July 3, 2005, Flett Glacier and Observation Rock

When longer weekend plans fell through, Chris Cass offered a wildflower and July-turns day trip that any naturalist/skier would have a hard time passing up. I could hardly believe the sun that streamed through my east facing windows at sunrise. This was not the expected forecast! Blue bird skies, wildflowers, and skiing in July...WOW! The washboard road to the Mowich Lake trailhead was awash with the nodding heads of avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum). In the gorgeous Spray Park meadow other species showered us with their earlier than usual fanfare: Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja sp), Shooting star (Dodecatheon spp.), bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax), lupine (Lupinus spp.), sickle headed lousewort (Pedicularis sp.). Some heather was blooming and we were treated to the appearance --and aroma--of sky pilot (Polemonium sp.) in a rock outcrop above 7,000 feet.

During lunch just above Spray Park the wind picked up a bit and the temperatures cooled. A few cirrus clouds began to build. The view of the North Cascades was amazing even with Glacier Peak hiding under a mottled cloud layer. We left the red porous rocks and traipsed into the snow. I began skinning at around 6400 feet and had only 5 short portages on the accent (and 4 on the descent) to reach the knoll just under Observation Rock. By then, the temperatures were quite warm again, and Echo Rock was beautifully bathed with gossamer clouds.  Cloud shadows dotted the broad snowy canvas below us. Under less than ideal lighting conditions for fabulous photographs, Cass spilled off the knoll first dropping a knee in fine style. (Yes, Cass on telemark skis again!). The snow was sweet, buttery, and creamy. We were hooting and hollering down the snow field as we lay a set of super S's in the slope. We followed other tracks from the first descent portage to the campsite of a Seattle couple. I was jealous they could yo-yo this field at sunset. As we chatted about the fabulous day, the clouds pulled away from the mountain. By the time I changed out of my T2's the sun returned in full force. I kept looking over my shoulder at this glorious landscape as I hiked the well maintained trail. Despite a slight wind, the mosquitoes were more than moderate. We had to keep moving. Or at least moving when we weren't photographing illuminated avalanche lilies, the mountain, and a pair of marmots that entertained me close by. The Eagle Cliff lookout offered some final views of Rainier as we pushed back along the trail to the Lake.

Photos to follow.
--Jessica