Its been awhile since I posted here. Haven’t done as much hiking this summer as I would like but finally decided its been two years since I last did Mt Si, so I had to do it at least once this year.
Went to bed early last night-830, so I could get up early-4am, so I could have a little time to fix a decent breakfast and make myself a lunch to take with me. Left the house at 5:45 so I could be at the trailhead by 6 and get an early start before the weekend crowds. This being Seafair weekend I figured there would be somewhat fewer people out in the mountains, but this is also Washington Trails Day which encourages more people to get out and hike, so who knows!
The sky was completely cloudy when I got up and the mountain was covered. After a very clear Friday, it was forecast but expected to burn off.
There were about 10 cars already in the lot, but I still got spot#1 by the trailhead, and since I was already booted up, I got going immediately. With a 6am departure I took it reasonably slow to start since this was going to be a moderately difficult 4 miles up, and I felt very out of shape until a little after the half way point. I even considered turning around there but forced myself to continue. I’m glad I did to because I picked up a “second wind” and felt much better and just kept a steady pace.
Only two people passed me going up, and the trail was very quiet and enjoyable. A few hikers were already coming down they must’ve had a real early start. I got to the top at 825 which surprised me. Two hours up is about the norm, I expected to take 3, so even at moderate slow pace I did ok. The last half mile is very difficult, large steps and rocks to climb and hard on the knees. I was wearing down, and was disappointed to still be in the clouds, no views or sun whatsoever. I found my way to my favorite rock to sit at, and did rest for an hour with an apple to eat, but didn’t feel like eating the sandwich I’d prepared. I got chilled pretty quick and put my sweater on which helped but at 930 I had to get moving again to warm up and headed down.
More people were coming up, and all the way down it was a steady stream coming up, so I was very glad I went early. I warmed up about 1 mile down and took my sweater off again, and was fine the rest of the way as the sun was finally breaking the clouds up. Got back to the car right at 11 and the top of the mountain was still covered but not for much longer.
5 hours total, 8 miles RT. I was worn out but feeling a great kind of tired. When I got home I rested long enough to have my sandwich and some lemonade and then got out to mow the lawn. THEN I’d had enough, and showered and relaxed the rest of the day.
I was so tired out I went to bed at 730. No pictures on this hike with all the clouds.