[TrailPair]

We remember well what a steep sucka it is climbing up to Welcome Pass....but what a great ridge to 'shoe! Matt keep in touch when you want a retrun trip to that area. We are hoping to get up to Church Moutain this winter ....on a good day.....maybe even as an overnighter. Beautiful area...Those are some fine pics!

[Sabahsboy]

Matt, MtnMan and Dicey...great shots! Several are "world class"! What a great adventure....I am awed that you did it in one day! Amazing! Baker and Shuksan never looked better! Beautiful snow layering...when I was a kid I saw this kind of wind sculpting along the lake shore (Lake Erie). It has an interesting "crust" and "squeeks" when you walk on it...it cold enough. There is nothing like it...you don't want to disturb it and yet you want to roll on it...the nifty stuff it is! p.s., I looked forward all day to look at these photos after I "peeked" at the first few this morning. Wow! What a reward! As I said earlier, "Platinum Medal" photos and adventure!

[the Zachster]

What an awesome trip with beautiful pics to prove it! Very nice, thanks!

[Hiker Mama]

That just looks so cool, you guys! I even learned a new word today: sastrugi.

[peppersteak'n'ale]

I never knew that was called Damfino Peak, thought it was just another point on the ridge. I'll need to get up there one of these times in the winter, looks well worth the effort

[Matt]

Yeah, that's another one I'll add to my list. I'd like to do it in winter, but it's a long way to go in a day. About 15 miles, 6000 gain round trip, due to ups and downs along the way. Plus possibly a bit of 4th class at the end. Beckey says 2nd/3rd class, but I don't trust him. Might need to camp somewhere on High Divide, which I just learned is the name of the ridge that includes Welcome & Excelsior.

[Trevor]

Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your wintry experiences on one of my favorite sections of earth . I can't imagine what type of justice those conditions do for a hot cup of tea.

[Elvis]

Fabulous Report & jaw-dropping pics!! Thanks for sharing them.

[Matt]

After the trip, I learned another bonus feature of this route is that it includes Sadie’s Point. Midway between Welcome Pass and Point 5933 is Point 5743. Unbeknownst to me, I’ve seen a photo of that point many times before, because it’s the location of Sadie’s Driver’s avatar photo of Sadie. It’s an honor to now have visited a point associated with such an esteemed mountain traveler as Sadie.

Sadie at Point 5743

The WTA trip report for Sadie’s photo is here.

[silly_traveler]

Beautiful pictures Matt!

[Sadie's Driver]

[Scrooge]

Matt is fast becoming our poet and artist in residence. What a great TR.

[ree]

I agree Scrooge.

[John Morrow]

[Sabahsboy]

Matt, how nice to name the iconic Sadie in your notes. Sadie's Driver certainly misses her companion...and, it so helps to bring smiles and joy to all of such a beautiful dog in so grand a place. I must go there with my pups and see if they find the sandwich crumbs! Your photos really push me to plan to go up there this summer. It's one of those places I overlooked in all my really active, hiking years. Can't wait to see what is to be seen! Thank you, again, for all the beautiful photos on that ridge!