Adventure Into The Rattlesnake

Terrain Distance (approx): 29.6 miles (round trip)
Climbing Distance: 8,452 feet (round trip)
Highest Altitude: 8,200 feet
Trip Time: 3 days
Average Grade: 10
Difficulty: Hard.

Last Friday I entered into the Rattlesnake Wilderness. I accessed the trip via the west fork gold creek trailhead. The weekend was great and sunny. I have posted pictures of the adventure and here is my diary:

Friday 12:00 PM: I just left the car and have realized that my shoulder is injured. I felt something last night when I was playing with Marcy but I though it was just a little pang. I just tried to jump a log and it gave a very sharp pain that serrated across my shoulder blade. I am thinking about turning back.

Friday 1:00 PM: I haven"t reached the Rattlesnake Corridor just yet. It is taking longer than I thought. This is sure a long section. On the bright side the sun is out and it feels great after a slogging through a wet forest. I am on a rock outcropping and can see the entire route. I have just decided to do the south ridge as the north looks hairy. There seems to be a lot of snow.

Friday 2:45 PM: I am at Porcupine Creek and had to change socks. Also this is a good place to get water and take a food brake. I sure cant wait until goulash tonight.

Friday 4:15 PM: I am totally wore out and wet. From the Wilderness Boundary to where you turn south to start the switchbacks it is shady and extremely wet. I have found a clearing with some great sunshine. I think I will be here drying out for awhile.

Friday 9:00 PM: I got here around 6:30 PM due to the fact that I hiked up the trail too far and had to hike back down the ridge to my present position. I am between Glacier Lake and the drop off to Tiny Lake. This spot overlooks the entire valley and it is so beautiful. Although it is bittersweet to not have someone along to shear this experience with. I am feeling a bit lonely.

Saturday 11:30 am: I originally got up around 6:30 and took the fly off of the tent. I wanted to watch the sunrise as I rested. My tent is awesome by the way. It is a good thing that I took the fly off because I fell asleep and haven"t woke until 10:00 am. It is surprisingly hot out today for this time of the year. I have done the chores (filter water). While I was doing the chores Marcy had to guard breakfast as a rouge ground squirl invaded our food sack. Marcy was a diligent protector and nothing was touched further. The little critter only got away with a morsel. Breakfast consisted of peanut butter and a taco shell ... Peanut Butter Tacos! Food seems to be getting scarce but the water is plentiful. Sun is hot but nice. It is truly wonderful out.

Sunday 6:30 am: I got back last night around 6:30 PM. It is frustrating to get back home at the same time that I arrived last night. No time to lounge around. Only got up first Guardian but having Marcy with me and the fact that it was getting late I turned around. Un successful! Came down another way. Came off the ridge above Lake Sanders. Hiked to lake Sanders then came around the pass on the trail that junctions with the one that i came in on Friday. Around the lake was immense beauty and I am planning to camp there next. It was there that I lost my hiking pole. Oh well, I depended on it too much and it slowed me down. Breaking camp now, must get an early start so i can get photographs of the waterfalls.

Sunday 8:00 am: Another clear day and it is amazing. The sunrise was beautiful and now I am all packed and ready for the hike out of here. Bye bye wonderland, leaving now.

Sunday 10:40 am: Found numerous waterfalls. I am now at the sunny rest area below the switchbacks where the trail turns into an old road grade. The sun is beautiful and my boots are surprisingly dry. I have just enough food to get out of here. I must say again that it is a really nice day.

Sunday 12:10 PM: I am at the Boulder Lookout junction. I am threw ... exhausted. I feel very tired and worn. I don"t think I can handle standing any longer. The sun is intense but nice.

Sunday 1:50 PM: I am now approximately 1 mile or so from the car. I hammered the last big climb out of the Rattlesnake Corridor and now I seem to be on the downgrade. I am hurting big time. Stopping for water and the last of the chocolate.

Sunday 2:30: Finally at the car. I was so happy that I started running the last .1 mile. Marcy has collapsed into the front seat of the car. We could go no further.