May 24, 2009, Mt Rainier, Camp Muir Corn

Beautiful day on the Muir Snowfield today.  My girlfriend was doing a training hike with her WAC class and I convinced her to bring her snowboard for her first backcountry experience and we could not have asked for a better day!  Left the parking lot at 9 (and yes it is true - the main lot is Paradise Inn guests and 2 hour parking with Rangers directing traffic past the Inn or to the old visitor center parking lot).  Got to Muir by 1PM , enjoyed lunch and the views - descended about 1:45PM.  A little earlier departure would have been better for the snow below Pebble Creek but the first 2500ft were smooth and buttery and the ear to ear to grin on the gf's face was priceless.   Pan Face was consolidated with no rollers or hissing.  Was able to get all the way down to the old visitors center parking lot - the snow was a little grabby but still doable.  All in all - a perfect day!