May 28, 2012, Mt Catherine adventur

Did Catherine for the second time in the last eight days since it is close to home.  We started from the FS road and were able to (just barely) skin up the in bounds runs (lower Blowdown) to Union station.  From there, we skinned the road to the clear cut.  Route finding get a bit challenging due to melt out tree wells. 

Going through the first bit of old growth the snow was well hidden by needles, moss, branches, etc.  Once we got past the 'cliff crux' the snow got a lot cleaner and a bit firmer.  The skinning got a bit tough (due to soft snow) right below the summit ridge so we set a nice boot pack.

The summit was socked in all day so no great summit shots this time.

The ski down was fun above the cliff band and through the scree slope.  The rest was forgettable until we got back to Hyak.  Once there, we skied upper Blowdown and then "New Cut" and then all the way back down the FS road.

I think subsequent trips will require lots of 'skis off' time on the Hyak side.  The Union station area has enough snow for a couple more weeks I think.