The Yurtathon Part Two

Saturday morning our group of 7 headed up with heavy packs to overnight at the Yurt in the Mount Tahoma Trail Association (Skimtta.com) system near Mt Rainier. It is early in the snowshoeing year and the Yurt is the most remote destination in the system.

The first 2 1/2 miles were steep but the trail was groomed so we were able to leave our snowshoes strapped on our packs. At that point we reached the Lower Yurt trail which is the path less travelled. We elected to take the lower trail and put our snowshoes on.

It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a real workout. The snow was deep and and the going was slow. On the first steep section of the trail the snow was so deep that it was difficult to get my feet up and over. I pushed through in animal mode, but the lasting effects of the exertion weighed on the rest of the trek.

We continued along with everyone getting some time breaking trail. It was actively snowing at this point. We were making a rut in the snow that was an average of 18 inches deep. This section of trail was more than 4 miles before we met up with the partially groomed trail with 1 mile to go to the Yurt.

 

We arrived at 5:30 and fired up the heat in the Yurt and took our gear off to dry by the stove. My cap had 3 inches of snow on the bill and there was at least that much on my pack.

Once we were settled we set to getting a dinner of Grilled Veggie tacos with Quinoa salad and Spanish rice together. There was some wine consumed I am told, but what I remember most was taking the pack off.

We played a cool game that Annelise packed with her until we were good and tired and set up to sleep. We were treated by a fantastic moon and stars all night.

 

In the morning we took our time and finally left at around 10 AM for our return trip out the more groomed trail. It was a wonderful and clear morning which gave us great views most of the way down.

Mt St Helens

Mt Rainier

The Gang at the Yurt

High Rock Lookout

This is where the Lower Yurt trail meets the main trail showing our track from the day before.
 

Heated seats have never been as great an option as they were when we were again de-packed and heading back to Ashford.

The pure enjoyment that you get from a shared adventure with like minded people in a quiet, pristine environment is almost impossible to put into words.

Happy New Year! Please be safe and be very well and more next year, but soon....