[Tom]

This one began at 0900, normally too late of a start to catch some fall/winter scenery, but not in this particular case . Rain was forecast for later in the day and I worried that clouds might obscure most of the views, but as Rattlesnake, Si, Mailbox, and the Middle Fork valley came into view I realized this would not be a problem. As we cruised by Defiance, Bandera, and Granite, I struggled to differentiate the numerous "Ship Lakes" which sailed by quicker than I could identify all of them. As usual, the Upper Melakwa valley was stunning, still colored in its reddish brown hue nestled beneath Chair and Kaleetan. To no surprise, Chair Peak Lake was frozen solid, covered by a blanket of snow, but Gem Lake was still wide open and Snow Lake was only in the early stages of living up to its name. As we headed east, Ridge, Gravel, Edds, Alaska and Joe came into view. All but Alaska appeared to be frozen (or mostly frozen in the case of Gravel), with Joe looking particularly enticing and begging for a visit. Chikamin Peak soon dominated the spotlight with a virgin white frosting of snow, then Chikamin Lake - near frozen except for 2 or 3 large veins meandering through, giving an optical illusion from 20,000' as if someone had recently skied it. As we continued east, a blanket of fog covered the alpine lakes, with most of the dominant crags and the snow capped glaciers of Hinman & Daniel protruding above, providing for a near religious experience. Eventually Ingalls Lake came into view, frozen solid to the west of Mt Stuart (both quite impressive from above), then Horseshoe, Stuart, Colchuck, the Enchantments... It was a spectacle to behold and one I won't soon forget, my only disappointment being that I did not bring my camera to re-live and share it with the rest of you other than through words.

[salish]

This was really neat, Tom. At first I was a little bummed out because you didn't attach some of your usual beautiful photos, but in hindsight sometimes it's as much fun to NOT have a digital staring you in the face, but rather let your words and our own imagination paint the picture for us. Long way of saying your reports are equally nice even when you don't have a photo. Cliff

[#19]

What were you in? 767? Or something smaller and lower?

[Major Tom To Ground Ctrl]

I believe it was a 757-300, a mighty fine aircraft I must say.

[Bungee Boy]

At first I got sucked in but I remember what it is like to fly into and out of Seattle, heading East when the weather is clear. An awesome chance to get a great perspective on the hills down below.

[Backpacker Joe]

I left Seattle at 12 noon on the 2nd. I did the Tom cruise, but only saw a few frozen lakes. The Foss were all clear, but Crawford was frozen. Spade, venus, and circle were clear but Rebecca and Rowena were frozen. All the Chantments were frozen, minus the lower snow lake. That was open. Fantastic views. Pictures dont come out to well thru the plexiglass! TB

[Dean]

Many years ago, I had the chance to fly around the Enchantment/STuart area in a small plane. The camera was a clicking and I took alot of pics. I'd recommend an aerial trip highly, be sure and take your camera

[Newt]

Awesome views guys. A small plane would be neat. Know a pilot? NN