[Killer]

Glad to report that the trail up to heather pass 6,000 ft is free of snow. The traverse over to lewis and wing lake was a mixed blessing though. Near-solid snow was good because it covered the annoying boulders, but also kept you guessing when you might plunge into a hole. Lewis Lake is about half thawed out, wing lake is thawed just enough to get water from the edges. Some bare ground near the lake made for good camping. We day hiked to check out the big view south from the saddle that begins the climb of Black Peak. You get the full on north face of Mt Goode up close that's all too rare. Plus the snowy north faces of notables like Glacier, Dome, Buckner, Boston, Logan, Bonanza and MacGregor -- plus the peaks to the north and east. Awesome. The view from up top would get you even more impressive views to the northwest if you don't mind climbing loose rock, but it's an unpleasant scramble just getting up onto that ridge. Your choice is loose rock or steep snow - the part where your group splits into rock and snow factions. Hating loose rock, I chose the snow going up, even though I had only trekking poles. The runout is safe. Taking the rock going down was actually less intimidating and much less steep than the snow. Not too bad. Conditions were good for a fast and fun boot glissade down the remaining snow section. Thanks to the group of four who waited above for our group to ascend the ridge safely. Hope you made the summit! (side note: the maple pass/heather pass loop should be attempted only by experienced hikers right now, it looks like areas of steep snow with little runout. we talked to a man who turned back because he didn't want to attempt it by himself. one other couple made it OK in the clockwise direction without poles or ice axes. maybe there's a different winter route that's safer?)

Mt Goode's north face