(re-posted from Tom's Turns-All-Year report) Sergio V. and I linked up for the Watson's Traverse this past weekend (05/04-06). We left late Saturday evening and approached to a camp at ~6400'. The next day we got a lazy start and were on the summit by 1:30. We wanted to ski the Park Headwall but it was covered in crusty mank so we dropped onto the upper Boulder and traversed around. We camped again in the flats before heading out to the Ski Area. The area between the Park Glacier and the Ski Area is incredibly scenic and a pleasure to explore. I had not been on that side of the mountain before and was glad to make this trip happen. It helped also that we were on a relaxed schedule and had plenty of time to savor the experience.

*Note that as of 05/14/13 the Glacier Creek Road has been closed due to a washout. See here for details.

After months of neglect, it was time to rediscover my fondness for the singletrack and revisit a couple Eastside XC favorites. As low-commitment conditioning rides, the new-and-improved Tiger Mountain and Grand Ridge trails are ideal. No early wake-ups or long drive required, and just enough of an "out there" feel to justify the load of muddy laundry!

The maiden voyage for our new Eddyline Whisper kayak! An after work paddle from Commodore Park to the West Point Lighthouse on a surprisingly balmy April evening. We enjoyed a relaxing sunset "dinner" on the north beach before paddling back by headlamp. Here's to more kayak adventures this summer!