Hitch Four

Our fourth project took us to Killen Meadows on the western slope of Washington's Mt. Adams. We arrived in the rain and set up camp at about 6000 ft. Two of the members, Auguie and Matt, had hiked the 50 miles South from the last job site at White Pass to our current location and were there waiting for us... smelly but smiling. In and around Killen Meadows runs a little alpine stream that cascades over some lava falls and creates islands and isolated campsites. We worked to repair one end of a bridge just above the falls, bringing in a dozen or so massive rocks and elevating the tread to ensure the water stayed in the stream, not on the trail. We then set to work building rock check steps. A bit trickier than timber checks, they at times tried our patience but when done right are more durable than wood and come with a bit more satisfaction. We also redesigned a switchback and armored a stream crossing, all of which demanded the biggest rocks we could find. We were joined by Mattios, a friend of Lori's and his muscle and attitude were invaluable. This was another hitch that allowed us to build on our previously-learned skills and challenged us in a variety of ways. About half way through the sun came out and we enjoyed absolutely fabulous weather from then on. Mt. Adams was aglow in the morning and evening and a beacon of white all day long, when the stars came out we knew that we were some place very special and we all talk about how eager we are to return to Killen Meadows.