Placeholder Routes & Places

Trip Report    

Mount Ellinor

  • Thu, May 14, 2015
  • Mount Ellinor
  • Day Hiking

Trip Date: Wednesday May 13, 2015
Depart Time: 17:00
Summit Time: 18:08
Trip End: 19:10

Ascend: 109 minutes
Descend: 56 minutes
Total trip time: 02:12:00

Trip log:
http://www.movescount.com/moves/move62326657

Trail conditions:
Trail is 99% clear of snow, all that is remaining are two small patches near the summit on the North-North East slope on the main trail; these patches can be easily avoided by staying on the rocks, or taking the scramblers path to the summit --chose scramblers path.
The section of trail ascending between Summer/Winter junction and first crest to a viewpoint (about ~500 meters) should be ascended/descended with care, especially when wet, as the rocks, tree roots, are quite slippery --just a good section to be mindful.

Leaders Reflections:
Everyone made the summit!
Two participants made the summit in under 60 minutes. I was dragging, feeling weaker, which is perhaps a good thing (?) if you believe that training is about getting weaker: "Train to get weak, recover to get strong". I hauled a 29 kg (65 pound) pack up Big Creek for a few miles on Saturday, and climbed Ellinor on Monday. Apparently not enough time to recover.
It rained the whole time ascending and descending, which makes for challenging temperature control when moving fast: either get wet from sweat if you wear a rain jacket, or get wet from rain without a rain jacket. I chose to get wet from the rain because I get hot and sweat a lot. It does mean I'm quite wet when I get to the top. It reminded me that in wet conditions it's a good idea to bring a dry first layer to change into on the summit --which I usually do, but not this time. Had plenty of other layers to keep me toasty warm despite first layer being wet. I debate whether the ascending layer should be merino wool or synthetic --I'm not a fan of synthetic, but I see the merits of quicker drying. Descending layer for sure is going to be merino wool! Temperature control is a fine art, further complicated by speed climbing.