[Kenji]

It is a short but STEEP trail, 2.5mi over 3k'. After sweaty 2 hours, we were at a junction on the ridge. High Divide trail looked still snowy in shades, we opted go east on a high point for the night. A couple was already taking a nap on a nice ridge top, we split our camps. I chose to stay high for an open view, while my friend picked a bit lower with a direct view of Baker.

Along the ridge top:

Baker:

Main reason for choosing this spot was a celestial alignment of the galaxy core and Baker. A bonus point was possible Northern Light activity according to a ranger in Glacier. Because the Moon rise was about 12:30, so the dark night window was pretty short both for stars and Aurora.

Aurora was very faint and I didn't know the show was actually happening though I got some shots anyway. The dim moon light was just light to illuminate Baker/Shuksun without wiping out stars.

We packed up pretty early and back at the car by 10am. The steep downhill was pretty hard on our aged legs.

[lookout bob]

Kenji....as always, your photos are really awesome. Thanks for sharing and for getting up there to present us with your views. I hear you about sore knees on the way down....

[Eric Hansen]

Thanks Kenji, great photos of a great spot. Been up there several times but always coming in from Excelsior on the High Divide so I missed the big grunt on the Welcome Pass Trail.

[Stefan-K]

Steep downhill without Skis? = no bueno... Nice pics! Had me referencing this trip, from your perspective. Thanks.

[Kenji]

Looks like a great ski trip!! I must have missed your TR... I almost went to the chowder-hood instead, but settled for a simpler trip Won't hesitate next time though, hopefully next year. Or maybe this Fall:

[Stefan-K]

another nice overview Kenji, thanks--yeah, portals to skyline when the temps and corn are ripe!

[jaysway]

Kenji as always I love your photos, especially your nighttime shots. I am curious, how did you know beforehand that the Milky Way would align itself as you wanted above Baker? Was it just looking at a map and knowing what direction the Milky Way would be oriented relative to your position or did you use any software or other tools to do this?

[Kenji]

I think my guess is pretty good in general. But I have started using an app called "Photopills" (no idea why it's "-pills") about a year ago. I've used "Photo Ephemeris" before for positions of the sun and the moon. PP includes Galactic positions especially the G Center. For this trip, I was originally planning Chowder Ridge/Cougar Divide, but realized it'll be too far West. Also the moon rise made the dark window pretty short, 11~12:30, that further limited the best location. Anyway, these tools helps a lot though shooting Northern Lights is a lot more hit&miss. Here is a screen shot of what I used: