A popping sensation in my calf on the 5th had me despairing that the golden backpacking month of September would slip away. Indeed, the hobbling retreat from Winchester summit gave me plenty of time to consider my sudden and unfamiliar infirmity. Some research at home confirmed a torn tendon. Other than rest, there was not much else that would speed the estimated 3-5 weeks recovery. Fine, the weather was lousy anyway. But then it got better, and I was feeling good; no pain as long as I did not use that particular muscle. After consulting my list of destinations, I found one that had languished for years due to its proximity to a 200 car parking lot. That liability became its asset. No way could I sit home with grand September sunshine gracing our beautiful Cascades. My destination was less than a half-mile and 500’ descent; a secret tarn only seen from a distance some years ago. I arrived early at the departure point, a vast sea of asphalt crosshatched with paint stripes, so no one would witness my hobbling madness (it looked like it was painful, but not at all). I gimped the gravel path, tread more by white shoes and flip-flops than hiking boots, to the end of the tourist grade trail, and pointed my toes downhill. A faint track dropped steeply (for a disabled person) over rock and through brush. I felt good with each careful step; I was already in fabulous meadows with tiny tarns, but the smell of a golden destination kept me going. At one point I strayed into a fading track that ended in steep brush above a cliff; I retraced my steps and found the proper track, more to the north side of the ridge. It soon entered ridgeline hemlock forest; this was the most difficult stretch. The track became steeper with an accompanying layer of slippery needles. I was thus delivered into my private little nirvana: a perfectly sized tarn surrounded by tiny tarns; and cozy pocket meadows nested with curling yellow grasses. Easy views to the Celebrity Mountains of the area, Kulshan & Shuksan, completed the charm. I laid out our bags out in one of the higher meadows away from the tarn to keep the dew to a minimum; we had a couple of tiny tarns for water. My convalescent stay involved nothing more than shuffling about in sandals or slippers, picking blueberries (5 quarts), taking photos, drinking wine, skinny-dipping, and losing sleep under an inspiring star dome. A waning moon sharpened during our 2 night stay, and a horned owl called in the gloaming hours of the evening. Bodhran delighted in foraging for berries, and wading about in the large tarn during our warm azure days. Except for the occasional posse of HDs roaring harmlessly in the distance, it was a very quiet place. Gnats were another harmless pest, but only in the pre-dawn hour). My calf felt even better on the climb back to the car, although I am still careful not to test that muscle. I left feeling more healed, and certainly re-assured that perhaps with another 2 weeks of “rest” there is a chance to catch some Autumn Larch gold. (I know, I’m hooked! I have a problem! I’ll cut back in January! Promise!)

Robin, Mitch and I headed up Friday Nov. 28th for three days of fun in the snow staying at the Mountaineers Baker Lodge. When we arrived about 1 p.m. it was snowing hard with the wind blowing like mad. Your face felt like it was being sand blasted. After moving our gear into the lodge and having lunch, it was time to head outside and face all that Mother Nature could throw at us. We did an hour walk up by the ski area before going back for the warmth of the lodge stove. Saturday-Nov. 29th was some what better weather wise, the wind had died down a little, the snow was letting up, but the area became fogged in to where some times your couldn't see 50 feet in the white out. After bagging the idea of going to Artist Point, we decide to snowshoe around Bagley Lakes, which are now frozen over and covered in several feet of snow. We did find a spot for lunch in the trees above the bigger lake to get out of the wind. Then it was back to the lodge for dinner and games. As the sun was setting, the sky cleared and we saw the alpine glow on Mt. Shuksan. Sunday-Nov. 30th proved to be a great day. Clear blue skies, no clouds or wind. After breakfast we headed for Artist Point for some scenic snowshoeing. There were a few other snowshoers out, as well as back country skiers. The snow is already deep at the Artist Point parking lot. The restroom is almost buried with just the top of the roof sticking out. This area is already 74% above the normal snowfall for this time of year. After taking some photos, we snowshoed over to Huntoon Point for more great views. Lots of snowcapped peaks to see in all directions from Baker to Shuksan, to American Border Peak. After a bite to eat and more photos, it was time to head back down after another great snow day in the Cascades. If you have not been to Artist Point in the winter, put on those snowshoes and just do it. You'll be happy you did.