Bad ideas

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 09/29/2018 at 22:26 • Filed to: None

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Decided to do Mailbox Peak, which is likely the toughest single-day hike in Washington state. Fuck that hike, fuck that mountain, and I will never go back. But I’m happy that I did it. Now excuse me while I lay down in the shower and die.

They made a new trail to the top—twice as long, full of switchbacks—because at one point S&R was coming out daily for hikers. Look at the difference between these two trails. The old trail is still there, and sees occasional use. 

I took a small bottle of whiskey from the mailbox and downed it. In return I left a flashlight that may help a hiker unfortunate enough to find themselves up here after sunset.

By far the hardest hike I've ever done. Summiting Mt. Adams was a cakewalk in comparison. Time to drink away my aches. Cheers

leicester > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:31

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ha, yes, a common training hike for the big mountain and other bragging rights.

was across 90 at exit 38 rope gunning today

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:33

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You’re an impressive male specimen. You should feel pride once your aching humility wears off.

My wife and I felt like we were dying at Blanca Lake in Skykomish... Then a lady in running shorts and two little boxer doggos passed us up, and then again on the way down... As we were still making the incline. In short, I'm out of shape.

AestheticsInMotion > leicester 09/29/2018 at 22:34

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Honestly I like the big mountains more. Higher elevation, lower temperature hiking is my strong preference.

What is r ope gunning?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:38

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If it’s something you don’t do several times a week it’s gonna hurt.

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/29/2018 at 22:43

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A P omeranian made it the entire way up. That was my inspiration to keep pushing. 

Also, how's Blanca Lake? 

AestheticsInMotion > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/29/2018 at 22:44

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Wise words.

What have you done with the real Highlander?! 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:46

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Oh, man. Beautiful. I'm going back next year for sure. Troublesome Creek Campground was hands down my best experience.

leicester > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:46

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was rock climbing. I ended up.leading all the routes and putting up ropes for our group today

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 22:56

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10/10 do it again and let us know how much it hurts the second time. That being said 4000 vert in 2.5 miles is actually pretty steep. The hike to the top of Whitefish MTN resort is 2500 vert in 3.5 miles and it doesn’t seem too bad. Apgar Lookout is 3000 vert in 3 miles and it hurts more.

NKato > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 23:02

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An interesting tradition.

smobgirl > AestheticsInMotion 09/29/2018 at 23:11

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Well that sounds awful. Looks pretty though!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 00:25

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2.5 miles is the new trail or the old one? 5 miles and 4k feet doesn't sound that bad, depending on the elevation at the end. If I had time to hike while in Seattle, I'd probably check this out. As long as there's a good view it sounds worth the effort. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 00:37

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Well now I know what I’m not doing tomorrow! Good job though!

I’m in Auburn tonight, tell me what to do tomorrow!

AestheticsInMotion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/30/2018 at 00:38

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The old trail is 2.5 miles, 4130 ft elevation gain. The new one is the same elevation gain, but spread out over 5.1 miles. WTA volunteers spent 10,000 hours creating the new trail two years ago.

The old trail m ay not sound like like much, but it is absolutely brutal. I did 6000ft of Mt. Rainier in sub-freezing conditions, going to 12k ft, two weeks ago and this little 5ish mile hike was a million times more difficult.

Here’s a good primer. There really aren’t any switchbacks. It’s just up. And you think you’re a about to h it the summit multiple times, only to find a NEW section of pure misery.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/30/2018 at 00:43

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Hmm... I don’t know the area around A uburn too well.

I always recommend Schilling Cider house in Ballard but so far there have been no takers :(

What vehicle(s) do you have? NKato went to Skykomish today, the place he took the lede photo at would be an incredible spot to take bikes. Fairly short, shouldn’t pose any real problems.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-trail-of-madness-1829417901

Other than that... Don’t ride The Duck. Ever. It’s in the news for fatal crashes so often I’m amazed it’s still allowed to operate.

AestheticsInMotion > smobgirl 09/30/2018 at 00:45

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I find that the more miserable the outing, the more fondly I remember it... 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 01:15

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We’re probably doing the zoo. But I was hoping for Ranier hike  recommendations. We're in a rav4

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/30/2018 at 01:23

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If you only do one hike in Rainier , I’d say Paradise. There are multiple loops from the trailhead, but even the longest one is easily doable in a day at a leisurely pace. Every single step of the hike is gorgeous, with beautiful panoramic views.

If possible, drive through the northern section of the park to get there. 

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 01:28

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That sounds like a well earned shower beer.  

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 01:48

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Haha I love this description calling it a “torture test”. It sounds absolutely terrible. I’ve done hikes that steep but only like a mile or less in length. I can't imagine doing that more than twice as long lol. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 02:05

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We'll definitely talk about it and look into it. But she really wants the zoo too, so who knows!

SmugAardvark > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 03:55

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Reminds me of Old Man Mountain east of Sacramento.

Here’s the SE Slope:

Unfortunately, there’s no trail to the top (which is actually not pictured here, it keeps going past that false summit). You just have to scramble your way up. The most accessible way there/back is on a locally well-known 4x4 rock crawler trail, which is a pretty awesome diversion. Spring and fall are really the most reasonable times to complete it, as the rocks can be  coated in ice in the winter and are boiling lava hot in the summer.

I, likewise, wanted to sleep for 3 months after completing the trek. Good on you for tackling it, major kudos.

pip bip - choose Corrour > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 05:32

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do it again.

:P

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > AestheticsInMotion 09/30/2018 at 08:58

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Dead set. Do it again. There's something about these sort of climbs...