August 5, 2001, Paradise, Mt. Rainier NP

Us old timers (and a couple of younger ones too) set out for selected south side Rainier slopes to have our way with them, in order to bag our "official ski" for August. As evidenced by the pics, we found a sweet slope with almost no cups or runnels with about 2 inches of harvestable corn over a perennial, country rock base. The goods are still out there in the PNW, but the carries are getting longer. We may have to settle for "ski terrain recon" hikes 'til the September ski. For Sept. maybe we'll do an overnighter on one of the full moon weekends for a bit of moonlight skiing and some extra runs to help make up for the longer carry. Pray for snow.

ron jarvis