rangers_log_July

Thursday, July 10, 2008
G’Day everyone. I kidnapped Terry from his Front Desk duties and took him
up to Gallagher. We wanted to see if the 4W301 was open all the way to
the lake. It was a beautiful day and we almost made it to the lake, but we
ended up parking about a half a mile shy. For those who know the area,
you can climb the first hill climb (take the steep climb to the left as a small
avalanche deposited debris on the right side. We will clear it this
weekend). We parked right before the second hill climb due to the snow.
Can you believe that??? It’s July 10th, right? The drift is about three feet
deep and I am willing to go out on a limb and predict that it will be melted
off by July 18th. The rest of the trail is fairly snow free, just a patch here and
there but nothing you could not drive through once you were by the big drift.
We hiked into the lake and it was so beautiful! The wildflowers are out, the
lake is high, and the peaks of Esmeralda, Hawkins, and Huckleberry were
stunning against a deep blue sky. Snow patches and waterfalls down the
mountain side made me think it was June 10th, but the wait to get to the
lake was worth it. We saw two minor avalanche paths off the 4W301, but
nothing like the carnage of the Fortune Creek slide.

We walked a little ways down the Deroux trail, a test for my newly built left
knee. The tread was perfect! Kudos to the fall trail crew and their drainage
digging talents! The water ran off the trail without leaving any ruts (at least
on the upper part of the trail). Horseback riders should consider a trip up
the Deroux this weekend!

The Nelsens’, our faithful Fish Lake Guard Station volunteers, hiked up
Cathedral trail today and said that things were melting out really well.
Apparently, you can get to the rock with just a few snow patches near the
top. You’ll need an ice ax if you plan to go to Peggy’s Pond, and when you
get there, the pond is still frozen. They said that Squaw Lake was now
accessible. So, it looks like our Fish Lake Trails are finally melting out. It
should make for some exceptional hiking this weekend.

The trail crew spent the week working the upper Middle Fork of the
Teanaway, and the coast is clear from Way Creek to Jolly Creek Trail. My
crew will log out the lower section this Saturday, so the entire Middle Fork
Teanaway Trail should be good to go!

It’s July 10th, 2008, folks, so we all need to give our respect to our fallen
fire crew of July 10th, 2001. We lost four wonderful young people seven
years ago in the 30-Mile Fire. Jessica Johnson, Karen FitzPatrick, Devin
Weaver, and Tom Craven gave their lives in the line of duty on that day. We
will never forget. As fires burn out-of-control in Northern California (we have
crews down there, by the way), I hope everyone takes a moment to send
thoughts and prayers of safety their way.

Have a great, safe weekend and I might actually get to see you on the trail
this time! I am cleared for hiking – so I actually get to salvage my 2008
summer. Hope to see you out there. Mikki D

Hey, let us know what you see out there! Send a couple photos along with
your hiking, biking, 4x4in, horseback riding, etc. adventure story. We are
always very happy to hear from our trail friends.
cleelumtrails@yahooo.com