Saturday, February 25, 2006

Mount Rose

The pictures below were taken during today's trek to the summit of Mount Rose on the Olympic Peninsula. Nine other climbers joined me on this rather steep climb. The weather and visibility were fine as we climbed past waterfalls and an ice cave to reach spectacular summit views of Lake Cushman, the Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountain Range interior.

Shown below are some of my favorite pictures taken during the trek.

Note: Click picture for LARGER view.

Falls Near Trailhead Posted by Picasa


Icecycle Cave Posted by Picasa


Icecycle Cave2 Posted by Picasa


Icecycle Cave3 Posted by Picasa


The following pictures were taken from (or near) the summit of Mount Rose.

Lightning Peak Posted by Picasa


Lake Cushman (Foreground) Posted by Picasa


Lake Cushman and Olympic Mtn Range Posted by Picasa


Lunchtime Companion Posted by Picasa


Mt Rose Summit (Kitsap Climbers)  Posted by Picasa


Mt Rose Summit (Paul)  Posted by Picasa

Monday, February 20, 2006

Reflection Lakes & Castle Rock

The pictures below are were taken during today's trek from Narada Falls, up past the snow-covered Reflection Lakes, topping out at a large ridge bump south of Castle Rock in Mount Rainier National Park. Ron J joined me on this climb.

Spindthrift rued the day as we snowshoed past a beautiful, icycle laden waterfall to Reflection Lakes, then ascended steep slopes up to the ridge for a closeup look at Castle Rock. We did not attempt to summit Castle Rock due to the steep, heavily snow-loaded slope seperating our location on the ridge from Castle Rock - a 5 minute gap ripe for an avalanche.

Shown below are some of my favorite pictures taken during the trek.

Note: Click picture for LARGER view.

Ice Falls Below Narada Bridge Posted by Picasa


Reflection Lake (Snow Covered) Posted by Picasa


Pinnacle Peak Posted by Picasa


Castle Rock Posted by Picasa


Castle Rock (North Face) Posted by Picasa


Castle Rock (East Face) Posted by Picasa


Castle Rock (Southeast Face) Posted by Picasa


Paul With Castle Rock & Pinnacle Pk in Background Posted by Picasa


Ron With Peaks in Background Posted by Picasa

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Lake Angeles

The pictures below are from today's trek up to, then above Lake Angeles with 8 other other Kitsap Climbers. It was a crisp, clear day for another great hike within Olympic National Park.

No miscalculation could have spoiled a fine trip such as this; forgetting one's boots at the Park-n-Ride was no show-stopper, though certainly an event for which one esteemed member of our party received endless speculation.

No one was adventurous enough to attempt crossing the frozen, snow-covered lake. Another member of this merry band, relying on his survival instincts and good judgement, resisted all urgings to cross the lake, an event many believed would have resulted in great lunchtime entertainment.

The birds (Grey-Jays?) were abundant and, to our great enjoyment, landed on our outstretched hands to gorge upon offerings of fruit and nuts.

Shown below are some of my favorite pictures taken during the trek.

Note: Click picture for LARGER view.

Lake Angeles (Frozen & Snow Covered) Posted by Picasa


Island on Lake Angeles Posted by Picasa


Frozen Cliffs Posted by Picasa


View From The Top (Looking East) Posted by Picasa


View From The Top (Looking NorthEast) Posted by Picasa


Climbers Treking To Ridge Above Lake Angeles Posted by Picasa


Kitsap Climbers On Ridge Above Lake Angeles Posted by Picasa