G’Day! What?!? No pictures today? Let's just say I didn't want to get my camera destroyed by the wind or rain! Our hard working trail crew got seriously wet today! This is definitely one of those rare days when my busted leg isn't bumming me out because I can't go hike and play with a chainsaw! I spent the day working on our enclosed trailer, instead. Emphasis on INDOOR. What a change from last weekend. The weather has turned cold and wet on the Cle Elum District. The Weather Guy says it will remain that way through Saturday evening. But, there is some good news for those looking to shake the mice poop from their tents or see if the battery in the old trailer can still hold a charge! Some of our campgrounds will be open for the three day fest. Beverly Campground is about as far as you can get up the Esmeralda road. You couldn't’ drive all the way around the drive (snow), but the crew thinks the remaining white stuff should be gone by Saturday. Riders’ and Manastash Campgrounds will be nearly snow free by Friday. The kids will defiantly find some packable snow around the area though. As mentioned in yesterday’s report, be very careful around the creeks and rivers this weekend, as they are running high and fast (very, very dangerous!). The trail system around Manastash is still snowed in. You may get to run most of the 4w311, but nothing else. Please remember, non-licensed vehicles are not allowed on Forest Service roads unless where clearly marked. Taneum road 33 and Manastash road 31 have NO multi-use opportunities (non-licensed vehicles) and the regulations will be strictly enforced throughout the weekend. The Swauk is the best bet, specifically the Liberty area. The 4x4 trails have been logged out on the Table Mountain side (remember the upper trail system has a seasonal closure until June 15th, so carry your map). Williams Campground will be packed, but camping is available on the other side of the Liberty road as well. Hikers… Table Mountain’s wildflowers are starting to bloom. You can also check out the Teanaway if you are interested in spring colors, but we don’t have any trails snow free in that area. That’s about it. We still have a lot of snow on the ground. Read Monday’s report for North Fork Taneum (1377) closure information (due to flooding). This will probably be my last pre-weekend report, so call our front desk for the latest and greatest information. I'm heading out to the field to get rained on with the rest of you (we took the top off the Jeep last Monday...sweet move). See you out there! MikkiD
