[Snowdog]

Off we went bright and early yesterday morning in search of fresh snow & stupendous views. We nailed both. Ragman/Rodman, BarbE and myself w/ sidekick Isabel headed back to Salmon-la-sac area for another summit (Hex last week) These guys have a knack for getting 5* days. ( It helps when work no longer interferes) We started walking about 9am to clear skies, albeit cold temps. A shortish road walk before peeling off (less than 2 miles) to head up. Our trajectory up was based on Rodman's gps track from a few years ago. Kinda brushy, very icy, and some mention of a 'crick' (2 southern born folks) that they didn't want to encounter on the way down.... water running under foot is disconcerting...... Anyhoo- we continued up, donning microspikes or crampons, depending on what was in your pack. Everyone wanted to 'head to that clearing'..... ever anxious for the promised views ....

meringue

look at that smile

Once out in the open- boy oh boy- did the views deliver!

photo of a photo........

We could see everyone- even Adams!

earned this view

We lounged around on the summit for quite a while, soaking in the vit. D.....

careful on those cornices

Ragman running the ridge

ta da

This was one time where I was wishing for skis- this trip would be an absolutely brilliant ski descent. (BC skiers take note) The snow was puurfect- about 6+ " of new on a firm crust- we booted up the whole way- no snowshoes necessary. The descent was a plungefest for a couple of thousand feet, then a short steep, cliffy area where care was taken not to become a pinball amongst the trees. We took a more direct line to cut off some road walk- worked out nicely. Avoided the dreaded crick as well. Rodman can provide accurate stats- approx. 4K gain, no switchbacks. I'd spend every day like this, if only one could.

[Bryan K]

I tried for this one the other week but was not successful since I tried to go up the ridge to the south of the the summit ridge. THat ridge proved to be way too sketchy this time of year and I opted to just head back down and head for home. Looks like you guys got the same beautiful weather that I encountered.

[JimK]

Two winter trips and I've had almost no views. Just a little bit jealous. Looks like you had great conditions.

[ragman and rodman]

A sparkling day in the Salmon La Sac area... with awesome views. Snowdog kicked all of the steps while BarbE, rodman and I provided encouragement... and while snowshoes never left our packs, microspikes were very helpful. GPS route and photos of our trip to Red Mountain. ..

[BarbE]

Excellent snow conditions, weather and company Oh, and the views weren't too bad either.

Elle and Izzy breaking trail

Rod says the views are OK

Amazing icicle trees

Lemah in it's glory

Rodman following Elle's tracks

stunning scenery

up

..branches

frozen...

Daniel & icicles

views

almost there

getting close to the summit

Rodman and Elle on summit

Ragman names peaks

must we leave?

shadow people

Ragman in powder

[Ingunn]

Oh man.

[yukon222]

Stellar conditions and pics!! Unfair that you all were able to get out during the week and the projected weather forecast for the weekend is poor.

[TrailPair]

Much better weather than when we did it!

[John Morrow]

Very nice you all! I love that mountain and I haven't been up there this winter yet. Could you give me an idea at what altitude the crust begins to be covered with the new powder? Thanks for the report, and I am glad to see someone's getting up there! John

[Go Jo]

Woot woot!

[ragman and rodman]

[John Morrow]

[Sadie's Driver]

OK - I HATE you guys even more than I HATE GeoTom!!! Absolutely beautiful!! Barb - those pics are lucious!!!! Wish we could have been there with you!!!

[the Zachster]

Wonderful Wednesday!!!