JasonG Posted January 8, 2011 Posted January 8, 2011 Trip: Winchester Lookout - The long way Date: 1/3/2011 Trip Report: It was real pretty and we should have had great skiing, but Scott discovered a broken binding once we got to the cabin. Oh well, we had more time to enjoy the view and talk about Dallas. We had the Pleiades in full view and it brought back a lot of memories. A visit by Mr. Scurlock was a great surprise, and the spectacular views didn't disappoint. South slopes were hit hard by the sun, but north slopes were quite nice for whatever form of downhill locomotion you enjoy. A great place to spend the night, but a bit of a grunt from the highway. We should have had sleds like the rest of the folks in the know. I was surprised by how busy the area was in the middle of winter, but sleds make for quick access, I guess. Lucky for us, we had the lookout to ourselves. Enough blabbing . ..here are some photos. Gear Notes: Whiskey Approach Notes: Long and scenic. Where are you supposed to park? We were scratching our heads at all the "No Parking" signs at the DOT maintenance yard. Quote
Tyson.g Posted January 8, 2011 Posted January 8, 2011 Wow, Those are some great shots! That is a great place in the Winter. Quote
genepires Posted January 8, 2011 Posted January 8, 2011 I like the lookout window cover props in the last shot. where is winchester lookout? Obviously north of baker. Quote
Tyson.g Posted January 8, 2011 Posted January 8, 2011 Gene - Right above Twin Lakes off of 542. It is a worthy Winter objective and offers some great skiing as well as some nice rock/snow/ice scrambling. Hard to beat the views toward the Border peaks from there although the snowmobile traffic can be a little much on the road up to the lakes. Quote
JasonG Posted January 8, 2011 Author Posted January 8, 2011 Thanks for the compliment, but have you checked out his site lately? I've got a ways to go . . .. Quote
LucasM Posted January 9, 2011 Posted January 9, 2011 That's a beautiful area, great photos! I think I ran into you guys in the parking lot before you set off for your ill-fated trip at the trail head before I headed out to Tomyhoi with my buddy. RIP Dallas. Quote
D. Inscho Posted January 30, 2011 Posted January 30, 2011 The abuse by the 4th season folks has been particularly difficult to remediate (fractured shutter supports due to propping during storm events, shitting on the snow around LO, filth/garbage left inside the structure). We are looking into ways of further securing structure against usage in winter months. Don't count on this being available for further winter exploits. David Inscho; Mount Baker Club Winchester chairman Quote
JasonG Posted February 3, 2011 Author Posted February 3, 2011 That is too bad. We left it in fine shape (and took care of a rodent that was in the lookout), as had those before us. We also used the blue bags provided and packed it out. We didn't see evidence of abuse/littering/human waste/etc., . That would really be tragic if a few bad apples spoil it for the rest of us, but I understand, you have to protect the lookout. Unfortunately, I suspect that efforts to secure the structure in winter will lead to vandalism from frustrated yahoos..... Regardless, thanks for taking care of the lookout, it is a great recreation resource! Quote
Fairweather Posted February 4, 2011 Posted February 4, 2011 Geeezz, I guess someone forgot to feed the little resident guard dog. Quote
D. Inscho Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 (edited) @ Fairweather Your snark only underscores the problem. 4th season visitors are a concern because the LO was not designed to be occupied during the winter months. Without rigorous stewardship from all users, the structure will be destroyed or rendered increasingly inaccessible; this has been the way for many other similar LOs. Perhaps best to tone down the misplaced sense-of-entitlement, especially when mere the preservation of a historical summit structure is at stake. It just may become more inaccessible due to abuse. But, thanks to the respectful folks... Edited February 23, 2011 by D. Inscho Quote
Teh Phuzzy Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 pretty much that. bummer on the broken binding Quote
Fairweather Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 (edited) @ Fairweather Your snark only underscores the problem. 4th season visitors are a concern because the LO was not designed to be occupied during the winter months. Without rigorous stewardship from all users, the structure will be destroyed or rendered increasingly inaccessible; this has been the way for many other similar LOs. Perhaps best to tone down the misplaced sense-of-entitlement, especially when mere the preservation of a historical summit structure is at stake. It just may become more inaccessible due to abuse. But, thanks to the respectful folks... As an historian myself, I can certainly appreciate what's at stake. Not being familiar with your organization, I can only speculate vis-a-vis your stewardship and/or control over this public space, but I can appreciate the concerns you've expressed about winter damage. Heinrich & Co seem to represent the epitome of responsible stewardship and respect, and it seems to me that a more reasoned post--one that attempted to educate rather than antagonize--would have been appropriate on your part. Edited February 24, 2011 by Fairweather Quote
olyclimber Posted February 25, 2011 Posted February 25, 2011 sweet looking huck in the tracks shot! nice TR...thanks! Quote
outofohio Posted March 3, 2011 Posted March 3, 2011 Nice photos Heinrich. I was wondering if anyone knew if the LO was still open for use? Quote
JasonG Posted March 3, 2011 Author Posted March 3, 2011 It's open..... they wouldn't close it until next winter at the earliest I'd suspect. Now whether or not you can get there right now without an avalanche taking you out is another story.... Quote
outofohio Posted March 3, 2011 Posted March 3, 2011 Yeah I was looking into maybe something on thursday or friday, but now looks like another storm is on the way for the weekend. Thanks for the info though. Quote
JasonG Posted March 3, 2011 Author Posted March 3, 2011 Thanks for the photo compliments, I realized I left out a couple of the major views from the lookout. Looking towards Goat and Shuksan at dusk: Larabee and American Border Peak: Tomyhoi: Quote
curtveld Posted March 3, 2011 Posted March 3, 2011 Damn, those are some pretty shots, Jason! I've always figured that E Face of Tomyhoi (lowest photo) ought to have some routes on it. Anyone know? Quote
JasonG Posted March 3, 2011 Author Posted March 3, 2011 (edited) Thanks Curt, I was looking at that face as well when we were up there. Certainly doable for the hardperson, but maybe a bit stiff for me. It would be interesting to hear if anyone has climbed that face and what they found. Edited March 3, 2011 by Heinrich Quote
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