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 Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13592 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 10:30 AM
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This hike was one of a choice of three, after our Frosty Hike was cancelled due to adverse weather forecasts.
I met the group at the Vedder Crossing Bridge at 7:20 a.m., carpooled into one vehicld and off we went. We were the first vehicle at the parking lot, and the clearing and sunny skies bode well for a hike with views. **Weather forecasting could not be more wrong, at least for the morning**.  
We were ready to leave by 8:15 a.m., and we set a good pace up the trail. First small open area with boulders,  .
Then to the slide area, some good views, new snow on Pierce:
  
The Pierce Creek crossing, log slightly collapsed but still walkable with care:
More than halfway to the lake from this point, snow covered trail in most parts. Difficult and slope progress over tricky steep sidehills traversing soft snow in places. Shallow snow over rock required the greatest caution when we lost the trail for a time.
Pierce Lake through the trees, we stopped briefly for lunch and then on our way back on the trail, 1 pm. A brief shower of snow, rain, and sleet passed over. Sunny breaks and showers offered changing expectations for views beyond.
 
The steep open avalanche area, now with snow gone from the upper slopes. Tricky walking along slope, needed to brace up with pointy ice axe to keep from sliding down. And a stream crossing beyond.
   
Crossing over Pierce Creek, over a snow bridge and to the Headwall. Just below the Upper Lake, which is as far as we got:
    
Looking back to Pierce Lake and ridge to the west (left), with fog rolling in and out.   
Pics from the Headwall spot, climbed up partly a stable avalanche slope to got some better shots. Keeping ear open and eye for a safe zone.
   
We decided to turn back, but did note access to the upper Lake was doable were now, but would become more difficult as snow cover will soften and recede with the coming warmer days and melt.
With slipes and near slips on the trail, it was slow going over some parts above the Pierce Creek crossing, greasy rocks under organic matter and leaf litter I found to be the most hazardous. Once beyond that zone, it was safer allowing for a better pace on the return.
A great trip with a sunny start with a rainy end.
Regards, |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6867 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 10:37 AM
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| Good one,the weather was that pleasant in the Valley yesterday??? It rained non stop and heavy most of the day here in Surrey. |
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13592 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 10:52 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Aqua Terra
Good one,the weather was that pleasant in the Valley yesterday??? It rained non stop and heavy most of the day here in Surrey.
The day started great here in Chilliwack and East, the clouds broke away and for a time the clouds almost disappeared. Latter on in the day they came back with showers...
Regards, |
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4663 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 10:57 AM
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Karl, I'm officially jealous. Been sick most of the week with my cold being it's nastiest over the week-end so no outings for me. I was kinda happy that we were getting such crappy weather but now that I see your T/R with some blue skies it makes me  .
Glad your group had a good day out. McFarlane is on our list this year  |
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Fungi Filmin', Wine Drinkin', 'Shroom Eatin', Early Risin', Deer Whisperin', Curry Cookin', Macro Maniac
Chilliwack + Osoyoos
3620 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 11:21 AM
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Glad the weather held for you (mostly) Karl...
I did a Fraser River Dike Hike yesterday, mostly in the Sun, and was looking up the C'Wack Valley Road, wondering if you guys were in the rain later on !!!
C'Jack... |
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Mysterious, pop can stove stashin', gps totin', overnighter virgin, wannabe tentmaker and foul weather wuss who rides a thumper to the trailhead with wonderdog Max to hike the Chilliwack Valley
Chwk
Canada
4921 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 11:27 AM
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Karl,
So how long did it take to reach the lake? This one has intrigued me for a while...hope to make it there someday!
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13592 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 11:35 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by TheShadow
Karl,
So how long did it take to reach the lake? This one has intrigued me for a while...hope to make it there someday!
Hi.
This took us 4-1/4 hours yesterday, took more time to find the trail and traverse the steep side hills of snow. During the summer depending on how many breaks for pics, snacks, and refreshments, it can take from 3 to 3-1/2 hours.
Regards, |
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 | DW2
Senior Member
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West Coast, B.C.
1396 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 1:24 PM
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| Good job Karvitk! After talking to Dolly on Saturday I was wondering what you would end up doing. Guess we will have to check out Frosty for ourselves next weekend. Nice pics! |
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5902 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 5:45 PM
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Good one Karl. Thanks for the great pictures and report .
Happy trails,
Lynn |
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6943 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 8:54 PM
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| Good job Karl! I would guess that the cool old growth area just before the Pierce Creek crossing would be pretty much snowfree by now? |
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13592 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2007 : 10:10 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by BillyGoat
Good job Karl! I would guess that the cool old growth area just before the Pierce Creek crossing would be pretty much snowfree by now?
Tim. Yes, the old growth area before the Pierce Creek Crossing is completely snow free. Trail beyond is mostly snow free for a good km or more. Also forgot to mention there is has been a lot of good work done recently to cut windfall, widen the trail. Even a bed of rocks was placed just before the crossing to fill up the mudhole. On our way out we observed more good trailwork had been done during the day we were up there.
Regards,
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Chwk, BC
Canada
457 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2007 : 07:06 AM
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| Really nice TR. Like the pictures. I hope to hit this one up this year, but when the snow has cleared. |
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Pierce Lake to Headwall May.20.07 RMOC
