7th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Snowshoe/Microspike at Tom Dick & Harry Mt.

This is our 7th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater snowshoe/micro-spike at Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain. Our plan is to hike or snowshoe to the top of Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain via the Mirror Lake TH. We will make a loop around the lake before climbing up the mountain. This is an out and back hike with a loop in the middle.

For those who wish to partake, we will be exchanging Christmas cookies this year so bring your favorite cookies to share. I will bring tongs for the cookie exchange. We will stop off for food and drink at a local restaurant around Welches and exchange cookies, then select our top three ugly Christmas sweater contestants.

There will be prizes awarded to the top three ugly Christmas sweater contestants. As in the past six years, I will find an external panel of judges to select our winners to prevent bias.

You should bring poles and micro spikes in case there is not enough snow to snowshoe, conditions may be icy.

***Please note, you are not required to wear an ugly Christmas sweater to attend but it will be fun!

No pets on this particular adventure!

http://www.nwhiker.com/MHNFHike29.html

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=45.3021&lon=-121.7733#.X8xTFVVKjak

Total distance: 7.6 miles round trip
Elevation change: 1600 feet
Time to Complete: 4-6 hours depending upon group pace
Rating: Moderate
Permit: Sno Park Pass
Transportation: Carpool at Gateway Transit Center or meet at the TH
Driving Distance: 99 miles RT

CARPOOLING: If you wish to carpool, meet us at Gateway Transit Center just prior to 9:00am on Saturday. Please be on time for a prompt departure. Total round trip driving distance is about 99 miles. We suggest a gas donation of 10 cents/mile/person. Exact change makes it easier to divide among drivers. Nobody will be turned around for their inability to contribute.

My Style:
I normally hike at a pace of 2.5-3 mph depending on terrain, keeping safety as a priority while managing to have some fun along the way. If we are able to snow shoe the pace will be slower at 1.5- 2 mph. There will be photo opportunities, water breaks as needed, and a snack break at the summit (weather permitting).

Necessities:
Please make sure you bring the ten essentials (see below). Also dress in layers for cold weather, wind, snow. Snowshoes and or micro-spikes will be necessary.

Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation ( map, compass, awareness of route)
2. Sun protection-sunscreen and glasses
3. Insulation ( extra clothing, layers)
4. Illumination (headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries)
5. First aid supplies
6. fire ( waterproof matches, lighter, candles)
7. Knife, tools
8. Nutrition ( extra food)
9. Hydration ( extra water)
10. Emergency whistle

Please understand that you are responsible for your safety and preparedness, know your abilities and limitations. My goal is to get everyone up and down the mountain without injury but this requires you to know your limits. If we do this we will have an amazing day.