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Chilliwack
1269 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 4:32 PM
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This morning I realized the weather was not the worst and it would probably be a good day to hike. I posted an invition on CT and had 2 ppl respond, both saying they would love to join me but had to work. My mind was made up though and I was going, with or without company. :)
Last year I made it up Elk 11 times and hoped my count would be closer to 20 so this year I've made an earlier start and hope for at least 12-20 trips up Elk, Elk/Thurston and/or out to Mercer for 2012.
Also, choosing to title this Elk 2012 because sometimes after I've gone up, I'm not in the mood to write a report but would still like to post pictures. I may add some of those here.
Jan. 5th,
Arrived at the parking lot to find zero vehicles! Noted the time and it was 10:30 am. On the way up, the trail had a light dusting of snow and the wind was blowing so much that I wasn't sure if some of the trees were going to topple down on me. ;) Thankfully they did not.
Arrived at the opening and was surprised by the amount of ice I saw. Considered turning around but decided it probably looked worse than it was and I was wearing microspikes so hoped I be ok. I survived. :)
 
Views from the top were ok, if you like grey!
 
Didn't know if anyone would believe I went out in this (weather was getting bad) so decided to take a self portrait. Know I won't win any modeling contests with this one. haha.
I think this one turned out better:
Saying good bye to the rocks and pressing onward:
The trees and view out towards Kilby:
A fly over of birds:
Looking back:
Decided to take shelter at Wingers Camp, change my hoody for my ski jacket, put some hotties into my gloves and chow down on a granola bar.
  
Where I decided to call it a day. Had two problems coming down. 1. glasses kept fogging up, grr making it hard to see and 2. fingers were cold but warmed up quickly.
Picture A or picture B:
 
On the way down I had the pleasure of meeting one of my "CT Hero's". EAK. He saw my post this morning and said he would have joined me but had to put in some hrs at work. I hope he'll post his own report or add to mine.
Total trip: 4 hrs and 10 minutes.
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Surrey, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 6:02 PM
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Your pictures look familiar...I swear Katie and I have been there before? ; )
I can relate to glasses fogging up and cold fingers. Mine are fine if I keep moving, but during lunch they get cold quickly. They warm up quickly on the way down, but it sure is painful when they do start warming up again.
Let me know if you ever find a cure for foggy glasses (other than contacts or lasers). : ) |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 7:14 PM
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Kanike, nice to meet you, however briefly. The evening turned out quite nice with a  vigorous wind blowing on top!
 senseless chopping of young trees near the summit of Elk!
 cultus Lake
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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
4910 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 7:37 PM
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To keep your glasses from fogging...remove your hat!
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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
13465 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 8:46 PM
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Cool photos; EAK & Kanike.
Appreciate you bringing the experience of ELK to my room for the day. Really like the TR and the feel of frosty chill and dusting of snow.
k |
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Chilliwack
Canada
306 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 10:24 PM
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| Thanks for the invite...but work called me....I see you had a good solo hike..hope mine on Sunday is not so windy....Yvonne |
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Chilliwack
1269 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 10:41 PM
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John: I certainly thought of you and Katie and wouldn't have been surprised if you were on the trail! My hands get cold because I take my gloves off to get into my pack and to take pictures.
Ed: You actually saw some clear skies eh? Lucky!
Marc: If I remove my hat, then the rain or snow will hit my glasses and I'm doomed either way lol!
Karl: Thanks! |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2012 : 11:19 PM
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Yes today was a good day. Spent my afternoon behind a chainsaw and the sun got so warm I was sweating!
Got to go high to find any snow here.
Thanks for sharing the trip. |
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Hope, BC
Canada
7098 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2012 : 4:18 PM
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Elk? Never heard of that hike before  , kidding of course. Nice report and some great shots in there regardless of the weather. I imagine the person that cut down the tree was likely not a CT'r.
I liked this shot:
It appears others liked it too by the clicks.
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Chilliwack
1269 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 08:51 AM
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Feb. 6th,
As I was driving up to the TH, I could hear and see that there was logging going on just off of Bench FSR. A worker came over to me and asked me to wait. He then radio'd another guy to let him know I was coming through. When I arrived at the TH, I was directed where to park as the parking lot was a MUDDY MESS! 2 other cars in the lot. Solo hiker just finishing her hike.
Needed to get the microspikes out pretty quickly. Lots of snow and ice.
Clear skies (Cultus Lake):
Another solo hiker at the rocks who seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet so I did not stay long.
Still not sure about my latest purchase from REI. Definately cozy but interesting looking.
Heading back:
Two solo hikers on the way down, both lurkers, so they said!
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 09:00 AM
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How wonderful! I'm sorry I've missed both of these. I've had some "stuff" going on.
We'll have to get out again sometime soon. I keep looking up at Elk and wanting to get back up there. It has been far too long! |
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Chilliwack, B.C.
Canada
355 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 12:07 PM
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Great looking day you had up there!
quote:
It has been far too long!
I agree! Havn't been up there since Dec 1st, Waaaay too long!! |
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 1:58 PM
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| Ah Good old Elk Looks like you have your heart set on a few more adventures up there this year. It gets really interesting there beyond 2nd peak. |
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5887 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2012 : 10:22 AM
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I could never get sick of this trail, I miss her already and it's only been a few days  . |
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Chilliwack
1269 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2012 : 10:12 PM
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May 26th. Got to join with 20 college students today for a hike up Elk. Though the group was large, I had a great time. Some were new to hiking but all of us made it to the first lookout. It got a bit icy into the forest after the first lookout but not bad.
                       
Students spelling SOLAR - Student Outdoor Life and Recreation.
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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
13465 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2012 : 11:26 PM
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Awesome Janice, good to see such a large group enjoying the trail and hike. Beautiful weather too...
K |
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Chilliwack
1269 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2012 : 6:04 PM
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July 4th,
Recently bought some new hikers, Scarpas from Atmosphere. I asked Atmosphere if they would match the price of MEC and they agreed so saved myself $30 and a trip into Vancouver. I've been wanting to try them out and today was the day.
Trail was in good shape, a bit muddy but the ice has melted and the snow was gone. Cloudy when I arrived at the rocks but soon cleared up. Headed up through the trees and was planning to go to Wingers Camp but a bumblebee got into the top of my hiker and stung me twice. I was ticked off as I pretty much hate anything that buzzes. I decided to turn around and once I got back to the rocks, put some benadryl on. Sat at the rocks for over an hour soaking up the views and the rays. Didn't want to leave. Not a lot of people out today. I saw 15 people in total.
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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
13465 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2012 : 6:17 PM
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Nice day up there, and got some nice shots.
Sucks to be stung, glad you enjoyed the rays and views. It is hard to leave any of those nice open sunny and peaceful spots.
K |
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2012 : 7:56 PM
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| Jelous |
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 | Mr. B
Intermediate Member
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Popkum, B.C.
Canada
629 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2012 : 6:53 PM
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July 7
Nice peaceful day om Elk-Thurston Trail...but not lonely! Over 100 people along the way!
The Cheam Range still has lots of snow, with binoculars I saw 4 people on the trail below Lady.
The Flora du Jour.
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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
13465 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2012 : 7:42 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Mr. B
July 7
Nice peaceful day om Elk-Thurston Trail...but not lonely! Over 100 people along the way!
T
Wow huge crowds..
K |
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Elk 2012
