We were so excited driving over the pass this morning, blue skies overhead. We dreamed of basking in the sun on the summit of Hex. No luck, however because once on the other side and passing through Roslyn, it was clear that the clear skies would not be for us today.
We couldn’t complain (much) as at least it wasn’t raining. In fact, if there was precipitation it would have been snow for sure.
There was one other car parked at the pullout as a significant berm and snow clogged the forest road, so we did the same and walked Salmon La Sac the short distance.
A compact trench meant we just wore boots on the ascent but snowshoes were strapped on our packs just in case. Training weight either way.
We made it to the junction with the Hex Mountain trail about quarter to 11. Cle Elum Lake was a glossy black below as a few rays filtered though the moody skies. The wind was more pronounced and we added back on layers we had discarded on the way up.
There was more snow on the ridge but only one of us added snowshoes. This was my first time on Hex at this time of the year, my spring time visits definitely have more accumulation.
Shortly before the last push to the junction with Sasse, where the ridge flattens and makes for a great viewing point, my hip decided to act up and I made that my turn around point. My friends continued on to the summit but I didn’t feel bad as it looked socked in for the most part.
After taking a brief break, I put my snowshoes on for the trek down. Staying out of the trench, there was plenty of snow to drudge through. No powder, a little crunchy, but it didn’t stick or ball so I was happy.
I passed a few other sets of folks on my way down but otherwise it was a quiet day. Afterwards we gathered down in Roslyn to warm up!
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