Cannon Mountain (Round Three)

[summithound]

Hey All:

 

I was shot down by Cannon Mountain once earlier this month and once last month and I'm itching for another opportunity to get it done. The route I'd like to take is very specific:

• Depart along the old logging road from the Mountaineer Creek trailhead.
   
  
• Traverse the washout to continue along the old logging road (various degrees of bushwhacking).
   
  
• Just past the switchback in the road at two miles make a direct ascent of the forested ridge to gain the northwest ridge proper at four miles.
   
  
• Rather than descend to Coney Lake like most parties, stay on the ridge to the summit.
   
  
• Reverse the route on the descent.
  

I realize this route might be slightly more challenging than departing the old logging road at the washout and descending to Coney Lake once the northwest ridge is attained but I find it more attractive and sporting in nature. During my first attempt my buddy and I were turned around on the northwest ridge at about 8,000' due to fatigue on his part. On my most recent attempt I decided to call it quits about 0.5 mile from the summit due to fatigue. My climbing buddy was able to find a way around the last impediment and successfully made the top. I think one of the primary reasons I had such low energy levels at my turnaround point was a combination of dehydration and poor nutrition (more the former than the latter, however). The day could've started off better with more than a Safeway pastry and it was probably a sign that I didn't take my first pee stop until 0.5 mile from the summit.

 

My preferred days for this attempt would be either Saturday, September 8th or Saturday, September 15th. I am also available Sunday, September 9th and Sunday, September 16th. Having both stayed at a hotel in Wenatchee and camped at the trailhead I'd like to make this an out-and-back trip from Kirkland, hitting the road no later than 3:30 a.m. This is a long route and I imagine the ridge will take some time; we'll likely be hiking out in the dark. I am available to drive and am fine with picking up anybody along the way. My route will be via Highways 522 and 2. The weather forecast can be found here.

 

If there are any interested parties, please let me know. For the time being I want a partner before I give this another attempt.

 

Edited August 24, 2012 by summithound