Dec 31, 2006; Goat Wall-Knob 5188'(Methow Valley)

Setting off from the Yellowjacket Creek Sno-Park after a lazy start from the rental cabin near Mazama around 10:30 am, the 3 of us (Kevin, Mark, and myself) made our way up a ~3,000 vertical foot route through forest, glades, and interesting wide sloping bench systems to the top of the knob at ~5,188-ft near the northern end of €œGoat Wall€ in the upper Methow Valley.  We lucked out on not having to break trail, as it turned out that a skin-track had been set by others a few days prior which went up almost all of our intended route.  We crossed paths with 1 other friendly party of 4 skiers on their way down through a glade, otherwise we had the place to ourselves (quite amazing in the heart of snowmobile country; we could faintly hear the snow machines in the distance on occasion, though only very briefly).  The forest opened at several spots on the ascent, affording excellent views (with some unexpected sun breaks in the high cloud layer) of Silver Star Mountain and Mt. Gardner to the SW and the upper Methow Valley to the west and northwest.  Surface hoar crystals shimmered in the sunlight during the sunbreaks.
Upon our arrival at the summit €œknob€ we took in some more excellent views and took turns sipping a high octane New Year€™s Eve Day touring beverage.  As some of the south-to-westerly aspects were sun-crusted, we decided to drop down the shaded pine-forested north side of the knob into the Yellowjacket Creek drainage.  The powder was preserved well in the trees and provided nice skiing despite a noticeable crust layer several inches deep.  We enjoyed about 800 vf or so of fun skiing amongst well spaced trees, then entered €œthe wild west€ interwoven cedar tree/ jungle-fest of Yellowjacket Creek.  Downhill progress ceased temporarily to negotiate the flats and the cedar tree tangles, along with a few snowbridge crossings over Yellowjacket Creek, which Kevin and I seemed to enjoy quite a bit more than our 3rd companion  ;). After battling the brush for a good while with the occasional here.