Butte Camp Trail work party on Mt St Helens

15+ Hikers from Mt St Helens Institute worked with 5 bikers from Northwest Trail Association and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for two days to repair and ensure sustainability of Butte Camp Trail on Mt St Helens.


SPECIAL THANKS
I don't have everybody's names to thank (please add in comments anybody I missed, I know I missed a few, sorry), but here are a few of the people who made this trip fun and productive:

• Rick Richards, Hailey Heath, Brent, Amy, Paul, and Henry from Mt St Helens Institute. Henry has been doing trail work for well over 10 years, and is a welcome addition to MSHI. Henry mentored us on trail building techniques which was very eye opening. Everybody did a great job at giving a presentation on tool usage and safety, including special safety requirements for bikers. They broke up into manageable groups so as to supervise everybody. Rick carried a huge pack for camping gear which seems to have included items shared by everybody who did the backcountry camping.
  
• David Anderson from NWTA for inviting me (Ken O. Bonn) to the event and for coordinating his organization. Although I've worked with MSHI and NWTA before (I represent Evergreen), it was David's encouragement that motivated me to attend this event. David has been working tirelessly to promote good stewardship of Mt St Helens and working with recognized organizations such as Mt St Helens Institute, Evergreen Mt Biking Alliance, and the forest service.
  
• Jerry, Andrea, and David II, also from NWTA. These folks pushed ahead early on their bikes with a BOB trailer carrying heavy trail equipment, effectively doing their own work party an hour ahead of the official work party. They cleared some of the stuff ahead of us, and made a huge fix to a dangerous section.
  
• Emily, Jennifer, and Anne from Kalama. Quite the athletic and fun family, I really enjoyed having lunch with you before you set out on clearing trail.
  
• Paul brought his son Dillon from Oklahoma as they enjoyed their vacation time doing trail work some days and visiting the beach the next day.
  
• Joe and Dawn, originally from Hawaii. They were part of the crew that camped out at Butte Camp before the second day of trail work.
  
• Lance brought an upbeat attitude to the group and worked hard with us.
  
• Honorable mention goes out to Doug, who chose to do trail work on his 67th birthday with us and later celebrating in town with his wife!
  

I could have done a better job at taking photos of y'all, looks like I only got the bikers in the photos, but a few others took group shots. Next time I'll get that camera out more!

My next work party will be on the 25th at Norway Pass, but please check the Mt St Helens Institute calendar for opportunities that suit you! Also, check out the Mt St Helens Institute for other events beyond work parties, as they do much for education of the volcano.


Heading out for trail work on Butte Camp Trail at Mt St Helens



Lupens lining Butte Camp Trail



David pushing BOB trailer loaded with tools up steep section of trail



Jerry, Andrea, and David II happy that they fixed a very dangerous section of trail



Riding Butte Camp Trail near the trailhead



Riding Butte Camp Trail near the trailhead



Riding Butte Camp Trail near the trailhead



Fixing dangerous yet beautiful section of trail



Fixing wiped out section of Butte Camp Trail almost at top where it intersects with Loowit Trail



Almost at Loowit Trail



Sketchy Butte Camp Trail is gorgeous!


Mt St Helens from Butte Camp Trail, near the trailhead



Returning on Butte Camp Trail



Returning on Butte Camp Trail


Mountain Bikers and Hikers worked together to keep this trail open and sustainable!

Mount Saint Helens - Coldwater TH

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Basically, just 7 miles short of Johnston Ridge Observatory (you might want to call them for trail conditions, (360) 274-2140). Use your favorite mapping software to get to 24000 Spirit Lake Memorial Hwy Toutle, WA 98649.

• From Snoqualmie, take Hwy 18 South for 28 miles.


• Take I-5 South for 79 miles. If you need gas or food, last decent chance is in Centralia (Subway, Starbucks, and Safeway near the exit).


• Take exit 63 to get on Hwy 505 towards Winlock/Toledo. Follow for 17 miles.


• Turn Left onto Hwy 504 (Spirit Lake Memorial Hwy) for 28 miles to Coldwater Observatory (closed).


• Two miles past the observatory is Coldwater Lake. This has a pier with a nice view of the lake. Also, clean bathrooms with running water.


• Go 1.5 miles past the lake to reach the trailhead, which is on the left just before a bridge.

Estimated Time: 3 hours. Distance: 156 miles

From the Coldwater Observatory (closed), go past it towards Johnston Ridge Observatory. Shortly past that, take the trailhead on the left.

BBTC Trails - Coldwater to Mt Margaret

Coldwater trailhead. Take trail 230A to trail 230 to trail 1

Mount Saint Helens - Windy Ridge TH

MILEAGE: 150 MILES / 3.5 HOURS
DIRECTIONS FROM SNOQUALMIE TO WINDY RIDGE
People coming from Snoqualmie will want to choose either route below, there is little distance or time difference. However, people coming from Seattle or Bellevue will likely want to choose the western route on the left map.



Western route, from Seattle or Bellevue, pass thru Renton and Puyallup.

• Take Hwy 18 Southwest for 24.6 miles (note, passing by Tiger mtn).
  
• Take ramp right for SR-167 South towards Puyallup (8.6 mi)
  
• Take ramp right for SR-512 West towards Puyallup / Olympia (3.4 mi)
  
• Take ramp right toward South Hill / Eatonville (0.4 mi)
  
• Turn left onto SR-161 / 104th St E (25.9 mi)
  
• Bear left onto SR-7 / Mountain Hwy E (10.1 mi)
  
• Turn right to stay on SR-7 (16.8 mi)
  
• Turn left onto US-12 (17.4 mi)
  
• Arrive at Randle, WA. Total 109.2 mi, 2 hr 15 min
  
• 
  
• From Randle, it is 35 miles on back roads to Windy Ridge.
  
• Take Hwy 131 South for a short while.
  
• Just a mile from Randle, take the right fork, look for signs towards Mt St Helens and Hwy 25.
  
• Pass Iron Creek Campground 10 miles past Randle.
  
• 21 miles past Randle, take the right fork on FR 99, look for signs towards Windy Ridge.
  

Eastern route, via Enumclaw

• Take Hwy 18 Southwest for 12 miles (note, passing by Tiger mtn).
  
• Take Hwy 169 South for 15 miles (note, passing by Lake Sawyer) to Enumclaw.
  
• Take Hwy 410 East for 41 miles (note, passing by Skookum area)
  
• Keep going straight, do not turn left onto Crystal Mt Blvd.
  
• Follow Hwy 123 South for 17 miles. Note, seasonal closure of this road.
  
• Follow Hwy 12 West for 24 miles to the town or Randle. Total so far is 110 miles, 2 hr 17 min
  
• 
  
• From Randle, it is 35 miles on back roads to Windy Ridge.
  
• Take Hwy 131 South for a short while.
  
• Just a mile from Randle, take the right fork, look for signs towards Mt St Helens and Hwy 25.
  
• Pass Iron Creek Campground 10 miles past Randle.
  
• 21 miles past Randle, take the right fork on FR 99, look for signs towards Windy Ridge.
  

This is my quick links page for info on Mount Saint Helens rides.

First of all, call the forest service for conditions before heading out there. Always know what route you plan so you don't waste their time. Get phone number from official site, at http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/. Also, there is a link to current conditions, that may answer your questions right away.

Trail Links
BBTC Ape Canyon

BBTC Smith Creek

Strawberry Ridge

My trips
Cancelled Trip

Goat Mountain
WTA work party

Volcano Cam
Volcano Cam

Road Conditions - be sure to check road 25 from Randle, as well as road 99 to Windy Ridge. Appears to be open now.

Xmas 2008

We have a white Christmas today. Thanks Doug and Kristen for a wonderful Xmas eve party last night.

Beginning a tradition of holiday photo shoots, here's two pictures of Speedy enjoying Xmas with me. Merry Christmas everybody!

Storm Preparations

NOTE, THIS IS IN DRAFT FORM, BUT PUBLISHING ANYWAY. This post may be updated several times in the next two months, too much to write at one sitting.

Well, here in Snoqualmie we've had some terrible weather, very high winds of 40-60 MPH sustained, and gusts as high as 87 MPH reported. Lots of reports of frozen pipes, a cracked window, power outages, and garage doors blown in. This posting lists some of the things I did to prepare for the storms, some things I should do.

One thing to remember, if you have time, it may be your last chance for a while. Last chance for a hot bath, wash clothes, cook, wash dishes, vacuum, so better do it while you can.

SAFETY FIRST / COMMON SENSE THINGS...
Smoke detector working
Carbon monoxide detectors working
Fire extinguisher in kitchen and/or garage. Recently charged.
Clean the house, you never know who will need a place to stay :). Especially clean near potential problem areas for ease of access and to ensure it stays dry in case of failure, example is to ensure cutoff valve is not blocked by household items, garage door may leak so don't have things on the floor that would be damaged if they get wet.

PREPARATIONS FOR COLD TEMPERATURES / SNOW
Primary concern is for frozed water pipes.

DONE
Check the crawlspace for insulation around all water pipes.
Open all cabinet doors to allow heat under sinks
Block exterier crawlspace vents with cardboard (consider styrofoam in future)
Temperature inside house steady 69F, even at night. Waste of energy, but cheaper than frozen pipes.
Slow but steady drip to prevent freezing.
Disconnect hoses, including any adapters which may void the frost free feature
Insulate exterier faucets.
Some people have option to drain hose line, I don't, but is good if you can.

SHOULD DO
Insulate around pressure relief valve.
Tape a few water lines that are semi-exposed.
Buy humidity meter with thermometer for crawlspace.
Anti-humidity pellets for crawlspace
Sweep crawlspace of garbage, vacuum later.

PREPARATIONS FOR POWER OUTAGES
Recharge flashlights or buy batteries for them.
Keep cell phone charged.
Stock up on food / water for a few days
Ensure generator works, refamiliarize with starting procedures
Generator hookup to house with special switchbox and 40 Foot high voltage power cord.
Have cables and locks handy to secure generator (theft is a big issue!)
Fill spare gas tanks for generator
Fill gas tanks for car, as power outages affect gas pumps
CO Carbon Monoxide detectors (2 minimum) - check batteries and test!!!
Turn pilot light on for gas fireplace, so easier to have backup heat.
Clean particles in gas fireplace to reduce asthma.

PREPARATIONS FOR CAR OR OTHER TRAVEL
Car - Hand pump to adjust for lower pressure due to cold
Car - sand in back in plastic bucket (cat litter container optimal, as it has a pour spout).
Car - shovel in back
Car - Chains - check if they fit and test putting them on.
Car - fully fueled up
Bus - see if bus service is an option, likely unreliable in icy conditions

KNOW YOUR SYSTEM
This section to include graphics of where to find things, such as emergency shut off for gas and / or water and electricity. Obviously, a work in progress...

PREPARATIONS FOR HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS IN CASE OF DAMAGE.
Note: personal notes below, not an endorsement or disparagement of anybody, just my experiences.

List of plumbers
Beacon Plumbing. I think I'm going to use them next, I heard good things about them, and I've seen their trucks driving on the Ridge a lot after the last storm, so they seem to be favored locally.
Clifford Knopp - don't like him. He was unprepared with parts, so I had to pay him hourly rate as he went shopping for basic plumbing parts. He did not insulate PRV after completion. He started the process of applying cement to the pipes after shopping, so had to pay him to wait even longer, he should have started that and then gone shopping, to minimize down time. Expected bill around a hundred dollars, was triple that due to charging me for his wait time. Would have been nice if he could have scheduled other clients to service while waiting for the cement to dry.

List of general contractors

List of furnace / hot water technicians
Bob's heating - they seem fine, somewhat lukewarm about them. May try a different company next just for comparison, but overall I would hire them again.
Fast - their name is on the hot water heater.

List of electricians

List of locksmiths
OK, kind of unrelated, but I really like Brian of Big Brian's Locksmithing.

http://www.govlink.org/storm/prepare.asp

Dog bite day

I was mountain bike riding on a fire road just past the power substation when a dog bit me at 1:30 PM.

I was climbing up and saw a woman (Margo, last name withheld) who was walking five dogs - 3 small dogs, a medium sized one, and a large dog. I think she had the small dogs on leashes, the medium dog stayed back with her, but the large dog walked ahead of them. She was trying to call the large one back. As it was a fairly steep climb, I was biking slow, and the large dog (Red) walked past me. It seemed non-agressive at the time, it was not growling, and did not pay much attention to me.

As Red dog got a couple feet past me, he (she?) suddenly turned around and bit me on my left calf. This stunned me, it was a completely unprovoked attack from a dog which appeared friendly.

Fortunately, I was wearing tights, which may have buffered some of the germs from the dog and maybe lessened the potential for bigger injury. There were several teeth marks on me, the largest was evaluated by the doctor as being a puncture wound 2 cm (almost an inch) in length. This left a very visible chunk missing from my leg. Margo and I did a quick inspection of my leg, realized it was not too bad, so all we did for first aid was to wash it with some of my water and just let it continue to bleed.

I called my friend / neighbor Erik for a ride to the hospital, but he was out in the woods at the time so unable to give me a ride. Margo said she could give me a ride, which I reluctantly accepted, because she was on foot and probably a 2 mile hike back to her car. As I just had to ride my bike downhill, I went ahead and waited over a half hour for her. During that time I gave the leg a couple more washes with the water from my camelback.

While waiting, I saw a car in the parking lot with a sticker saying "woof", so I figured that must be her car, so I took a photo of her license plate. I was fairly certain she was playing honest, because she had some kind of ID on her vest which I read the name Margo on it, so I believe I have the true name and cell phone number which she gave me. Also, she sounded pretty level headed and acting decently, apologetic for the incident, so I had no need to doubt her sincerity.

Margo drove me and my bike to my house, just a mile up the road, and her dogs were well behaved in the back with my bike. I then gave her my phone number, and she promised to pay for my medical bills. After she departed, I washed my leg several times with soap and water, and then drove myself to the Snoquamie hospital ER.

At the ER, they examined the wound and advised me that they will not be giving me Rabies shots, but this is on condition that the dog be observed for 7-10 days. If the dog gets sick, it could impact my treatment. I was discharged from the hospital around 3:30 PM.

Next stop, Snoqualmie PD at 4PM. The officer on duty took down the license and contact info for Margo for the record only, but said he likely will not follow up as this fell in King County (unincorporated?) jurisdiction, not Snoqualmie. He gave me the contact for animal control, and asked that I contact them on Monday morning. Things to discuss is how to monitor the dog for 10 days as my injury recovers. The officer stressed that although the dog handler may have been nice, that they are responsible for the actions of their animals, and therefore they consider the dog attack as an assault from the owner. Hmm, very sobering way to look at it. The dog handler is definitely someone I consider to be a very nice person of good intent.

Personally, I'd like this incident to just go away, but the police officer advised me it is not that simple. I need to pay the deductible from the ER visit that insurance doesn't pay. Also, he said it is common for insurance to deny my claim, as they expect the responsible party (Margo the dog handler or Red's owner) to pay for it. I hope this is not curtains for Red, that would be sad, but the reality is that a dog which bites people without being provoked is likely to attack others. I'll leave the judgement up to animal control.

Everybody lost something today. Me, Margo, Red, real dog owner. Wish Red would have not bitten me.

Speedy Pics

Some cute pics of Speedy taken on Thanksgiving day.

Vermont Biking Middlebury Mt & Texas Falls

Below are pictures from my bike ride in the Rochester / Hancock area of central Vermont. The ride was up Middlebury Mt and then a trail in the Texas Falls area. Roughly 27 miles of road riding and 2 miles of trail. I'll let the pictures do the talking and just a few commentary in the hovertext of the images.

Vermont Home

Below are pictures taken from my family's house in Rochester Vermont.
Lower field



Mt Cushman


Barn


Upper Field