October 22, 2006, - Ptarmigan Ridge
10/22/06
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
4766
2
I had such a nice hike last month out to the Sholes that I quickly agreed to go again when Debbie suggested we take a hike out there, though she wisely stated that she would not drag her skis in that far for such pathetic pickings. I, on the other hand, was thinking that though I had skied much better conditions in October before, this October would make it 12 consecutive months and just maybe I could find my swiss army knife that likely was left at the second lunch spot back in September...
I can recommend Ptarmigan Ridge right now for the bears - two of them, one up trail, the other down, grazing berries on the south slopes of Table; for the goats - the local herd pretty much where they always are near Coleman Pinnacle; for the raptors - migrating through and checking out the thermals; and for the social interactions with the myriad hikers wondering why you've got skis on your pack. I cannot recommend it for the skiing until we get a fair dressing to cover up the ice.
Again, the hike took us almost to the Portals at the edge of the Sholes. Last season's snow has retreated a bit since Lowell & I were there last month and the ice that is exposed now has a nice refrozen melt/rain sheen to it. Quite grey & glassy in fact - take note - I chose to side step my way back up & off one piece to avoid the possible slip & slide down a 100 foot abrade-o-matic patch at the base of the eastern Sholes bulge. I was unable to thread together the route from September, but had a nice sunny ski day nonetheless.
It's gotta snow sometime soon.
-Dave R
I can recommend Ptarmigan Ridge right now for the bears - two of them, one up trail, the other down, grazing berries on the south slopes of Table; for the goats - the local herd pretty much where they always are near Coleman Pinnacle; for the raptors - migrating through and checking out the thermals; and for the social interactions with the myriad hikers wondering why you've got skis on your pack. I cannot recommend it for the skiing until we get a fair dressing to cover up the ice.
Again, the hike took us almost to the Portals at the edge of the Sholes. Last season's snow has retreated a bit since Lowell & I were there last month and the ice that is exposed now has a nice refrozen melt/rain sheen to it. Quite grey & glassy in fact - take note - I chose to side step my way back up & off one piece to avoid the possible slip & slide down a 100 foot abrade-o-matic patch at the base of the eastern Sholes bulge. I was unable to thread together the route from September, but had a nice sunny ski day nonetheless.
It's gotta snow sometime soon.
-Dave R
I wanna see a bear!!! lol ;D
Most of the time you just see the bear's butt sticking up out of the bushes. Not too exciting nor scenic. Here's a shot where he/she came up for air. Obviously carb loading for the upcoming ski season.
-Dave
-Dave
Reply to this TR
Please login first: