Surprise Lake attempt on Sunday 12-15?

[AttoirRE]

Just got my locker and 32's on my Land Cruiser. Looking for anyone to join me for Surprise Lake, don't know how much snow / ice there will be on this upcoming Sunday.

If you guys aren't familiar with the trail, it's short and sweet with some great views. One tough spot that I couldn't make a few months ago on AT's and unlocked. Hoping to conquer it this time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d88hjcN9VS8

http://www.nwjeepn.com/SurpriseLake.html

 

[yohavos]

I bet it's gorgeous up there right now, Joe. If I had to guess I would say you're going to hit snow low, possibly before the trailhead.

Play it safe, if I were in town I would join you.

 

[srgould41]

Wish I could join you. I just finished a front locker install in my FJ40 and want to test it out, but I'm working this weekend. The 29th is my next opportunity.

I think I hiked up there once. It was strange to hike up there in the snow in late August. I tried to go up the following year and the bridge across the river had washed out. I had no idea there was a 4x4 trail to the lake.

 

[AttoirRE]

Could really use someone to go w/ me up there.

 

[srgould41]

Just please don't go alone. None of us want to see a rescue in the news.

 

[AttoirRE]

Welp, I'm heading out tomorrow AM. Been to the top several times solo, even though that's without snow.

Nothing to prove, will head to the top if I feel it's safe. If not I'll u-turn. Taking enough supplies for an overnighter even though worst case it's a 6-7 mile walk out to ranger station. Seeing that the low probably won't be below freezing, should be fine.

I'll post tomorrow evening w/ a pic of how far I made it. If I don't, well, you guys know where I'm at. =)

 

[AttoirRE]

Alive and well. Weather was very mild. On my way up I was thinking this was going to be easy sauce.

About 1/3 of the way up the entire trail turned to one big sheet of ice. About 6-10" thick in most places. No thanks, I'll try again next year.

 

[yohavos]

Good stuff, Joe. I recognize the area from that pic. I was convinced you would hit snow well before that.

Any feedback on your experience with the auto locker in the rear and the ice? Any sketchiness heading back down that at all?

 

[AttoirRE]

Also, interesting story. I wasn't able to find anyone to go with me, which was disappointing. We get out there, and right at the one lane bridge there was a Samurai airing down. I asked him where he was going, he said Surprise Lake. Hot damn.

The passenger gets out, and says - "I know you.", directed at me.

A year ago or so, I went up there with you guys (I think Mike, William, Dain, Kyle, e'erbody was there I believe.) and we ran into a broke jeep. He was needing gear oil. I just so happened to have some in my truck, gave it to the guy. It was him.

We headed up together, then U-turned and came back down together, hah.

 

[srgould41]

I'm glad you made it there and back OK. Might have to try again in a month or two. I'm going on a hang over run to Tonga Ridge, but will be ready for another trip in mid to late Jan.

 

[LazyAccent]

Dang, I was going to go to suprise lake with a few friends yesterday but one of my friends trans blew so we ended up not going. If I checked here sooner I would have joined you!