Adventure

Stellar Days in the Coast Range

The conditions and circumstances that will transpire can never be known when planning a backcountry ski trip months out. Its a bit of an educated roll of the dice, with fingers crossed, relying on seasonal trends. This time around, the stars aligned to grace the Coast Range with cold snow, blue skies, and improving stability for the five days of our mid March plan with great friends.

Calm, quiet mornings full of possibilities followed by planning sessions over warm breakfast and coffee. Getting comfortable with the terrain, snow and ourselves. All the things lining up. Party powder laps full of whoops, an aesthetic loop around a charismatic mountain, a coveted line on a steep north face holding cold deep snow, and a warm cozy hut to come back to every night. We all went home tired, happy and satiated, but of course wanting more. Isn’t that the way.

The wonder of the woods, all over again

With each day, our daughter explores new territory.  Whether its the back corner of the closet in her room, or a new outdoor adventure, watching her expand her world view one moment at a time is sublime.   Her first backpacking trip to a Cascadian alpine lake tucked in amongst evergreens and autumn foliage yielded many of these.  There's always something else to discover around the next corner.  My hope is that her life journey never ceases to provide wonder about herself and the world in which we live. 

A first taste of warm soup on an autumn evening in camp

A first taste of warm soup on an autumn evening in camp