March 12, Saturday, Tiger Mountain Trail 1

Round trip = 11.2 km

Weight: 20# day pack

Elevation gain: 2,450 feet

Accumulation elevation gain for 2016: 9174 feet.

Accumulated distance hiked: 79.43 km

Note: Honda had vibration problem due to left front wheel falling in a hole the night before. 

This hike was billed as moderate, but I found it strenuous and again, I was the last in line. I'm sure my heart rate at times was well over 140. But this time there were no leg cramps, possibly because of the salt sticks I was consuming (8, counting two I took before I left home).  However, my urine was slightly yellow. My gear was good, but my stamina needs to improve, as well as my flexibility. Things learned: 

• Have 2 pair of gloves; 
• keep hankies in convenient place; 
• use a large plastic bag inside my pack to keep things dry; 
• practice with my harness until I can put it on more easily;
•  learn how to strap my ice axe so it doesn't flop around and endanger others; 
• keep candy bars handy for quick snacks. 
• figure out a way to keep my glasses dry -- perhaps a cap with a bill under my hood; 
• pack my helmet inside my pack. Get more sleep the night before. 
• Work on navigation skills. 
• Work on flexibility exercises.
• Possibly purchase a rainproof cap for my head to keep warm.

I also learned that doing Adams is a really long shot, without a scramble patch -- which I may not get unless I can pass a rock scramble in May.