May 7, 2016
I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of trail friends to hike with. Everyone is supportive of each other, cheering individual and group successes. And, best of all, they are up for anything. Thus, when trail reports for our planned hike weren't looking very promising, they were on board to tackle another of my bucket list trails - the Duckabush River trail out to Five-Mile Camp.
I left my trekking poles in the car when we merged vehicles for carpooling, so my legs were facing a difficult trail on their own. This was going to be a good test of my conditioning and I was ready to accept the challenge.
The trail starts out easy enough. The terrain was good, softly cushioning our steps, with only occasional areas of rocks or roots. All around us was the green of the forest in springtime, with wild rhododendrons throwing showy pink blooms into the mix. Before long, however, we were beginning to climb the hill known as "Little Hump". Here the way became rougher; the ground lost the soft cushion of the forest floor and we encountered more roots and rocks. All the while we could hear the nearby river.
Once we were up and over Little Hump, the trail leveled out and softened again. All around us were maples that were leafing out, as well as cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock. We caught our first glimpses of the river that had been serenading us. We took a short spur to a small riverside campsite, which was a good place to enjoy a quick snack and relieve ourselves. We were only half way to our destination, so we didn't linger long.
In 2011 this area fell victim to a forest fire, which scorched 1,500 acres. We began seeing evidence of the flames and heat as we climbed Big Hump, and even moreso after we crested and began our descent towards Five-Mile Camp. Here surviving trees, their trunks seared and blackened, stood alongside charred remains of trees not so lucky. The air was warmer without the shade of the canopy, and the only sound was the 'grump grump' call of a nearby grouse. Once at the summit, we paused briefly to enjoy the view. To the west we had the mountains of the Brothers Wilderness and the Olympics interior, to the east we could see all the way to the Cascades. Just to the north stood Mount Jupiter, who watched over our day's travels. Directly south of us was the rounded peak of Saint Peters Dome.
I left my trekking poles in the car when we merged vehicles for carpooling, so my legs were facing a difficult trail on their own. This was going to be a good test of my conditioning and I was ready to accept the challenge.
The trail starts out easy enough. The terrain was good, softly cushioning our steps, with only occasional areas of rocks or roots. All around us was the green of the forest in springtime, with wild rhododendrons throwing showy pink blooms into the mix. Before long, however, we were beginning to climb the hill known as "Little Hump". Here the way became rougher; the ground lost the soft cushion of the forest floor and we encountered more roots and rocks. All the while we could hear the nearby river. Once we were up and over Little Hump, the trail leveled out and softened again. All around us were maples that were leafing out, as well as cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock. We caught our first glimpses of the river that had been serenading us. We took a short spur to a small riverside campsite, which was a good place to enjoy a quick snack and relieve ourselves. We were only half way to our destination, so we didn't linger long.
 |
| Dan & Myke take in the beauty of the river |
We continued along the river for a while longer, but it wasn't long before we began the more difficult portion of our hike - the ascent up Big Hump. Here the trail switchbacks to the summit of Big Hump, leading us up 1500 feet of elevation in roughly a mile. I am so pleased with everyone's level of conditioning, including my own. We stopped occasionally to take photos or to 'collect' the group together, but nobody was struggling. My legs were holding up well to the demand of the climb without the aide of trekking poles.
In 2011 this area fell victim to a forest fire, which scorched 1,500 acres. We began seeing evidence of the flames and heat as we climbed Big Hump, and even moreso after we crested and began our descent towards Five-Mile Camp. Here surviving trees, their trunks seared and blackened, stood alongside charred remains of trees not so lucky. The air was warmer without the shade of the canopy, and the only sound was the 'grump grump' call of a nearby grouse. Once at the summit, we paused briefly to enjoy the view. To the west we had the mountains of the Brothers Wilderness and the Olympics interior, to the east we could see all the way to the Cascades. Just to the north stood Mount Jupiter, who watched over our day's travels. Directly south of us was the rounded peak of Saint Peters Dome.
Once past the fire site we found ourselves back in the coolness of the forest. We stopped at a stream to filter some water to replenish stores. Five large trees had toppled in the winter's storms that the WTA sawyer teams hadn't made it to yet, so we passed over/under them without incident.
 |
| Look closely - You'll see Dan watching as Myke passes under a fallen tree |
Another quarter mile down the trail we arrived at our destination, Five-Mile Camp, where we relaxed, ate lunch, and enjoyed the tranquility of the river as it rushed over boulders. It was running fast and was the most beautiful turquoise color from the melting snow. During the summer months the water is crystal clear and running slower.
It was when it came time for us to pack up and begin our return trip that I began to feel the effects of the hike without trekking poles. I was laboring more than I should have been on the ascent up Big Hump. One of our group handed me his poles to use for the return trip - who would think something so seemingly inconsequential could make such a difference? I felt like I had swapped out my legs for another pair! Even so, by the time we reached the level portion at the tail end of the trail, I was pushing my level of endurance. I was tired, but it felt good. We had tackled a tough trail; one that, a few years ago, I was told was 'too hard' for me. We had done it as a group, a team, as friends. I am truly blessed to be associated with such wonderful folks.
Arms raised, the theme from "Rocky" playing in my head, I jogged the last few yards of the trail.
Hike 21 of 52.
Distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2700'
Distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2700'
No comments:
Post a Comment