The North
Cascades - Headed up to the Washington Pass area to see how the snowmelt was coming along and thought we would do a little scramble/hike if conditions permitted since we didn't have the five year old long. Was suprised at how far up the snowline was and just 3-5 feet of snow left at the pass. Crashed out in the VW bus and started up the trail below the South Early Winters spire early in the morning!!!! Solid snow up to where ever the lake might be, snow bridges still solid over creeks. Did the scramble up the southwest couloir of the South Early Winter Spire, nice soft snow, no crampons needed, just an axe and dragged a rope to make life harder. Still could not see where the heck blue lake was when we got to the summit but the view and comrades were superb. Saw lots of avalanches dropping on the way up and from on top. Mostly off south and southeast facing slopes getting the morning sun. Saw a large cornice break and slide with a lot left hanging still and not more than a two hours later a group of seven skiers traverse right under it and then proceed to climb over it and have lunch on top!!!! Please pay attention to snowconditions and avalanche dangers..... see ya around