July 27-28 Mt Baker-CD Route
7/15/07
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
23314
14
My son Stewart, Blitz and I headed for Baker on Friday afternoon and after a strenuous hike we camped on a snow ledge at the base of the Black Buttes. Beautiful sunset and the mountain remained clear all night but quite windy in the Megamid. Blitz slept outside in her bivvy bag.
We arose at 4.30 am to a clear mountain and after some strong coffee set off for the summit leaving our skis behind as the crevasses have really opened up. The berg has only a narrow snow bridge with a big hole in the middle and won't last much longer. As we where approaching the last snow slope on the Roman Wall, a lenticular started forming but we continued up to the summit and got some clear views just before it socked in for good. The hike back down was in bad visibility the whole way. We put skis on at the camp and tried some roped skiing for a while but there where too many crevasses so we hiked to the top of the last steep slope re-skied and then got some nice turns in down to the snowline.
Wasn't worth bringing the skis for the climb ( a fact that Stewart constantly reminded me of as he had said so at the beginning.) You know it's over for you when your 15 year old has more sense than you. :-
It was Stewie's first big mountain and I am a proud father. ;D
We arose at 4.30 am to a clear mountain and after some strong coffee set off for the summit leaving our skis behind as the crevasses have really opened up. The berg has only a narrow snow bridge with a big hole in the middle and won't last much longer. As we where approaching the last snow slope on the Roman Wall, a lenticular started forming but we continued up to the summit and got some clear views just before it socked in for good. The hike back down was in bad visibility the whole way. We put skis on at the camp and tried some roped skiing for a while but there where too many crevasses so we hiked to the top of the last steep slope re-skied and then got some nice turns in down to the snowline.
Wasn't worth bringing the skis for the climb ( a fact that Stewart constantly reminded me of as he had said so at the beginning.) You know it's over for you when your 15 year old has more sense than you. :-
It was Stewie's first big mountain and I am a proud father. ;D
You know it's over for you when your 15 year old has more sense than you. :-[
It was Stewie's first big mountain and I am a proud father. ;D
Nice job, guys. I called on the way home from representing West Sound in the Slush Cup, but Stewart said you were out so I didn't stop in for a hello.
It was Stewie's first big mountain and I am a proud father. ;D
Nice job, guys. I called on the way home from representing West Sound in the Slush Cup, but Stewart said you were out so I didn't stop in for a hello.
hey dad heres the pics you wanted
Nice job!
Wished there was more snow for you to ski Chris. Nothing is worse than a know it all teenager who is right. ;)
Wished there was more snow for you to ski Chris. Nothing is worse than a know it all teenager who is right. ;)
Nice work guys...
I ties to get up there this weekend, but didn't make it.
Glad someone was out... :D
I ties to get up there this weekend, but didn't make it.
Glad someone was out... :D
You probably saw my Heliotrope Ridge TR from the same day, so you know that other TAYers were enjoying the Baker snow. We arrived early enough to see the lenticular cloud and certainly noticed the fact that the peak wasn't visible for the balance of the day.
What time did you hit the top of the Hogsback? I am curious as to how close we were to running into your group. We went through the tent city around 5:00 pm. We had meet quite a few climbers who had summited in fine conditions on Friday in the morning. I have lived in the shadow of Mt.Baker my entire life but I never made it to the top until I was in my 40's. Good on you, Chris, to get your son up there a young age. Now you have do again in June when the skis can still be used.
What time did you hit the top of the Hogsback? I am curious as to how close we were to running into your group. We went through the tent city around 5:00 pm. We had meet quite a few climbers who had summited in fine conditions on Friday in the morning. I have lived in the shadow of Mt.Baker my entire life but I never made it to the top until I was in my 40's. Good on you, Chris, to get your son up there a young age. Now you have do again in June when the skis can still be used.
Hey Stewie, good job. I didn't climb Baker for the first time until I was 17. I won't even mention what decade that was in, but our rope was hemp. I member sunburning the top of my mouth from open-mouth panting the entire way.
Yep, that Willis kid was really awesome at the sharp end of the rope!
The skiing at the bottom of the glacier was sweet on Saturday afternoon. I am glad we did not bring skis to the Roman Wall - it was pretty gnarly (see the picture). But I would love to go back when it is sunny and nice!
For the record, this was my first volcano too. Now, how about that post on Adams? Could be volcano #2 this weekend Stewie... ;D
The skiing at the bottom of the glacier was sweet on Saturday afternoon. I am glad we did not bring skis to the Roman Wall - it was pretty gnarly (see the picture). But I would love to go back when it is sunny and nice!
For the record, this was my first volcano too. Now, how about that post on Adams? Could be volcano #2 this weekend Stewie... ;D
Right on you three. Chris, way to go getting the next generation going. I hope to meet you soon Stewie. I can remember you dad talking about getting you geared up with AT stuff a couple of years ago and how excited he was.
Blitz in the bvy, a windy Megamid...nothing sounds easy about any of that. Very cool.
Also, it is great to see that Chris now has a photographer. Keep the pics coming Stewie.
Blitz in the bvy, a windy Megamid...nothing sounds easy about any of that. Very cool.
Also, it is great to see that Chris now has a photographer. Keep the pics coming Stewie.
I submit a high five for the Willis and the Blitz Klan.
Two high fives for Stewie.
Two high fives for Stewie.
Stewie, congrats on your first BIG mountain ;D, and to Chris and Blitz. Keep using that good sense that you have Stewie, someone has to keep you dad in line ;) ;).
The one weekend I took my dad climbing we had a wonderful time. Congratulations to you and your son for being able to share good times in the mountains.
thanks everybody for your kind words and thoughts. Stewie and I will see you all out there!! :D :D
The next tricks for you to teach Stewart are "Rope Gun" and "Great job breaking trail, kid!".
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