Jessi led a crew of thirteen on the first mile of the Mount Dickerman trail. This was one of the best work parties I've been on this year. We got a lot done with out sacrificing the fun. We built many bigger-deeper-wider drain dips, a couple of waterbars, and some check dams. We also did lots of retreading, widenning the trail while removing roots and rocks. Two huge rocks the crew removed cost me a Deluxe Cheesburger at the Mountain View Cafe. I bet Jessi the crew wouldn't be able to move them. I guess I know now not to bet against WTA crews. I also had a couple of cute little kids con me out of two big handfuls of Gummiworms. I think they were practicing for Holloween already. The Mount Dickerman trail is far from being in perfect shape, but I think we've taken care of a lot of the major drainage problems on the first mile.

Orders for the day: PT and reconnaissance of Mount Dickerman. Clear sky to the west, glimpses of towering peaks and occasional sucker holes outweigh the brief showers encountered on the approach. Finally, the trailhead! From the start, this is a no-nonsense granny gear trail. Not only that, the recent monsoons turned the ""dry"" trail into ""Dickerman Creek"". I envy the Navigator-in-Chief's high top Gore-Tex boots and wonder more than once if they'd fit my delicate feet, and how he'd fare barefoot in the puddles. Onward and ever upward ...breathe in, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step, step. What's this' ""Dickerman Creek"" moved to the sky' We break into the survival gear and pull on parkas. Whoops, now it's snowing. Snow' Well, it is October, already. Beautiful! Snowy alpine meadows, light fluffy flakes... berry fields! I taste drenched, mushy berries here and there, getting more water than berry, and frozen fingers at the same time. But wait! A *very large* sucker hole is headed our way. Suddenly we're bathed in sunshine, the summit is haloed in brilliance and the Navigator leaves me in the dust... err, mud. Whoopee, it's only October, you know! Relentlessly upward, the berries get better... until they're covered with snow, that is. The last several hundred yards of trail and the summit are under 3 to 4 inches of snow. The glorious view we've anticipated is AWOL! Perry Creek valley and Mt. Stillaguamish are sighted and many, many waterfalls briefly appear through a veil of mist. We munch rations of gorp and cocoa and wish the clouds away. Brrrrrr! (After all it is October.) Descending, I enviously watch the Navigator splash his way through ""Dickerman Creek"" as I bounce from rock to trailside in a valiant attempt to stay somewhat dry. Back and forth, back and forth, descending, challenging knees and feet, until the yellow highway stripes suddenly appear, and we succumb to the soft, dry seats of the Corps Van. Official report: Mt. Dickerman is a worthy objective, best in clear weather, beautiful meadows and forest otherwise. Huckleberries are past their prime for this year, some gathering is still possible. Waterproof boots are recommended following monsoons! Post-official recommendation: If it's operating, don't miss the Bar-B-Q at the Biker bar in Granite Falls! Yummmers! [Online-editor note: We'll be doing a work party on the Mount Dickerman Trail on the 18th. Hopefully we can separate ""Dickerman Creek"" from Dickerman trail.]

Taking advantage of the promise of the only sunny day this week, we decided to hike Mount Dickerman. The trail starts at 1900 feet and climbs to ca. 5700. We were pleased to find only three other cars at the trailhead, since this is usually a very crowded place to be--for good reason. It is an outstanding trail--beautifully maintained (lots of great work has been done on it since I last hiked it two years ago). After the first couple of miles switchbacking up through the forest, the trail climbs into the lower meadows, and right now they are gorgeous--turning red, full of blueberries--it was hard to stop eating them! The rest of the hike (about a mile and a quarter) is up through open meadows. The views from the meadows were marvelous--out to Big Four and the Monte Christo peaks. But from the top, they simply couldn't be better--Rainier looming over the top of the peaks to the south; Glacier Peak to the East, Mount Baker and Shuksan to the North--and in every direction hundreds of other peaks. We ate our lunch on the middle summit-- and another party occupied the eastern summit, another one the western--it was great to have this degree of privacy. (The third couple we saw heading down as we were climbing up). Great hike! [Online-editor note: Hey I'm leading another work party on Dickerman on October 18. Anybody interested']

If you don't like lupen, forget it. yes, there is a smattering of columbine and paintbrush and tiger lilies, the usual splendors of flowers. yes there are the views, which on this partially sunny day were overpowering. yes, there is that macho feeling of powering up the (wonderfully maintained, and snow free) trail; when I first saw the summit from the trail, I wondered which peak that was and felt good that we wouldn't have to hike up to it. But it was the carpets of lupen that made the day; that and the blueberries that were strongly suggesting the return trip later this year. A must do!!

The trail up was 97% snowfree and in top condition. Wildflowers were just starting their full bloom on top and should be spectacular in a week or so. Flies can be a bit difficult if you are not moving. Some mosquitos but not a problem. Great weather with fantastic views!