost out.
Up Railroad again tomorrow, then down to the boat the next day.
Two people working on two trails is a lot of work, but we're trucking along.
Met the guy who owns a few cabins up here. Very interesting fellow. In the book Mountain Air, he's the forest service guy in it. He inherited the cabins from the homesteader Gordon Stewart.
A jet flew by when we were up the trail today. We were right above it.
My large frogs are actually toads. So we have named them Mountain Toads.

Day 8-
Big windstorm last night- we heard trees crashing-so I carried the crosscut up one more time just in case. Trees have a way of finding the trail.
When trees fall they go boom. Even if no one was around to hear it. It makes a lot of sound.
Gardened in the wilderness again today. My forearms really hurt, slow going, but the time does fly.
Cedar smells wonderful when you saw it.
We've been seeing hummingbirds whizz by our heads. They sound like large bumblebees when they get really close to you.
Took a canoe out on the lake today. Very windy, so no fish.
I've been inhaling my meals lately, they are either really good-or I'm getting hungrier.
Out of the woods tomorrow. Looking forward to a hot shower and a real meal. My hands are covered in dirt that just won't wash off.
Have to pack my mountain pack again tomorrow-only this time it will be 25 lbs lighter.
Ducks on the lake tonight.
Sat and chatted around our last camfire until the coals burned down.

Day 9-
Packed our camp. On w/ the Mountain Pack again. I still hate it-but not as much.
Gardened from the trail junction to the wilderness boundary. Grabbed our packs and headed down to Lucerne to catch the Lady of the Lake. 3.5 miles downhill with a mountain pack.

Finally back to civilization! Hot shower and hot meal. It's good to feel clean again, and to sleep in a real bed.
Unpacked and sorted gear to repack it for the next trip.
Lost 3 lbs and am slightly sunburned- but otherwise survived my first tour.

Day 10- Office day.
The boss talks a lot. And when you are in a vehicle with him there is no escape.
One of the office ladies had a good laugh at us today.
We were hovering over the copier and she walked by and started cracking up. She said it was funny to see two trails people looking like the copier might explode if we hit the wrong button.
Off for the weekend. Back to Seattle, folklife, and dancing.