August 20, 2005, MRNP - Paradise Glacier
8/20/05
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2758
2
Myself, Adrienne (ultragirl), and Josh went to the PG to find some carvable snow. After meeting on South Hill and taking a quick detour and breakfast we were finally headed in the right direction.
The Land Rover took its spot at the back of an already full parking lot. By 10:30 the 3 of us were hiking under perfect weather. To avoid some traffic we strolled thru Edith Creek. The scenery was pleasant and talk of lines had with the potential for much more filled the time between footsteps.
Once near Pan Pt our crew followed the ridge and small gullies until we arrived at the base of McClure Rock. From here we crossed the melting, dirty ice to our crossover near 7,750ft. I took a moment to gander at the lower Muir snowfield and couldn't remember it looking like this. At the crossover we changed gear and scoped the crevasses in the area. While Josh and I prepared to skin, Adrienne used the wands she found to mark the fore warned cracks we wouldn't be able to see from above.
After pushing about a mile and gaining around 1,000ft we decided to stop. Conditions didn't warrant us to go any further. Majority of snow was speckled with dirt and suncups were present though not in full force. First few inches were softening in most areas while others were down to ice. Areas with lines carved in them resembled a terrain park. The uneven surface continued until the rocks climbers left of Anvil. Actually if one went skiers left, as we witnessed 2 who did later in the day, it appeared smoother but a gaper was opening directly below.
At 2:30, after an hour of basking in the sun we got ready for the run. It was all carvable even though some sections were in slow motion. ;D Those wands sure came in handy. Back at the crossover we picked up our approach shoes and crossed over to the lower Muir snowfield. Why? When faced with the task of carrying your sliding device verses walking its a no brainer. One by one we made our attempt across the nasty. Wasn't long before Adrienne and Josh booted it. I didn't give up that easy. After getting high centered on some dirt and the balance act while trying to turn on ice with water running over it...let's just say I was in the heavy petting stage. ;D Great weather, company, and turns!
JOM: 1,000ft of riding / 3,500ft gain + = 29% over 6 or so miles round trip.
The Land Rover took its spot at the back of an already full parking lot. By 10:30 the 3 of us were hiking under perfect weather. To avoid some traffic we strolled thru Edith Creek. The scenery was pleasant and talk of lines had with the potential for much more filled the time between footsteps.
Once near Pan Pt our crew followed the ridge and small gullies until we arrived at the base of McClure Rock. From here we crossed the melting, dirty ice to our crossover near 7,750ft. I took a moment to gander at the lower Muir snowfield and couldn't remember it looking like this. At the crossover we changed gear and scoped the crevasses in the area. While Josh and I prepared to skin, Adrienne used the wands she found to mark the fore warned cracks we wouldn't be able to see from above.
After pushing about a mile and gaining around 1,000ft we decided to stop. Conditions didn't warrant us to go any further. Majority of snow was speckled with dirt and suncups were present though not in full force. First few inches were softening in most areas while others were down to ice. Areas with lines carved in them resembled a terrain park. The uneven surface continued until the rocks climbers left of Anvil. Actually if one went skiers left, as we witnessed 2 who did later in the day, it appeared smoother but a gaper was opening directly below.
At 2:30, after an hour of basking in the sun we got ready for the run. It was all carvable even though some sections were in slow motion. ;D Those wands sure came in handy. Back at the crossover we picked up our approach shoes and crossed over to the lower Muir snowfield. Why? When faced with the task of carrying your sliding device verses walking its a no brainer. One by one we made our attempt across the nasty. Wasn't long before Adrienne and Josh booted it. I didn't give up that easy. After getting high centered on some dirt and the balance act while trying to turn on ice with water running over it...let's just say I was in the heavy petting stage. ;D Great weather, company, and turns!
JOM: 1,000ft of riding / 3,500ft gain + = 29% over 6 or so miles round trip.
Great trip report eric!!! It definitely was a mighty, mighty fine day! 8)
Just curious...how much vert of skiing do you guys think will be left on Labor Day if we don't get any new snow by then???? I NEED Sept turns and fear waiting until the last moment.
~L
~L
Reply to this TR
Please login first: