The survey marker at the top of the mountain

This was an awesome kick-off hike for the year. A rough road up to the trailhead, which meant I got to kick the ol’ Suzuki Grand Vitara into 4WD (which is always a thrill.) The first few miles of the hike (along an old logging road) were pretty gentle. Nothing especially grand. Then the trail went up into the forest, and the climb started. There were a couple of places where the trail could have been a bit more clearly marked, but I just generally kept going uphill and that seemed to get me there. As I climbed, the views weren’t as great as they could have been because it was so misty and overcast (though the sun broke through a few times.) This is a hike I definitely must do again when the weather is nicer. Though I did appreciate the cool. Sugar did too; she was happy all the way throughout the hike (though I found out later her dumb ill-fitting harness had abraded her chest) and when it was snacktime on top of the mountain she packed it right on back, going through the whole bag of dog food I brought.

Anyway, this first shakeout hike made me realize how many “gear gaps” I have—especially in my first aid kit—which will need to be filled before too much longer. The list is below.

Chronology: 

10:14 a.m. Trailhead
11:42 a.m. Rooster Rock Trailhead
12:17 a.m. Summit (after lunch break)
2:13 a.m. Back in car headed home (I dicked around on a couple of short side trails on the way back, so that’s why it took a bit longer.)

Injuries: As mentioned, Sugar got chest abrasions from her ill-fitting harness. I was at the front end of a cold, so I was snotty and hoarse.

Weather: Misty, light rain, cool

Mileage: ~11

Elevation gain: ~2080

Bugs swallowed: 0

Gear: HiTec Altitude V hiking boots with orange Superfoot insoles, REI silk liner socks under Darn Tough merino wool socks, gaiters over Nike dry windpants, Paradox long sleeve shirt, Carhartt rain jacket, Mountainsmith Tour lumbar daypack, plastic store water bottles

Identified Gear Gaps: I need better bottles, fresh first aid kit supplies, a whistle, matchlocker & matches, flashlight, knife, emergency bivvy, updated dog tag for Sugar, and spare car key