Though not worthy of a trip report, just thought I'd pass on that E38 has dried out nicely.. Fun climbs, some routes are almost like new routes due to the sluffing.
Got out for a non-alpine start heading for vantage... As we were driving by E32, looked up and saw the most amazing blue sky peeking through white cotton candy clouds. Thought, Hmmmmm.... drive drive drive, or check out E38 and climb climb climb. The decision was made _before_ we got to the exit, luckily, and we were rewarded with a near (and then shortly after) empty parking lot... OH how I love weekday climbing. A short hike up (there is a new tree across the trail) and we were climbing fools, and even made it back in time for pubclub.
Noteworthy:
The beer drinking, MaryJane smoking, "rapellers"... "gez, we don't understand why you go to all that work to climb up... you can just walk around" sitting at the top of the climb, reminiscing about the old days before all us sporty thrill seekers started to traffic up the backwoods.
Also of note: Goats in backpacks... Training for multi-day hikes. Little frame backpacks, very nicely made, not like doggy saddle bags... More like Llama packs or something. No, I'm not kidding, there were two, and their owner said "they are better hiking companions than the dog, they don't run off" and I'll be darned if they were not totally imprinted on her, followed her like duckling. AND, they are surefooted and can carry up to 60 pounds!
So that was Exit 38.
Many thanks to Loren (cascadeclimber) and Craig (Rocksanyone) for a fantastic day!!!!
goats
More my style... no goats for me...