Exploration-Northwest: Bandera Mountain

The Ira Spring tail (Mason Lk/Bandera Mtn) starts just off exit 45 near the bottom of Snoqualmie Pass (west side).
Another test of rain gear as I gear-up for my PCT attempt next year. I wore my favorite trail hikers (New Balance 910V1) and expected to get them good and wet...I wasn't disappointed. My test wasn't so much about the shoes, they've already proven themselves, but rather socks. I'm curious if wet thick wool socks keep the feet warmer than mid-weight. I tried heavy socks on a nine mile soggy walk about 2 weeks prior, and was rewarded with a heel blister. To be fair, I wore my old Salomon trail runners. On the Ira Spring trail I wore mid-weight Darn Tough socks, and discovered that thick or mid weight doesn't really matter. Both keep the feet sort of warm. I didn't get any blisters with the Darn Tough socks. I just love getting in the shower and discovering a new skin-rubbed-off location.

I also tested Frogg Toggs ultra light rain suit and a poncho. I'm sure this debate with continue, but a poncho is just so damn easy to throw over everything (hiker and backpack) and for the most part, everything is kept dry. Then there is the air circulation. A rain jacket, Frogg Togg or otherwise, keeps in heat and makes you sweat. I'm guessing for now, the rain jacket wins. I look at my rain jacket as a layer of warmth, the poncho does add a little warmth, but not like the jacket. Then there's the wind and access to water, foot, and other things on my bat belt. The poncho covers this stuff up, and I found out that I drink less water while wearing the poncho because of the difficulty of getting at the water.

Here's a quick review of the hike...
The first 2.8 miles are a total breeze. Some up hill, but who doesn't love a good hill?! The trail was given a good dose of refurbishing about 5-6 years ago right up to the Bandera Mountain cut-off. At 2.8 miles, start heading strait up the ridge towards the top. Big boulders, large steps, and burning calves await! Steep, Steep, steep! I love going up, but down always makes me think of a trip and landing squarely on my face. An improvement would surely result, but ouch. I'm already an accomplished trip-facelander, and my technique can hardly be improved upon...so I'll stop trying. It took me about 45 minutes of serious up to reach the summit. Interesting cloud formations, and then the rain blew sideways. Perfect gear test weather. Here are some pictures...