Re-submitted, original submission errantly posted as June 1st. This year has required patience, but I think things are finally opening up. Kristine was not feeling well, so it was just Bodhran and I to find our way over volumes of snow. It started at 3200’, a ½ mile from the TH. Since winter has yet to surrender even a bit of the trail, we routed up Rocky Creek to take advantage of good snow bridges at higher elevation over the raging water. It was sometimes a surprise to hear the thunder of a channel announcing itself from the depths of winter. Careful probing with ice axe ensured safe passage. We accessed Morovits meadow by climbing the west moraine, still covered by snow. The weather was hot and clear the whole of our four-day stay, with a spectacular star dome during the short nights. Before us was a range of glaciers, and three volcanoes; the keepers of winter. Great columns of climbers marched up the closest, Kulshan. A ptarmigan punctually sounded at dawn and dusk. Water rang at all octaves, from the rivulet appearing from the base of a snowfield, to Ridley’s roar to the west. Icefalls on Kulshan punctuated each day. Unfortunately snow machines were part of the sonic landscape as well. They should be blocked from access by the time of this writing. Indeed, the snow melted in such volumes during my stay that Rocky Creek on the way out was, well, very rocky, creating problems for snowmobilers. More importantly, the creek crossing had become down right hazardous. Water volumes had increased greatly, and crossing on snow sketchy. We found one bridge fit for man and beast, but not for long; so all should be quiet up there now. I plan on using July’s sunshine and this lingering snowpack to my advantage; seeking quiet on normally dry ridgelines, or residing on summits playing lookout.

Beautiful day for a hike/snowshoe trip on the south flank of Mt Baker. The snow was firm in the lower elevations with a sparkle of hoar frost from the past several clear cool nights. It was as if the snow was covered with hundreds of tiny crystals. Up top, at the junction to the Scott Paul Trail, the snow had a nice soft layer to play in. The snowshoes were great for the upper region, but not needed on the rest of the well packed trail.

The road is free of snow all the way to the trailhead. The creek crossing was a piece of cake. Not much water, but it was a little icy in the morning from water splashing on the rocks. No snow until about ½ mile before the lower Morovitz meadows. Only about 6 to 8 inches and the meadows. The snow was firm with about 1 inch of powder on top. After the sun hit it, some started to melt a bit. The tarns and Pocket Lake were frozen over. Great views of Baker, Twin Sisters, and the Nooksack Valley. A couple had spent the night in the lookout and said the sunrise was fantastic. Some high clouds drifted in just and blotted out the sun after about 1:30, so taking pictures was not so great after that. I had hoped for a nice alpenglow sunset. Round trip about 7 miles. 2200 ft elevation gain.

“Imagine that everyone in the world is enlightened but you. They are all your teachers, each doing just the right things to help you learn perfect patience, perfect wisdom, perfect compassion.” Jack Kornfield Now that is a quote I need to live by, even, and perhaps especially, when trying to reside on a summit. Kristine and I tried to catch some divine weather this past weekend. Our ascent at sunrise on Friday was achingly cold at first. But after our bodies became actively engaged with the planet we warmed and glided through a frosted and enchanting landscape. Snow started in earnest at upper meadow where we walked upon a dazzling stable crust. Kulshan smoked serenely above. The creek crossing was sporting with all surfaces above water coated with ice; our solution was to use submerged rocks as stepping stones. Really, the hike up was pure joy in beautiful snow. Early arrival allowed us to soak in the sunshine and quiet much of the day; late arrival of a pair required sharing summit residence. Moonrise was pumpkin-like against the dark Cascade mandible. Anticipating sunrise, we all arose well before dawn. High clouds moving in from the north only added to the drama. These same clouds were variable until early afternoon before obscuring sun completely. It was much clearer Glacier Peak southward. While day hikers milled about while we continued working on the structure. My chief complaint was that folks would track mud onto a floor we just cleaned. Ahh, but that was the lesson was it not? Anyway, we enjoyed out stay and at least one solitary night. Sightings of gray-hooded rosy finches, and pine grosbeaks were gratifying as well. We walked out in conditions quite opposite those coming in. The snow was soft and lusterless; cloud had decapitated Kulshan leaving only ice draped flanks and blue-grinning crevasses. As sprinkles anointed our descent from the mountain I was reminded how the practice of life is forever, and gratifyingly humble. Now if I can only remember to stay there a bit longer.

No snow until the junction with the Scott Paul trail. From then on it was all white, but not too deep since there was a thick crust and the only other person we saw had been nice enough to break trail (a late start has its advantages). Where the wind had scoured away the snow it took some effort to kick a step but there weren't any sidehills to speak of. The lookout was cozy and the off and on clouds parted for a complete view of Kulshan.