Tobae, Luna and I began today by visiting one of our family classic hikes, Dickerman Mountain. (A pet peeve: it is Dickerman Mountain, not Mount Dickerman…). For many years this was our traditional Mother’s Day Hike, always encountering snow at about 4000′. The trail gains 3800′ from the 1900′ trailhead, and so there were always four ~1000′ M&M stops for Daniel and Mark when they were little. In the days of analog cell phones, we would call Tobae’s mother and my mother from the summit. Not possible anymore, that’s progress? Eventually Dickerman Mountain was supplanted by Mother’s Day skis of Mt. St. Helens south flank, but there are still one or more ascents of Dickerman each year, with the trailhead just a hour from the house and none of the traffic hassles of North Cascades, Stevens or Snoqualmie.
With the immense snow pack this year, the conditions seemed perhaps a week post Mother’s Day in a normal year, snow level a bit higher (making the crux, crossing the creek at 4100′, much more sporty with a snow bridge weakening daily). My knees are not the best (but much better than 10 years ago), so Tobae, the Energizer Honey, and Luna separated from me at 3400′. And I eventually stopped for lunch and turned around shortly after the snow bridge crossing. Tobae and Luna of course summitted and had caught back up with me not too far above the trailhead. It was a gorgeous day and we all had a great time.
Arriving home at 5:30, we got unpacked, and I scanned Facebook. What a vicarious thrill: Tyler Farrar won Stage 3 of Tour de France. 30 years ago when I met Tobae, her housemates were Tyler’s parents Ed and Cindy Farrar, and while we don’t see them often, they are dear friends. A huge thrill. I’ve been remiss in getting the Tour recorded, but that is now fixed.
But we will watch it later. Our official summer drink, Mint Juleps, are ready. It is more comfortable outside. Potatoes are in the oven, salads are made, and so out to the deck. I’ll get the steaks going in awhile.
Stance and Balance 