Crankcase Hike

Crankcase Trail up to So Cle Elum Ridge / Peoh Point – 8/26 – Elev. 3750, 4 Hours

Another overcast morning looking out from the North Bend Starbucks, but better than the rain we’d just left in Seattle. Peoh (Eric), Moe (Merle), Doe (Doreen) and Snow (Julia) climbed into the trusty Sub and headed east to find the sun. Our target was Jolly Mountain outside of Salmon La Sac. I was somewhat anxious because of one hiker’s description of a “slippery descent.” Another used the “s” word, steep. Yet, off we drove, an Americano giving me courage.

We enjoyed driving through Roslyn, the little town of Northern Exposure fame, and next Ronald, the even littler town where Larissa almost bought a condo. Who knew what was back in these hills? As we came closer to our destination, the clouds loomed darker until I had to turn on my wipers generating a unanimous “turn around and go east.” I did a very safe 3-point turn staying on the road – they all knew I didn’t have my glasses, lost somewhere in the Tri-Cities…

We checked out some private residences on Cle Elum Lake but no action that early. Drove by Mary’s (so tagged “Mako” for certain shots we shared at Shi Shi) Suncadia work place and then on to Cle Elum. Decided to hike the ridge behind the Peoh-Mako cabin. Peoh recommended we do the Crankcase Ass-ent (you do it and you’ll spell it the same), follow the ridgeline to check out So Cle Elum and Peoh Points and wind our way down using the snowmobile roads back to Sky Meadows Ranch. We parked at the cabin, but since Peoh thought we were hiking Jolly Mtn. had not brought a key. Doe and Moe could see firsthand the party gazebo, firepit, and hot tub that’s made them favorites in the community. A bathroom might have been nice…

We started up the windy roads, Aspen Springs to Sawmill to Rodeo. Peoh introduced us to neighbors all along the way. Dave even said we could come back and have a few beers at his place, though he’d be in town. Then we saw it: the Crankcase. It seemed harmless enough. I wisely took one of Peoh’s poles. About halfway up the FIRST hill, the path narrowed to a trail and steepened from about a 35% angle to a 45%. At the leveling of that one, Peoh warns us there is ONE MORE, even steeper.

The pole is getting some use now. All I see are Peoh’s boots. I don’t want to look up. Ignorance is bliss. As we near the top, Peoh informs us he has forgotten there may be ONE MORE. We stop to catch our breath and take photos. As we climb the third hill, we have stopped talking except for unmentionables and references to Ass-Guard Pass. At the next leveling, Peoh is quite sure there is only ONE LAST hill. We are now trying to decide if the angle is 50% or 60% and who will be the first one to fall over backward.

There is a God and a summit, and someone lets out an embarrassing Norse victory yell. The view north is stunning and clear, and we all congratulate ourselves that Jolly is still socked in. Lunch is overdue and we sit in a grassy clearing west of the largest microwave in the world. Mighty trail dog, Tyrone, is seriously hunting for sloppy eaters. Yeah, he’s learned not a crumb falls from my hand – not hiking. Moe has taken Marty’s spot as gourmet caterer and pulled out the Pistachio blend and the Junior Mints. Back off, Tyrone!

We check out the towering microwave and run around all over the ridge heading west. We have several shots of Mt Stewart, watching the clouds slowly lift. There’s a pretty substantial breeze, and we are all glad we brought coats. Tyrone wasn’t satisfied with treats and crumbs. He spotted a large feather as long as he is, and before Peoh could grab him, had swallowed it. Tyrone will now be known as Yankee Do.

Peoh pointed out several native artifacts, such as a carved stick, and a ceremonial wolf totem. Sensitive Moe gave the wolf some eyes. We heard tales of stampeding sheep and mountain goats. We stomped on dead logs to hear them snap. We followed trails to their ends. We found a stone road above a rocky ravine. We found a tail feather for Doe to make into a necklace, but she threw it down refusing to disturb the environment. I loaded up my pocket with rocks. Best and scariest of all was the giant bug Moe spotted on the road heading down. I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep in the bunkhouse ever again.

We passed through several gates and signs that said “No Trespassing” and could hear shots in the distance. Uh, where’s the cabin, Peoh? But, we made it back. It was too late and we were too tired to partake of Dave’s beer. I stopped to take a picture of the Hobbit House, and we all checked out the bunkhouse and lodge before hitting the Cle Elum Safeway on the way back to North Bend. Even the Safeway parking lot is an adventure east of the mountains. Why, there was this pickup truck, owned by some redneck woman (it said so), and she had posted some requests on her rear window -- I suppose for Moe and Peoh, but maybe Doe and I were included. Friendly town, but we had responsibilities and loved ones calling us home.

We missed Ann-o and Joe (Jim) and his boys. You won’t be so lucky next time.