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The whole morning was overcast with all Three Apostles and Huron socked in by clouds. We started at 6 am. It had rained the previous night all night long. We camped just before the junction where the Three Apostles path and Lake Ann path diverge (10,800').
Three Apostles covered in clouds
Not a very long report, but we attempted Huron Peak via the southwest route. This route is not commonly used as it is not maintained. However, our group is always up for a route with more solitude and a bit more challenge. We actually loved the route through the thick woods. Even though we had to hurdle numerous downed trees, the beauty and serenity were worth it. It was a steady and easy climb to tree line. Once we left the trees, there are three boulder fields and several patches of willows to mountaineer. The recommended route across these boulder fields and willows is to try and maintain elevation with very slight gain. A few in our party took a higher line with more boulders and less willows. I took the recommended route staying in the willows at times. I gained about 600 feet across the bolder fields and willows at a distance of just under 1 mile.
We stopped at about 12,600 just below the saddle to reassess the weather. It was only about 8:30 am and the weather was not improving. If anything, the clouds were thicker. We waited 15-20 minutes before deciding it was not worth the risk of a storm and being exposed well above tree line. We headed back down to camp.
Many hikers would have continued and taken the risk. However, we take lightning seriously and knowing our own abilities, decided conservatively. We do not regret our decision and still loved being in the mountains and enjoying God's creation. We woke up at 2:30 am on Saturday morning to consider the traditional northwest route and watch sunrise. However, it was raining so we went back to sleep. We again assessed the weather Saturday morning at 6 am to consider one more try, but the clouds and intermittent rain were just not what we had hoped for. We will return for another attempt and pray for sunny skies! :)
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You made the right choice, weather on Fri and Sat was terrible and got terrible early. I remember driving at 3am Sat it was raining, it did stop raining from 4 to 11, but always overcast, and then poured at 11. huron is a beautiful peak and deserves to be enjoyed with sunny weather.
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