Raven
Well-known member
Eventually reaching the Six Husbands Trail at Jefferson Brook, I began the ascent toward Jefferson’s North Knee. I passed through some boulder caves. The trail then has a sustained steep section with a few well placed ladders along the way. At one point, a ladder passes under an overhang with little extra room. Near the top of the stretch, the ladder ends in a short, but crucial scramble up an angled ledge, a definite “no fall” zone. The weather would have to be pretty threatening for me to consider descending this route. That said, the views were spectacular.
With afternoon storms still possible and conditions set up for them, I took Edmands Cutoff to the Col and skipped trying to summit Jefferson so as not to push my luck further. A few snow fields are left on the slopes. A large crow or raven was hopping on one of the steep snow fields presumably getting food of some sort…maybe goofing off. The cairn at Thunderstorm Junction is bigger than ever and possibly visible from space. There is also a pair of trail sign posts crossed on the pile. It reminds me of something. Interestingly, the long arm points true north.
I headed up to the summit of Adams since it was close and the weather was holding but I did not stay long. It was getting later on in the day. I followed the Gulf Side parallel to the top of King Ravine and admired the great views of the ridges and into the ravine.
Before long I found myself back at Madison Hut and Star Lake where I had started in the morning. Full circle.
Blessed with good weather. Rain felt close though and I saw some showers in the distance. It was time to head back to camp. I cooked dinner, ate the rest of my food except for a protein bar, packed up camp, and headed down the Valley Way around 7 PM. I had spent a nice amount of time in the mountains; there was no need to spend the night just to pack a wet tent and hike out in the rain. Judging by the storms I listened to that night from a dry bed, I felt good about the choice.
About 30 miles and 13,000 feet (4500, 5000, 3500) over three days in my favorite place, and I was fortunate enough to accompany K as she experienced her “sunrise hike.”
With afternoon storms still possible and conditions set up for them, I took Edmands Cutoff to the Col and skipped trying to summit Jefferson so as not to push my luck further. A few snow fields are left on the slopes. A large crow or raven was hopping on one of the steep snow fields presumably getting food of some sort…maybe goofing off. The cairn at Thunderstorm Junction is bigger than ever and possibly visible from space. There is also a pair of trail sign posts crossed on the pile. It reminds me of something. Interestingly, the long arm points true north.
I headed up to the summit of Adams since it was close and the weather was holding but I did not stay long. It was getting later on in the day. I followed the Gulf Side parallel to the top of King Ravine and admired the great views of the ridges and into the ravine.
Before long I found myself back at Madison Hut and Star Lake where I had started in the morning. Full circle.
Blessed with good weather. Rain felt close though and I saw some showers in the distance. It was time to head back to camp. I cooked dinner, ate the rest of my food except for a protein bar, packed up camp, and headed down the Valley Way around 7 PM. I had spent a nice amount of time in the mountains; there was no need to spend the night just to pack a wet tent and hike out in the rain. Judging by the storms I listened to that night from a dry bed, I felt good about the choice.
About 30 miles and 13,000 feet (4500, 5000, 3500) over three days in my favorite place, and I was fortunate enough to accompany K as she experienced her “sunrise hike.”
