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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
13478 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 8:54 PM
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It was one of those days; another one where the weather forecast brought early promise yet went splat by the time Sunday came around. 20% showers (Thurs forecast) was good, went up 5o 70% forecast for Sunday as of Saturday nite !
Undeterred a good size group joined me for the assault on ISAR, first introduced to me OK Jack 6 years and 1 week back, 2006. This included Paul, Lynn (Flowing Brook, Stu (Mr.B), John and Katie, Steve (Blue-Sky) and two of his friends Michal and Ming, and close friend, Paul.
We met at 8:00 at the Vedder Crossing Lookout, got acquainted, and then headed off in 4 vehicles for the trailhead. My memory was not perfect, drove along the south shore of Cultus Lake into Columbia Valley, and past the Frost Road Entry. Turned around and headed up, along that long loop left, right, and then left.. to a dead end to make sure we did not overshoot the trailhead.
Found ! We all geared up, I took my time to secure the snowshoes tighty to my pack. Black straps from MEC work like a charm. by 9 AM we were ready.....
 
Someone mentioned there was a trail starting off closer than what I remembered. Did not look right but checked it out anyway...
Trail ended, then a rough goat trail up ended at a direlict wreck of pumphouse shed; wood rotting and looked like it been abandoned for 30 years.. you can barely see it above here.
 
Wasted almost 1/2 hour; retraced our steps and found the correct way , right of the fork, over and around that large blocking log, up to the mountain, and the gentle grade of the road as it passed over a christmas tree farm. Love the green. Was quite misty and we were all hoping for views if we were lucky near the end of our trip.
 
This road has many switchbacks, lost track of the count, but pleasant, organic green, and gentle... It was good to See Katie, nose ahead and down, focused on the path.
 
The forest had a dark and mystic look...I don't see any Hansel & Gretel cottage out there... 
We found snow, a few spots, and then more and more...on the road.
Then I there seemed enough to put on the snowshoes. "No we don't want to !" I heard this voice ... Looks like everyone was comfortable to keep on carrying their snowshoes...
 .. the road soon petered out about 1 km in. And so taking my cue from Tim's (Elkaholic's directions) -cut up the slope and onto the ridge....
I rapidly got steeper and steeper.... 
The snow was well consolidated and seldom postholed with boots.
Tree wells were around, and some of the streams had melted the snow throught... not sure if Katie was looking for water to drink...
 ==)==>zoom-->>  ..
Then there was that steep avalanche shoot bit Wally had warned me about... Steep and tricky, but snow consolidated enough to make steps and hold our weight.
 ..
And then finally some kind of view, poor as it wss . it was the only one we got up high.
Up a very steep hill.. then into the forest, made a large C-loop, stopped checking the GPS frequently to ensure we were heading towards the border... at last we are here @
  ... no views...
We walk along the path, in snowmobile tracks close to the Canadian side. Less chance of views seeing the mist and fog rolling in.... 'Darn'. we are going to bag that Peak regardless.
  ...
GPS says ISAR is that way.... 5 minutes according to Tim. Time for our second large break, 1/2 hour lunch. Whenever I hike, llike a heat engine I get very warm but perspire a lot. So quickly pulled off my single layer soggy-sweaty thermal shirt. Then snapped on a dry warm shirt, overshirt, and rainjacket. Still felt the chill of the breeze with the mist....
Done with lunch, we did the final jaunt to claim the peak.
Now we head back, we will never get lost as long as we follow Katie who follows her nose..
Good bye to this forested summit.... 
..I carried my microspikes on the way up, decided to wear them on the return. Some of us without traction devices made back along the steep hillside okay... 3.15 pm. departure and we made it back to the vehicles by 6:45 pm
BUT ! you might ask about the grunt....
We had enjoyed the downwalking on the road, When we hard this large sharp snorting sound.
We looked ahead,, and someone said 'BEAR'. Yes sure enough up the hillside, 40 meters above us and 100 meters ahead was a large black bear watching us, and snorted some more. Not sure if anyone of us got a photo; mine was in the pack and not good for wildlife shots as it was had a wide angle - mid range lens. We stopped for a moment. And then proceeded forwarded as the bear above observed and did not retreat all the time.
My GPS stopped part way, and thanks to Paul he supplied me with the stats; 20.5 km round trip with 1250 meters elevation gain. With some of the ups and downs, probably came to about 1400 meters net elevation gain. Taking time off for the sidetrip, lunch, and rest and snack stops, hiking time estimated to about 8 to 8-1/4 hours. ...Paul's stats, actual moving time was less than 7 hours.
GPS Tracks..
Issar trail........ 
.+in relation to Cultus Lake... 
K |
Edited by - KARVITK on 05/01/2012 11:23 PM
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 | Mr. B
Intermediate Member
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Popkum, B.C.
Canada
629 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 10:58 PM
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When I signed up for this, I didn't know what I got us into. It looked purdy mellow at this point!
After a few hours we got into this interesting slope!
 
Then this nice little bump
My summit pics are very foggy and my bear picture is just a blur. Thanks for successfully getting us there and back, Karl! A Grunt to remember! |
Edited by - Mr. B on 05/01/2012 11:09 PM |
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Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
3838 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 11:17 PM
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Good trip. That's a long slog also.
Glad you got through the avi shoot okay.
Gets pretty slippery when the sun hits it.
The snow must be more then 5 feet deep if you can not see this border marker sticking above the snow level yet.
 
This is looking first a few steps toward the west and then walking past it east and a picture looking east from it toward Liumchen.
 
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Edited by - Wildman on 05/01/2012 11:25 PM |
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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
13478 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 11:24 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wildman
Good trip. That's a long slog also.
Glad you got through the avi shoot okay......I think you got the spelling right once some where in your report Karl. 
Wally ... corrected Thanks...
K |
Edited by - KARVITK on 05/01/2012 11:25 PM |
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Fungi Filmin', Wine Drinkin', 'Shroom Eatin', Early Risin', Deer Whisperin', Curry Cookin', Macro Maniac
Chilliwack + Osoyoos
3618 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 04:32 AM
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Ahhh... I remember it well...
Couple or three times actually... |
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East Vancouver, BC
Canada
269 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 07:27 AM
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Karl, enjoyed the report and thanks for another great trip! It is a neat area. Peaceful and with a beautiful forest.
Also great to meet new people and catch up with some people I haven't seen in years.
BTW, Mr B, that's a cool shot of the slope!
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Smurf Village, BC
Canada
1499 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 07:46 AM
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A classic west coast day.
I've got to hike in Chilliwack more! |
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5887 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 09:29 AM
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This was a longer hike then I expected, it felt about as hard on my feet as Mt. Outram. It was nice being on a journey with you again Karl.
The route starts on an old FSR that is the most beautiful FSR I've ever had the pleasure of hiking on. Where were the Alders? The flora was awesome!
The single uploader won't work for me, I just get a message saying the multi image uploader doesn't work and to use the single image uploader but when I click on the single one I get the same message.
Be back later :)
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Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Canada
1089 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 10:03 AM
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| Impressed everyone made it to the top. Now I feel pretty good about the hand-saw work I did a couple weekends ago. It is remarkable how little brush has grown up along the road, except for towards the top part. |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
723 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 10:13 AM
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Great effort; too bad the weather wasn't on your side. Crossing that avalanche chute (that's the correct spelling) must have been quite the experience - the photo makes it look downright scary. That obstinate, snorting bear probably got the adrenaline flowing again. With these encounters it's always comforting to be in a larger group. How did Katie react?
Excellent report, Karl, enjoyed reading it! |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
1007 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 5:47 PM
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Great TR Karl, and thank you! : ) Despite the zero views, I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable hikes we have been on. We really enjoy finding our way up a new hike when it's just Katie and I, but having 7 other people all working together made it even more interesting, and less stressful. Katie really had a great sense of the trail, and I'm guessing she was still able to pick up Elkaholic's scent...thanks Tim. : )
As for Katie's reaction to the bear, I was able to collect her before she picked up on the snorts (she was kind of in the middle of our pack at the time). Once she did notice the bear, I already had her collar and she let out a few barks towards him/her. Kept her on leash for the short bit back to the car. She has never ran off after a bear, but I didn't want there to be a first.
I'm pretty sure this same bear crossed our path on the way up, almost in the same location. Katie was hesitating in front of us all, hackles up and growling.
Great group of people...very patient, friendly and easygoing. : )
Neither picture uploader is working for me, so those will have to wait.
Thanks again, Karl and Co. : )
PS...Karl, I had a reading of 1553m as the cumulative elevation gain. : )
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Edited by - John and Katie on 05/02/2012 5:54 PM |
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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
13478 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 7:35 PM
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Stu..
Thank you for your shots; and Lyn and John... I hope the uploader will work again soon for both of you. I really look forward to your photos.
Tim and Wally; thanks again for your directions and information, very helpful in the key decision made on where to go. Found the route marked by yellow, green, and orange flagging which saved us a lot of time. Thanks a lot to Wally for this. Tim, it was nice to follow a route that had some clearing, and naturally free from the really thick alder growth I find on other FSR's.
John, I must say you were pretty fast in getting Katie hooked up to your leash, did not look like that bear would give an inch.
Another thought, the cloud did keep the steep avy chute cool enough, fortunately for us snow was stiff enough to make steps and allow us to walk across (carefully)..
K
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 7:42 PM
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| Nice trip guys! Looks like it was a bunch of fun. |
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Hope, BC
Canada
7100 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 9:16 PM
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| Nice report , good going. When I went up there I remember there not being many views, and lots of all terrain hiking. You went much further than I did. |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
908 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 9:30 PM
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| nice report! Good to see you guys had a good time. I can relate on the heat engin even on cold cold day I sweat! |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6793 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 10:50 PM
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| the pics up so far tell the story well. |
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Surrey, B.C.
Canada
199 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2012 : 01:17 AM
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Great Karl. As always I would have loved to be there, but my three children and I did the TC 10k run In Victoria. I am looking forward to next weekend.
Richard |
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Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2012 : 7:06 PM
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..."If I could make it to the border.... Gool Eagles song...
What are Black Straps? I am always looking for straps and great ways to add things to my pack. I sweat a lot when I hike, too. Difference is that it m ostly evaporates with the exception of my back against my pack. So, in the blistering heat and 12% humdidity, I take my soaked shirt off and turn it around so the wet, cool part is on my chest and stomach to cool me down. After hikes, I have been in places to relax and eat with my shirt on backwards. D'oh!!
Yay for KAY-KAY-KAY...Katie, the guide dog!!
Ahhh what a beautiful forested frosted summit. I like it!!
Wow! a Bear! Way cool. Never encountered one in the wild. Only in the Sacramento Zoo as a kid where they would sit down, grab their hind legs with their front legs, and rock around to the laughter and cheers of the crowds as they tossed peanuts to them from the dispensers.
That was my ONLY bear experience. I ran into a guy on the Appalachian Trail one day on the trail who said if ya hurry there is a bear about a half mile ahead in a meadow Really? I ran the whole way. tin cup and dishes rattling and my axe flopping around. I made a mess O' noise, I'm sure. When I got to the meadow, I searched all over the tall grass looking for the bear. didn't find it. Lucky for me, hehe
Great pictures of the mist. I love that muted hush that exists when there is fog and snow and forest. Way cool. |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
1007 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2012 : 6:35 PM
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Thanks again, Karl and gang. Karl, according to my pictures, this was a 10 hour car to car hike. : )
Here we go. The lovebirds taking off with the little girl. : )
Tricky log crossing. That Michael never stops smiling. : )
Paul and Katie negotiating. : )
Crossing a steep slide path. No chance of losing FB with that shirt on. : )
The border...no more navigation issues! : )
Last of the steep climbs.
Lunch. Katie says "You offer me this pitiful, boring piece of orange when....
...Ming is offering me a piece of her amazingly aromatic lunch!? Not to mention, cheese too! I like her." : )
Summit : )
Katie had a blast too, and slept the whole drive home. : )
  
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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
13478 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2012 : 6:39 PM
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Awesome John, great to see your photos up. Some real fun winning poses for Katie.
K |
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5887 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2012 : 8:46 PM
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Beautiful forest:
Working hard through the forest in various conditions:
 
The border:
Stu and Lynn on border:
Fearless leader Karl on Isar summit:
All in a good day! |
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Expedition MT.ISAR Apr.29.12 Ends with A Grunt
