Tweets,
Two friends and myself attempted a 20 mile loop hike over Marmot Pass in the
Olympics last weekend. The weather was beautiful and with the exception of
our 50 pound backpacks (We were planning for 3 nights) our hike was
enjoyable. Just below the summit of Marmot Pass we hit an avalance shute
that was still full of snow. We spent almost two hours scrambling up and
around it on to run into a bigger and steeper one further up the trail. At
dusk we set camp on the side of the mountain worried we wouldn't be able to
get back to the trail. The next morning we did find a way back (after alot
of worrying!) and took a break to rest. I had almost forgotten that I was
hearing birds when I heard a number of Clarks nutcrackers. There were about
6 of them. They landed fairly close to us at the top of some shrubby
sub-alpine firs. Got some very good looks at them for awhile. I know they
are not uncommon but the only other place that I have regularly seen them is
at Paradise at Mt. Rainier. I also heard and observed a Hermit warbler. A
lifer for me. It came within 10 feet of me and we got some great looks. Also
seen and heard were Blue grouse, Hermit thrush, Swainson's thrush, and the
usuals of the forest. Not a bad trip.... Hope to summit Marmot Pass on a
future trip.
~Amy Schillinger
schillingera at hotmail.com

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