February 9, 2002, Mt. Rainier National Park

Scott and I drove to Paradise after awaiting the gate at Longmire for about an hour. (road opened about 10am) Left the car at 10:45 and motored up the snowfield. We encountered several VERY icy sections on the way up where ski crampons would have aided, but of course, we didn't bring them. It is odd that after all of this seasons snowfall, Moon Rocks are still exposed! They should be covered up in normal years, but obviously the place gets more than it's fair share of wind!

Made it to Muir in 3 hrs. Very windy there, but mostly clear skies. Scott and I had debated the entire day whether or not to ski the chute to the Nisqually and then on to the brige. Originally, we had decided that the the chute would be too wind-loaded. We gave it a look on the way down and it looked too good to pass up. I gave the slope a few hasty hops on my edges...good enough! It ended up being a real sweet run all the way to the bridge.

Within 20 minutes I got a hitch back up to Paradise, grabbed the car and headed back to the bridge to pick up Scott.

Sam Avaiusini