Okay, after a hiatus last year due to a total disregard for the "7-P's", we have selected Thompson Peak as our adventure spot for the year. Though not one of the highest peaks in the region, it certainly is an impressive looking summit. Our target date is Aug 10 - 14th.
Resources:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.idahosummits.com/thompson/thompson.htm
http://www.sawtoothcamera.com/
You guys totally rock! I wish I was a HACE member. Probably everyone does. "Never trust anyone under 5,000 feet."
ReplyDeleteDan M is so right. I just say "Tru Dat!"
ReplyDeleteI must say that the Heber member is my favorite. The guy from Whyoming - not so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a summary of all the trips you guys have taken over the years. I understand that HACE was founded in 1996. Surely you must have epic adventures to share.
ReplyDeleteDear HACE Club Fan,
ReplyDeleteYes, we've logged thousand(s) of miles on our various hair-raising, death-defying adventures. Our personal scribes and biographers are compiling the exhaustive log of these forays and will be posting them for the world to see within the next few (insert realistic time-period here).
As you can imagine, some of our trek notes are hastily scribbled on gum wrappers, trail markers, and crumpled camping permits, with the occasional pizza box thrown in. Between that and our nearly illegible ramblings (of course due to exhaustion, low oxygen saturations, frostnip, and the occasional upset tummy) these epistles are often hard to interpret.
Bear with us, and you will not be dissapointed. The ensuing document with leave you flabbergasted at our audacity and incomprehensible lust for walking the razor-edge of incompetence and adventure (a great combination if I say so myself).
Stay strong, lad... and continue to follow your heros in their epic approach to life!
Cheers and out!
SLC Chapter Prez
By the way, grabbed some good topo maps of Thompson Peak while in Boise last weekend.
ReplyDeleteNote: This old letter was found in the archives and appears to be from the Summer of 2011, prior to the Thompson Peak trek,
ReplyDeleteDear HACE Club Brethren,
It is with great exuberance that I send this epistle to advise that the snow has melted in the high-mountain passes of the Sawtooth. The snow's retreat coincides perfectly with our planned excursion to the spires of deity and specifically to Thompson Peak.
The Ranger I spoke with this morning said that (as vaunted HACE Club members) we can self-issue a permit at the trailhead for our trip. (None of the standing in line like peasants for us.) She also advised that since regular hikers and climbers (mere mortals) were getting through all of the passes, with just a few snow fields to negotiate, mountaineers of our stature and renown should have no problems scampering up the hills and across the tundra. She said that there had been no reports of bears, but that they recommend either taking bear cannisters or hanging food and toiletries. She said they usually don't ever hear of bears up at altitude.
Sooo... cinch up your undies, touch up the sunscreen, break out the trail mix, pack the haversack and LET'S DO THIS THING!! (It will be cold!)
http://www.summitpost.org/thompson-peak/153013
http://www.idahosummits.com/thompson/thompson.htm
http://www.sawtoothcamera.com/
"Directions:
Drive north from Ketchum on Highway 75 for 55 miles to Redfish Lake Road. Turn left and drive 1.5 miles to the intersection for the Redfish Lodge turnoff. Continue straight ahead for a couple hundred yards and make a right turn into the backpackers parking lot.
Route:
From the lot, follow the Fishhook Creek trail for .8 miles to a signed junction. Turn north here, and climb to the ridge top on a switchbacked trail that weaves through aspens. Once atop the ridge, you reach another signed junction. Turn west and begin hiking towards the base of Williams Peak. After a mile or so, you pass the Wilderness Boundary sign. Continue west. Once you are at the base of Williams, the trail you are following splits right, you can either head up steep slopes to Williams, or veer left. Veer left on a decent climber's trail. Follow this trail as it winds its way on the fringes of Williams Peak. Once you reach an area of trees and small ponds, the trail fades and you must finish the last half a mile on easy cross country terrain. Camp at the 9000 foot large lake, or at a smaller lake just below the Williams/Thompson saddle.
From the lake, the route to Thompson is to make your way cross-country up to the Thompson/Williams saddle. From there, traverse snow and boulder fields completely around Thompson to its south ridge. Follow a climber's trail up a large gully to the summit."
So, be of good cheer, my esteemed HACE compadre's, our future awaits us, destiny calls,,,, and we shall not deny it! ONWARD AND UPWARD!
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Matthews
Co-Founder and HACE Club President, Salt Lake City Chapter
What if destiny just leaves a message?
ReplyDeleteTurns out that "destiny's message was: "Take insect repellant, dummy!"
ReplyDelete