[pct-l] Good Ice Axe - Old Snowy

[Slyatpct at aol.com (Slyatpct@xxxxxxx)]

In a message dated 12/21/2003 11:20:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
m.karon@comcast.net writes:

> >Yes and no. Actually, there are two PCT trails diverging near the site of
> >the formerYelverton Shelter. One trail goes across the face of the
> Packwood
> >glacier (the old PCT route); the other (the new PCT aka the high route)
> >climbs another 550 vertical feet to go over the north shoulder of Old
> Snowy.
> 

I'm not sure how I missed this one.  

I believe according to the guidebooks circa 2000, the glacier route was the 
PCT at the time.  I distinctly remember leaving the shelter and starting to 
climb, except I wasn't supposed to gain much, if any, elevation.  On a fogged in 
day I couldn't see the glacier and the soft cut trail across, until I was 
above it looking down, at which time I retraced my steps from the immediate flanks 
of Old Snowy and proceeded gingerly across, no ice ax in tow, just using my 
hiking poles to maintain balance.

Due to the fog, from the glacier itself, I had no idea of the drop off or had 
any idea that Mt Rainier would be in view along Goat Rocks until I saw an 
awesome photo after my hike.  I think I was lucky to even see the route at this 
point as the clouds were blowing through.  Even though my views were limited I 
still thought Goat Rocks was one of the best areas along the trail in which to 
hike.  

As it was, I didn't see Mt Rainier on any occasion except once, with Mt Saint 
Helen's and Adams from the trail in Oregon, and until I was well past it.  
Both times, it only blip on the horizon.

I wish I had a camera to capture the magic, but my had broke way back in the 
High Sierra and I didn't get it replaced until a little later in the trip.  My 
film is still undeveloped.  Think it's any good?

Sly