May 26, 2012--Goat Mountain, North Cascades

We woke to the songs of wrens and the shrill of thrushes from our Goat Mountain TH bivvy at 4 am. By 5 we hit the forest trail waving to familar friends--the calypso orchid, trillium, and colts foot beside our tennis shoes. We carried skis and boots to just above 1200 meters, where snow becomes more persistant and the slide alder becomes more entangling on those tall over head skis. From there we were able to boot up the drainage, gaining the prominant mellow glade--which was still firm by morning light.

Here the expansive views of Shuksan, Baker, Sefrit and beyond were spectacular. Blue skies above, sun and snow just begining to corn up at 9:30 on the SouthEast facing slopes, here is another photo. We gained the ridge and on

We were alone except for one other two man party--one on skis, and one on snowshoes.

What a great day.

note: Nearby access information for Ruth Mountain: The road is closed about a half mile from the TH. .