Home > Trip Reports > December 18, 2005, Skyline Ridge

December 18, 2005, Skyline Ridge

12/18/05
WA Stevens Pass
6875
10
Posted by sheispiste on 12/18/05 9:46am
Rockin' women on rock hard snow:

Despite howling winds, biting temperatures, and poor snow conditions, we still couldn't figure out why 6 men bailed on the chance to ski with us tenaciously turning ladies.

Donning the sun block under glorious sunshine Lara and I left the pass parking lot and skinned the skyline ridge trail/road. It was a fairly uneventful to the top where we saw only one couple and their odd wire hair hound dogs. The views from the ridge were spectacular. (Tye peak looked good--if you can get there.) The sound of the wind through wobbly evergreens was deafening. North aspects boasted some snow light enough to punch a pole through. In better sections the snow was so light our poles couldn't find footing.

Rounding the ridge back towards the tower we found a pocket full of pow where Lara made a fine snow angel. Then, enough with the angels, we stooped for the hoar. Diamonds really are a girl's best friend. While not quite as large as those seen by
Way to sniff out the goods, Jess and Lara.
You don't need no stinkin' men, to get in a tour.   ;)
On the the other hand, we need the fem's along to keep our testosterone in check, among other things. ???

Ah yes, despite the frigid wind, it really was a wonderful day, even without the boys :)

Pics to come shortly...

~Lara

Nicley-written TR, I'm lovin' the 'tude.

We walked across the highway for a beer at the pass to celebrate this first (for us) all women tour.


Great report! Congrats on your trip.

You may enjoy this essay written by Kathy Phibbs. Kathy was one of the founders of Women Climbers Northwest. Kathy created an alter-ego called Miss Dish who was the author of some of her best essays. Here's one:


All-Male Climbs: Fad or Folly?

Miss Dish has observed the growing trend of men climbing with other men. At first, she was shocked. Was it safe? Men together, alone, without a woman along?  Then, she was concerned. Were these men trying to make some kind of political statement?  Were they woman-haters? Later, she was curious. Were these men... gay?

After pondering these questions, Miss Dish considered that perhaps the poor dears needed to climb together for awhile in order to gain confidence before returning to REAL CLIMBING (with women).

Her protege, that Kathy-girl, has tried to explain to Miss Dish about these all-male climbs. She has spoken at length about the good times, comraderie, and energy that men enjoy together. She has pointed out that even though men don't always approach climbing the Normal Way, they seem to gain a lot from each other's company. She has taken Miss Dish to task for implying that men who enjoy each other's company might be gay. She told Miss Dish this was a nasty scare tactic used to divide men, and besides, how delightful if some of them ARE gay.

Miss Dish was startled to hear such strong opinions from her protege. She never heard that Kathy-girl Speak Out. Perhaps the Younger Generation has some Backbone after all.

Miss Dish can be gracious even when she has erred.  Miss Dish now supports All-Male Climbs wholeheartedly.


For more about the life of Kathy Phibbs, click here.

You may enjoy this...

Lowell, I always enjoy your contributions and the wisdom of others you share with us all. Thanks.

How sad to lose folks like Kathy, Hope, and Miss Dish at such an early age.

I hope that we're finally at a point where the culture that incented that great piece by Miss Dish has largely disappeared w/in the mountaineering community.

And I think Ron has it right - don't be doing too many "all women tours" or else us guys will be in big trouble...

Lowell,

Thanks for reminding us of Hope and Kathy.  It rekindled the memory of my first visit to Whistler with Hope and Sprague "way back when."  They pioneered numerous firsts.  Sprague's whitewater kayak adventures were legendary. It appears that Sprague and family will return to the Northwest from his assigment in France.

Zap

Oh - that essay is great! Thanks for posting that Lowell, and nice report sheispiste and Lara.

Due to low battery juice due to frigid weather, only a few pics were taken (most unfortunate-no shots of us in our bikinis!)  Enjoy!

http://static.flickr.com/41/76148764_b80a3fd1d5.jpg      Stevens Pass

http://static.flickr.com/39/76148759_a1f426a9eb.jpg      Good Morning Jessica

http://static.flickr.com/43/76148760_0c3950be1b.jpg       Lara’s Powder Push Attempt

http://static.flickr.com/42/76148762_e61cc35008.jpg      Snow Angel Dive

http://static.flickr.com/41/76148763_22271a3d27.jpg       Snow Angel, Kind of…

http://static.flickr.com/42/76148761_de3b580039.jpg       Lara tree tromp

Jess, Lara, and ladies:
Nice job on the tour. (Jess: Nice writing! Great stories are tough to come by.)

Are you planning a water ski trip for this next weekend? I'm hoping that this pattern of frigidity, followed by liquidity, isn't a portend from last January!

Ski soon...GregLange

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2005-12-18 17:46:51