The Trip 6 team discovered the snow fields near Knife’s Edge are extremely icy and hard to navigate, with slick edges. The group had cell phone service this morning. They called Bill, our logistics coordinator extraordinaire, to check on alternate trail route conditions. They are changing their itinerary and will end at the White Pass trailhead on Monday, August 15. The original plan was to end at Walupt Lake on Tuesday, August 16.
Trip leader Derek reported:
“Tonight’s menu: Lentil soup with shredded chicken and French rolls.
“We were almost done with Knife’s Edge and had to turn around because of unsafe conditions – very slick and vertical. Safety first!
“We used the bat phone to tele Jedi Bill for intel on alternative routes. Bill dialed Trail Master Brian [Pass to Pass board president] and they did us a solid by checking trail conditions. So, we’re hanging out tomorrow then turning this into an ‘out and back.’
“The llamas high fived each other as they get a grazing day. We’ll do a day hike tomorrow. We only did 3.3 miles today with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Terrain was steep.”
After checking the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Crest Trail Association, and Washington Trails Association reports, Bill and Brian concluded the best alternate routes are washed out, steep, and have some tree falls.
Derek concurred the best plan is for the Trip 6 team to turn around, enjoy a day at the top, and end at the White Pass trailhead. The Trip 6 team is enjoying the views, good weather, and relaxing.
