It's been more than a year since I last hiked Mt. Si, and I realized that I had never hiked it when the wildflowers were in bloom--as they were today in great and beautiful abundance. The hot weather brought people out in droves: If these are the numbers of hikers on a Wednesday, I can imagine what it's like on a weekend! I was dismayed to see so many people seemingly unprepared for hiking in the heat: no packs, tiny water bottle if any, and some of them looking like they were about to collapse with heat stroke. I suppose they assume that there's no need to be prepared on Mount Si as there will always be someone to help them out if they get in trouble. I was particularly disturbed to see the many dogs suffering from the heat as they plodded upwards, panting heavily, tongues nearly touching the ground. One poor dog lay down in the middle of the trail and I heard its owner yell at it: ""If I can make it you can,"" and yanked its collar to get it up again. People forget that their pets are wearing fur coats that they can't take off. After reaching the basin and having lunch on a rock looking out on the splendid view (Mount Rainier was as clear as I've ever seen it from Si--although the western view was quite hazy and Seattle obscured by smog) we continued on the trail towards the haystack and turned right at the trail junction towards Mt. Teneriffe. This was a pleasant stroll to the saddle between Si and Teneriffe, and the views here change to a northerly aspect where Mt. Baker adds to the panorama.

First time on the Mt. Si trail. Started at 4 pm and back to the car at 8 pm with 20 minutes at the top. Trail was mostly dry and cool with alot of friendly traffic in both directions. Many singles who looked like they were doing a workout. The half mile markers keep one tuned into how fast or slow you are going and motivate you to keep your pace. Bugs at the top were obnoxious, but we moved to a spot 30 feet away and most were gone! Hikers with no backbacks were starting out at 8 pm as we approached the parking lot'' They must plan on hiking in the dark!' A wonderful hike and exercise that we will do again.

Very crowded - perhaps the trail should be split up like Greenlake' Is there such a thing as lane control' Still a very beautiful trail. No blowdowns - a little snow on top.

The trail is snow free up to the summit except for a very small patch of snow near the top. I hadn't been up Si for a while and I was surprised to see how much damage has occurred to the trail since the last time I was there. It's not in as bad a shape as most backcountry trails, but there are plenty of root-filled, rocky sections and lots of mud-holes. When I reached the summit, I found a comfortable, flat rock to sit on and enjoy the views of North Bend. Moments after I pulled out my lunch, a battle ensued. Initially, I was assaulted by ground from north, south, east and west. The ""Gang of four"", as I came to know them, was composed of four fearless and well-fed chipmunks. They carried out an impressive and well orchestrated ground assault on my potato chips while I was distracted by a pair stealth gray jays zooming overhead. The attack was fierce and prolonged. I stuffed food in my face a fast as I could - it was my only means of defense. Hovering in the background through out the assault was a battered-looking red squirrel. He had streaks of gray fur showing his age, and he had a lean and hungry look. He stood on his hind legs and observed the entire assault. I have no proof for it, but I suspect he was the mastermind of the entire operation. I believe this furry, four-footed Francisimo Franco was using high-frequency chatters to dictate orders to both his ground troops and air forces to coordinate the attack. Though I was forced to retreat, I did manage to bring back some valuable intelligence. I was playing with a GPS unit and was able to record their coordinates. If anyone out there has a spare cruise missile laying around, lock onto 47:30.451, 121:44.283.

John and I started up the trail at 2:00 pm, and despite a wierd 5 minute rain squall, found ourselves on the summit with views to downtown Seattle. We clambered cautiously on the Haystack, coming down as round pellets of graupel snow came from above, collecting like mothballs in corners. As we headed down, snow turned to gentle rain. Lots of friendly people on the trail.