Park Butte — Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

With such promising weather, I burned through some time off to bask in dazzling Cascade glory. I ascended into winter under the beaming countenance of our local volcano, Kulshan. It remained so the three days I was out- sunny, warm, and nary a dissenting breeze. There was complete silence except for a Middle Fork Nooksack lullaby and occasional Ravens playing on the updrafts. It is nice to visit this area before it is sacrificed to posses of shrieking, stinking, snow-machine jockeys. Moonless nights nearly out-did the flawless days. Stars stuffed the LO panes throughout the long nights. And as a rare treat, one I have experienced only three other times, the Aurora Borealis snuck over the border to delight citizens in the lower 48. Much sleep was surrendered to the display of cold northern fire. Curtains and pillars of deep reds and pale green flared, faded, and shimmered. Kulshan hogged much of the view, but I was one satisfied dharma. If that wasn’t enough, meteors sliced through the show, imparting cosmic counterpoint to earthly spectacle. The final morning dawned as promising as the former, but with an unfamiliar breeze. Lenticulars began adorning, the Sisters, Kulshan, and progressive peaks eastward. This seasonal mountain resident surrendered the heights reluctantly, but with renewed spirit. It has been a wonderful season and dare not ask for more, but probably will after sitting still for a week or so. Happy Trails!