Armchair Adventures: A perfect day for a second try

When Alden Ryno headed for a winter summit of Tomyhoi Peak in the North Cascades, it was his second attempt. His first attempt he did solo, and he ran out of time and had to turn around.

As a peakbagger, Alden found Tomyhoi, with its 2,000 feet of prominence, appealing. He wanted to try again, but this time with friends. The group waited impatiently for a cold, clear day. 

They finally got their day and the trip went beautifully. Conditions were ideal with firm snow, clear skies and little wind. 

Alden credited at least some of the success of his second summit attempt to his hiking companions. Photo by Alden Ryno.

“While I already knew that partners help break trail and can provide great conversation, my first trip reinforced that a trip this big should have partners to make it more practical to get to the top,” Alden said. “Thankfully, I have a trustworthy group of friends who also enjoy these types of ‘fun.’” 

Alden loves spending time outside for the sense of awe he finds there. 

“Whether in an old-growth forest, on an alpine ridge or navigating crevasses on a glacier, the scale and beauty of nature strikes a chord in me,” he said. “As incredible as humanity is, we’ve not yet created anything that compares to the world that’s been around us all along.”

Follow along with other hikers’ adventures, from the comfort of your own armchair, and share your own in a trip report.