Annual Artist Point snowshoe weekend

Our annual winter weekend outing included a few day trippers along with those who spent the weekend. Among them were Margaret, Joan, Jacob and Emily. Alan, Dave and I spent the night.

Joan and Margaret enjoying the sun

Al and Dave bringing up the rear

Relaxing around camp

Really relaxing around camp

Evening stars coming out

Another beautiful day dawns

Ice Climbing Hyalite Canyon

Jon and I took a couple of days in January to practice some ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon, Montana in preparation for our Rainier climb later this year. We hired a guide from Montana Mountain Guides to give us a quick refresher, then we were on our own to explore some ice. Here are a few pics:

We practiced placing ice screws

And making v-thread anchors

Camp Muir in winter (felt like spring)

Below are some photos from our recent weekend up at Camp Muir. We slept in the climbers hut, which was an interesting experience. It was very crowded, but we didn't get any sleep. All bunks taken, and even two people on the floor. It was very crowded, did I mention that? Note to self: next time, bring a tent. Otherwise it was a gorgeous weekend - felt like June.

It rained all the way to Ashford, but up at Paradise the sun was out.

Did I mention there were a lot of people headed up to Muir? Here you can see them headed up the Shiv.

Beware of falling skiers on the shiv

And here you can see them mid way up the Muir snowfield.

Mat, styling his Troop 574 shirt and fashionable buff

Alan posing for....         I think he's just posing.

Finally at the hut. Mat is still smiling, good thing.

It's a really good thing!

Wind blown snow makes for some interesting patterns

Rooftop dining at it's best!

More bourbon please?

From left to right: Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson (very small), Mt. St. Helens

Morning panorama on the way down.