[cartman]

Skiers and sun

No, we didn't get rescued, but a skier nearby did. More on that below. Ed (Jetlag), Kristy, Stacia and I went in last weekend to climb Baker via the normal Coleman route. Kristy and Stacia had never summitted Baker. I've wanted to summit a volcano for years with Kristy, and invited Stacia who I did a fantastic trip with up Shasta a few years ago. The road was open to Heliotrope Ridge TH, and cars were backed along the road with climbers and skiers there to enjoy the good forecast. We geared up and started hiking the misty trail mostly on snowy track to the one interesting stream crossing a mile or so in.

Kristy crossing creek, Stacia ready

Then it was continuing up the foggy ridge to 7000',

Into the mists

Surreal approach

Fading

and the first views of Baker.

Shrouded Baker from Heliotrope

Continuing along the ridge,

On Heliotrope

Baker clearing

Ed

we rejected one site and crossed the lower glacier with ever expanding views of this beautiful peak and its dramatic neighbors.

Baker appears

Colfax

Colfax closeup

Another party had just vacated an excellent walled compound perfect for out two tents, and we gladly staked claim to it and set up our home for the next two days.

Colfax and camp

Kristy, Ed, Stacia

Homey

After getting situated, we had plenty of time in the sun to watch the wisps move in and out around the peaks.

Climbers

Colfax wisps

Misty Buttes

Mighty Lincoln

Baker

Skies were calm when we went to bed around dusk for an early rise. Waking to a foggy morning, Ed decided to stay in camp so the three of us roped up after several parties had already left,

Climbing into the mists

Morning climbers

Shrouded sun

ready to climb.

Stacia and Kristy are ready

The sun shining through the clouds promised something I have experienced on two previous occasions on this route: A Climb Above The Clouds. Both times we climbed above the cloud layer when we reached Coleman Saddle. This time we'd get to climb above the clouds even sooner.

Beautiful Baker

Colfax ice debris

Climbing above the clouds

Skiers and sun

Took a nice break at the saddle, then continued up the now very sunny ridge on a good track, even stair-like in places. Lots of skiers headed up, most carrying their skis.

Colfax and climbers above the clouds

Wall and skiers

As we started climbing the final steepest slope adjacent to the Roman Wall,

The Roman Wall

the snow became quite firm. Crampons were essential here; one skier who forgot his decided to play official greeter and hung out at the base of the slope; Stacia called it his "Lemonade Stand". Having not really gotten my climbing legs under me yet this year, I led slowly up the slope; Kristy, who had never climbed a volcano, marched up it like a pro. We reached the summit plateau and crossed to Grant Peak, the true summit of Baker, 10,781'.

Summit plateau

Grant Peak

First time up for Kristy and Stacia!

Stacia and Kristy, first Baker summit

I must really love this peak. Baker was my first ever summit of any significance, and being my seventh summit (out of seven attempts) is the only peak I've climbed to the top of more than three times. I find Baker to be the most rewarding and fun of all the Cascade volcanos. We descended the now softening snow in close proximity tied closely together--we saw a group of six do this coming down and I liked the advantages of this method, though I'd never used it before. Snow was just right for kicking good secure steps on the steep slope. Shortly after descending from Coleman Saddle we encountered the scene of the accident. A skier had gone about fifty feet too far to skier's left a few hundred feet below the saddle and had skied into the eastmost schrund below Colfax. Fortunately a ski team had been following him and were able to rig a system to help haul him out though Ron, the injured skier, had helped immensely by being able to climb part of the way out himself. We were told he was in deep enough that a 60 meter rappel barely reached him. We came upon the group shortly after, with Ron being attended to by Alan (WFR certified) and Jasmine (nurse), with Alan on the radio to help coordinate a possible heli rescue. We helped out the little we could, mostly providing some food and water and an emergency blanket to get Ron off of the snow. Many skiers stopped to inquire and share their food and water; and numerous times skiers had to be warned away from the dangerous ski track. Ron kept his good humor even though he was clearly injured and in pain. After making sure Alan and Jasmine were going to be OK and had the situation in hand--by this time it appeared a rescue team was mobilizing--we departed for camp. As we packed up we heard a helicopter overhead. It had clear Navy markings and circled around Baker for a bit before zeroing in on the rescue site.

Navy heli over Baker

Navy heli over Baker

Heli over Coleman Saddle

As we watched, the heli hovered and dropped a rescue specialist,

Dropping rescue specialist

video here, and he was flown out to Bellingham for treatment. Eventful day. Kristy and Stacia got to climb above the clouds on their first summit of Baker, and help with a rescue too. Both provided comfort to Ron and I could see he really appreciated the care and attention. This situation, unfortunate as it was, couldn't have gone any better. Warm and clear weather; the accident witnessed by an extremely competent team able to effect an immediate rescue from the crevasse, with a definite assist by the injured party; two very competent medically trained skiers to stay and help the injured, numerous others in the vicinity to provide what aid they could, excellent coordination by the Sheriff's office and everyone else involved in initiating the rescue, and a superb effort by the crew of the Navy Seahawk rescue heli and everyone from NAS Whidbey to get Ron off the mountain within just a few hours of the accident. Thanks to my partners for the fine climb, and many, many thanks to everyone involved in the rescue. A terrific example of the best the PNW has to offer, in every way. Eric J. Johnson

[Brushbuffalo]

[Yet]

Thanks for the nice TR, cartman. Congratulations to Kristy and Stacia! What a beautiful volcano. (Glad the rescue went well!)

[Kim Brown]

Thanks for the report and pics, Cartman. Really nice.

[Jetlag]

No, BrushBuffalo, the helicopter didn't arrive until Stacia, Eric and Kristy were down the mountain, so I had no idea why they were taking so long. Eric's estimated return times are usually accurate. Not this time!