Hike to Mt.Pilchuck

We started searching for hiking groups as going on hikes in a group would give us the opportunity to interact with different people. Raj came across the Seattle Hikers, Climbers and Peak Baggers group led by Greg Lasala and signed us up for the Mt.Pilchuck hike. As I read more about the group and Greg, I felt terrified thinking if I will be able to keep up with the other group members during the hike. The night before was the worst as I lay in bed fearing for my life, thinking about whether we should cancel, and before long the alarm started ringing. The mixed feelings of fear and enthusiasm were churning my stomach in all directions as we were getting ready.

Pichuk!!The journey began fine as we jumped into the bus in time, somehow managing with our flowing bags, trekking shoes, water bottles, some lunch, spare clothes, caps and what not. Now I think we could have started a civilization on a new planet with the stuff in our bag that day. Hari and Vignesh also managed to get in, although both looked like yesterday night had just begun for them.

5 miles before reaching the transit center, our driver moved the bus a lot more to the left than the road, till we were finally on a shoulder in the middle of a freeway. A couple of minutes and then the sinking feeling of missing the transit center on time came in. We evaluated the possibility of renting a car, or getting an uber or getting out and trying to hitch a ride. Between all these thoughts, much to our relief we were transferred to an other bus and reached Lynwood with a minute and some seconds to spare. We met Greg, the organizer who came across as a very nice and friendly person. We were more people and had lesser cars for carpool so Greg requested another group member Madhu( It was very nice of Madhu to agree to give us a ride) to bring her car so that the remaining people could get a ride. And so it was settled, our hopes rising and so were the fears with the fact that our climb was still on!!

After a certain distance the road disappeared and it was gravel all around. The bumpy ride posed a risk for Madhu’s brand new 4WD and she was worried just as a mother would be for her baby. We had a good time listening to Yuki sharing her experience about her recent trip to meet her family in Japan. My amazing sense of car print’s was not appreciated enough as I helped our group identify direction by the last car’s tires. That was what we had to do as it seemed like Greg’s car could fly in gravel but could only saunter on roads.

2 hours of driving and we finally saw a fleet of vehicles, a symbol of the end of the beginning, we had reached the trail head. Greg gave a short briefing about team work and how we were going to do this together. Ah! Relief and more hope !!

We met Greg’s friend Dawn who increased our group size by 1 and group enthusiasm twofold. We started our hike and with every step I became more confident that I will be able to make it to the top. On one hand we were climbing slowly, on the other was Ariel sprinting forward to take a nap at the top in case he reaches early. We passed through tall, dense trees to reach the talus fields. The higher we got, the better views we got to see with most of us stopping to take pictures that reflect the magnificent beauty.

 

 We took short breaks to have water and also to soak in the beauty around us.. During one such stop, we heard the shrill cries of a little Pika, and then the Pika would come out, look at the tourists and sprint back, doing a Pika-Boo! Feeling recharged, we trudged ahead.

An hour had passed when Greg announced, that the turn around time would be 11:30 am. Immediately, a sense of urgency to finish took over and the pace quickened. With the constant movement of other hikers around us there was always someone to give enthusiasm to or take enthusiasm from us.

We reached the final section of the boulders, with no more route but only scrambling to the top. It was difficult to keep changing the balance of the body, moving from foothold to foothold while crawling upwards like playing a jigsaw puzzle, I had to figure out a way through the boulders. It seemed like eternity(and perhaps it was, as the most of the people on top started moving down) when finally, I crossed the last boulder and climbed the ladder reaching the white fire lookout with the glass room. The 360 degree views from the top were breathtaking! The wind was blowing with intensity enough to generate a shiver or two but a few steps to the corner and the precious warmth was back, as the wind was, but in only one direction. Funny how a few steps can change your world(Yes, philosophy: go do it, take those steps and other things).

 

 

It was an out and back trail. So back we went where we started from. Greg was great at bringing people together, organizing this hike, keeping the enthusiasm and helping everyone on the route, with words of motivation, smiles and hope.

The group we went with also left no leaf unturned in helping each other from the beginning to the end, while knowing more about each other, the world and hearing from experiences all the while walking the Pilchuck.

The Pacific North-West has given it’s treasure chest of beauty. Raring to get out, see more and write more. Adios.