April 7, 2001, Castle/Pinnacle Saddle, Mt. Rainier

Weather report said 1500 ft. snow level so 3 of us headed for the Tatoosh. Followed kicked-steps up from Narada Falls parking lot to the road. Road has been plowed so we walked to the trailhead for Castle-Pinnacle and then skinned from there. Saw 3 other folks on the way up but they must have stayed on the north aspects as we had south-facing runs to ourselves all day. Great conditions,some of the best of this season (at least for me!). 12 inches of cold fluff on top of the previous crust. We three cut up most of the south aspects until the legs (at least mine!) couldn't go uphill anymore. Snowed off and on all day. Looked like mid-winter. Lower elevation snow, down to the road and the slope down to the Narada lot, was a bit stiff but higher stuff was delightful. As is said "It ain't over till it's over!

Tim