I got a text from a hiking friend on Thursday asking if I wanted to go hiking this weekend, and what I thought about the forecast for Saturday.  Well, yes, I'm always up for a hike if I am free, and she pointed out a hike I've been wanting to do to knock nearly 7 miles of new trail for the Red Line challenge.  The weather, well, it looked to be on and off showers throughout the day with potential thunder showers in the afternoon.  It's only 7 miles to the one exposed peak, and if we started at 6, we probably would be up there before the thunder storms happen, with any luck, we'd be up there well before noon since all but about 1.5 miles of hike in is under 20% slope, most being "flat", so it should be a relatively fast hike in.  I saw we crossed a few streams on the way in, and I knew from experience that we cross one stream multiple times on the way out that could be tricky if the water is high.... but it's been dry, so I wasn't worried.

I started the day by going down to look at the water crossing as I knew the bridge was out.  It looked crossable, but we would probably get wet boots.  So, we started by hiking over to the truck trail and took Mr. Van in to the Klondike trail.  The hike in was drizzly, but the woods were just beautiful.  Unfortunately though, the trail was a bit muddy for a significant portion of the trail in.  It wasn't horrible overall, but it did make you think twice about footing in many places.  Overall, a nice, reasonable uphill to a bit past the lean-to and then next thing you know, you're at the trail for Yard.

We then climbed up Yard.  There have been reports in the past of people having trouble finding the trail.  We found it rather well traveled and easy to follow and plenty of trail markers on the way up.  There were a couple scrambles that being tall helped, and there were random spots where the rock wasn't as grippy as I'm used to.  If things were dry it probably would have been no big deal.  We knew that the views were not going to be on Yard, but a short distance before the true summit there's a rock you can climb up and get some views.  Not as good as Big Slide, but still gave us a taste of what was to come.  The true summit is a short herd path to a tiny clearing, and no sign.

Off and over the ridge to Big Slide had muddy spots.  At one mud pit I pushed my pole in and it sank down to the diamond on my pole (about 10 inches).  It was a gorgeous ridge walk though, and as you would think, it was relatively easy.  Lots of high mountain mosses on the sides of the trail and some impressive glacial erratics.  Even if you're coming in from the Brothers, it is a nice walk over to yard, and worth it, even though there really aren't any views.

Big slide was what you expect.  I think we saw a dozen or so people on the peak and on our way down.  The skies had cleared up enough we got some nice views... hazy, but still you could see everything.  The thermometer I was carrying said 60 degrees F and 87% humidity.  It did feel a bit sticky, and it felt prime for a pop-up thunder storm in the afternoon.  

Because we had some issues with slippery rocks on the way up Yard, we took our time getting down the scrambles at the top of Big Slide, but it wasn't that bad.  That rock is typical grippy stuff.  It was only once we left the peak until a bit past the trail junction with the Brothers trail that we had black fly issues.  We did keep moving, and it was a light breeze at times, but nothing that typically deters the black flies.  I'm guessing they just stuck to areas they could find more victims.

The hike down Slide Mountain Brook was typical for the trail.  Rocky and wet at the top, nice towards the bottom, and the long slab near the bottom was slick as usual.  We actually ran into a ranger just above the slab and had a nice conversation.  I have to say, I really respect those people.  They are some of the best trained people for back country search and rescue, and they are so dedicated.  We are extremely lucky that we have them.

We crossed the brook 6 times, and the lowest crossing, where it looks like a nice slab to cross on, I slipped on it... caught myself so I didn't fall, but it was a bit slick.  It was safer to go a little bit upstream and rock hop.  Next thing we knew we were at the Phelps trail.  Pumped some water from the Johns Brook, and in no time was at Johns Brook Lodge.  The hike back over the Klondike trail had us pass 7 people that had come over Yard, and then it was just us again until we got out.  We did decide to go and ford the brook where the bridge is out.  It is doable, but you will get wet feet for sure if your boots aren't waterproof.

Overall, a great trip and one I would highly recommend.  The Klondike trail is an alternative way in to JBL at about 6.3 miles when you go via the truck trail and Mr. Van.  That's about 3 miles longer than coming in from the Gardens, but it is doable, and not a bad hike.... more elevation, so it will take a little longer with a heavy pack, but definitely an alternative way in.

In the end, 15.2 miles over 10 hours.  This brings me to 173 miles over 132 hours and 8.9 miles up and 8.5 miles down of elevation so far this year.  Well on track to hit 300 miles this year.