I have rated this one as disappointing for 3 reasons:
-the fog and cloud obscured our views
-my objective to bag the 103 hike was the peak of MacFarlane and my cardio oprevented me from making it without delaying the group
-I still feel bad a bout Bo's camera getting munched on the scree slope
HOWEVER, Pierce lake itself was an amazing blue and on a clear day I'm sure the that and the peak would be a top 10 103 hike. Despite the grueling climb, and need to hike last 30 min int he dark, I'm coming back.
We took one wrong turn early on so for those doing this trip, a few warnings:
-I'd suggest doing it on a dry day (there are some slippery areas
-make sure you hit thr trail, NOT THE ROAD, right from the parking lot
-watch for the infamous Hog's Weed, unfortunately it has found its way to this trail
Although I wouldn't want to carry a big pack here, this one might be worth staying the night, it just has the potential to be that scenic.
A big thanks to Peter for organizing this one and letting me join. The crew along on this trip clearly demonstrated my lack of cardio, but thorugh interesting conversation made the imminent explosion of my heart somewhat more tolerable. I enjoyed this group, somehow it reminded me of old Wanderung callouts when the club was a bit younger.
We also found a suitable replacement for a Chilliwack after hike pub to the crapola "Jolly Rancher". Though the name didn't show much promise, the "Major League 2" sportsbar had cheap speacials that actually were good (Prime Rib for 6.99!!), and a firepit in the outside patio for us hiker types. I'll be coming back here...