Thursday, May 22, 2003

Mt. Harvard (1st attempt)

I spent the night near the Mt. Harvard trailhead. Had a great nights sleep next to a nice stream. Got up around 5:30 and had a nice breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I was "forced" to go into BV the day before to buy some cups (only needed one but bought a package of styrofoam to save $$) for coffee. Note to self, go over the packing checklist more than once.


My campsite near Harvard Posted by Hello


Stream near where I camped Posted by Hello

After breakfast I broke camp and headed to the trailhead, just about 1/4 mile from where I spent the night. Upon arriving at the trailhead I noticed only 1 other car and this one was actually there the day prior when I scouted for a place to spend the night.


View from the trail Posted by Hello

I made good time but quickly ran into snow, just like the day prior (but didn't get my Jeep stuck this time!). While I was post-holing it wasn't all bad. I crossed the creek twice (2 different bridges) and from here had lots of trouble.


Notice the flow of the stream (lots of snow run-off) Posted by Hello

I was still fairly optimistic since I was gaining altitude, however this quickly changed. I finally called it a day when the snow was literally taller than I was. From here I noticed there were no more foot prints but only snow shoes (snow skis?). Very frustrated but I had no choice but to turn back.


Forced to turn back! Posted by Hello

Got back to the car in about an hour and headed for the Crazy Horse Campground where the family was spending Memorial Day Weekend.