GREEN MOUNTAIN HIKE - TRIP REPORT

Who went: DJ, David, Elisha, Mrs G, and Scrapper (David's dog)

When: Wednesday, August 15, 2007. 10:00 - 4:30

Where: Green Mountain

Distance: 10 miles (8.0 miles Wildcat + 1.0 Vista + 1.0 Bunny Trail)
We started at the Wildcat trailhead
and traveled 4 miles to half mile Vista trail.  We went down from Vista and took a bunny trail to take care of last mile
and then returned down Wildcat.

Weather: Hot, sunny.

Level: Moderate - Strenuous (Not for the out of shape)

What was the most fun?
Lunch!

What we did:
We saw a lot more wildlife than any other hike we've been on, such as chipmunks, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a deer.
We gained over 1200' in four miles.
Ate lunch!
Talked about the Leave No Trace principles.

The most challenging thing:
Going uphill

What we saw:
Crested Woodpecker
Banana Slugs
Fireweed
Huckleberries
Wild Blueberries
Blackberries
Seattle
The entirety of Bremerton
Puget Sound
The Cascade Mountains

What I brought:
The ten essentials
Water
Lunch
Daypack
Powerade
Walking stick (picked up on the trail)

What we learned:
64 oz of water was not enough.
It's hard to walk uphill.
This hike I finally discovered how many bottles of water is ideal, 5.

Suggestions for other people doing this hike:
Bring a hat.
Bring more water than you think you need.
Bring lots of water.
Bring a comfortable walking stick.

Conclusion:
It was worth it!
It was very tiring.
Strenuous, but quite worth it.

Adult's note: Park at the Wildcat Trailhead rather than the Gold Mountain. There have been reports of break-ins at Gold Mountain. There are sani-cans at the beginning of the trail, and at the Green Mountain campgrounds, but there is no water source anywhere on the trail.

Fireweed - DJ says it makes great honey

Banana Slug sunning itself

"I can see Seahawks Stadium!"

Downhill is a LOT easier than up!