[Galadriel]

While none of these summits were particularly difficult or technical, still, for me many were a challenge. I couldn’t have climbed them without my friends who give me confidence and encouragement. 2017 has been a great adventure year, and I hope there’s more yet to come this fall. January – Eaglet Pk. A long snowshoe through the forest, then a stunning view from the summit. Yoko used her GPS to get us to the ridge where we followed snowshoe prints. As we neared the summit, 4 young men were headed down and gave us curious looks. We had solitude the rest of the day on Eaglet, while the hordes gathered at Heather Lake.

Final ascent to Eaglet summit

Eaglet formations

Pilchuck from Eaglet

Yoko on Eaglet summit

March – Pratt Mountain. Perfect conditions for a snowshoe up to Pratt Mt, and kind of fun going around the huge outcrop.

Pratt Mt ridge

Pratt Mt summit

April – Dirtyface lookout (not the true peak) I always like this one in the snow. Solitude again.

Snowy and windy up there

Dirtyface vista

May – High Hut (ok not a peak at all) for Mother’s Day. We got High Hut for ourselves on Mother’s Day. Joe wishes he had a mom who just wanted to go to brunch. But instead, he’s stuck with a mom who makes him carry food 5 miles up the mountain, in a blizzard.

Snowshoe to High Hut

High Hut

My son and I on Mother's Day at High Hut

June – Gardener. This was a 3 day backpack trip with friends. So much fun hanging out in the mountains with them. North Gardener awaits for the next trip.

Views from Gardner

Gardner summit party

July - Garland/Basalt Ridge. Mosquito Hell at the lower end, but finally free of bugs up on the ridge.

Near Garland Peak

Garland Pk

July – Tinkham Pk. Delightful scramble up to the summit, with great views and company. Just the three of us here on this peak today

On Tinkham Peak

Tarn

July –Camp Muir. Not a peak at all, but maybe as close as I’ll ever get to Rainier’s summit. Three guys are marching around camp with a TRUMP make America great banner. I can’t tell if they’re serious, or being sarcastic. I think the latter – they weren’t going to Taco Bell afterwards no siree. Real American food at McDonalds for them.

Camp Muir, making America Great Again. This mountain is Huugge.

At Camp Muir

Climbers at Camp Muir

July – Mt Ruth/Hannegan Pass . Now in training for Mt Baker. We find a wind break in the trees on the shoulder of Mt Ruth, and set up camp. Deb and Steve give me rope training and crevasse avoidance. I love Mt Ruth! So full of joy. Solitude on this peak for us.

Just below Mt Ruth summit with Ree

On Mt Ruth summit

Mt Ruth

July – Mt Baker. My son and I climb Mt Baker with Mountain Madness. The trip was full with 9 people from all over the country and Canada – all men but for 1 other woman. I could see their OMG glances and I wanted to apologize for being there, I really didn’t want to ruin their trip. I guess afterwards they were okay with me since I didn’t have any problem going up the Roman wall.

Mt Baker summit

My son and I on Mt Baker with Shuksan peaking through the clouds

August – Bald Pk/Cutthroat Lakes – Lovely dayhike through blueberries and tarns, although once again smoky views. Solitude. Just us.

Spada Lake from Bald Peak

On Bald Peak, above Cutthroat Lakes

August – Goat Island Mt. I’ve gazed longingly at this mountain from Burroughs and Mt Ruth and Summerland, and finally! Yoko and I went up the ridge, through lovely flower filled meadows, down a snow filled ravine and up the other side to the summit. We sat there all alone until suddenly a trail runner appeared, said hello, and dropped down the ridge to Summerland.

[Bernardo]

Hey, I really enjoyed this report and the pictures. Glad you held your own on Baker.

[HermitThrush]

Good job! Fantastic!

[awilsondc]

I recognize those Pratt pics! Good to meet you up there, and good to see you had a good year in the mountains. Very nice!

[iron]

america is the greatest, don't forget that...

[RichP]

You are an inspiration, Galadriel. That's a pretty good year of hiking so far and the best part is now.

[Galadriel]

When I was in my 50's and 60's, I thought my hiking life would end when I turned 70. But surprisingly, I was still alive! I celebrated my 72nd birthday on the summit of Goat island Mountain. I guess I'll just keep doing it as long as I can.

[Ski]

cool.

[BarbE]

Congratulations, what a fabulous hiking season! You rock 👍

[zephyr]

[reststep]

Great report

[bobbi]

totally awesome!

[DIYSteve]

[ree]

On Ruth Mtn

You get out a lot, lady! You are inspiring and great mountain company. Glad to share some of it with you.

[JimK]

Outstanding!