Iron Chest
Note that this run was after the trail was modified to allow access to mining vehicles. The trail was not nearly as difficult during that period before they moved the rocks back.
Though the trail had been changed recently we were all looking forward to making it to the top. Monica had not been able to finish Iron Chest in 2002 (it was too difficult and it was dark), Tom had completed the trail just before the modifications and wanted to see the changes, and Ladd hadn't seen it before in its rocky glory. We made it to the top in just under an hour.
The area that was a nightmare last year was a dirt road when we ran it, with small rocks scattered around. The large boulders -- complete with old scrapes and scars -- were piled on either side of the trail. We talked Ladd's ear off trying to describe the way the trail used to look but you really had to see it to believe it. The spot that had taken us two hours the year before took us about ten minutes this time.
The shelf road had been widened or flattened where it was challenging before, so that wasn't an issue anymore. There were still some rocks to negotiate near the top but it was a short area. They were loose and it was a fun part but it was very brief.
We saw a little snow but nothing major on the trail. There were a couple vehicles at the top but luckily they were on the same CB channel and they waited for us to get to the top before they worked their way down. We had lunch at the top and explored the mine, which was really cool.
Though it was extremely depressing it was nice to be able to get to the mine without any anxiety. It's still a good trail, even though it's so short.
Reports from Other Days: 6
Use the arrows or dots to flip through the previews of the other reports for Iron Chest. Click one of them to read more and see all of the photos from that day.
