June 19, 2004, Pineapple Pass basin

I can't think of many better ways to spend Father's Day (or the day before) than with my six-year-old son introducing him to the world of hiking for one's turns. And what a job a kid can do! Alan, Peter, Eric, and I left the Snow Lake TH a bit before 8:30. We strolled along at a leisurely, short-legged pace, enjoying the sunshine, waterfalls, and glistening patches of snow above us. Eric and I swapped out lowcut hikers for boots at Source Lake and made a close together, ascent up the steep, snow-filled gullies to the basin below Pineapple Pass. There we had snacks, chilled the beer and rootbeer, and set our sights on the saddle at the top of the basin. It didn't take long to march up to the top where we put on out skis and set off for some turns. Eric seemed to forget how to turn (it had been a couple months since he skied last) and chose to traverse across the hill away from the easier line until he was in steeper terrain above rocks and a couple holes. After speeding over to get him going the right direction he linked some great tight turns down the central part of the basin. Alan and Peter hiked back up for a second shot while Eric and I skied down to our stash of gear, snacked up again, and began the hike back down to Source Lake. We plunged stepped down hand-in-hand while Peter and Alan skied around us. I passed Eric off to Alan once out of the steepness and hit one run down to the lake. Eric, Peter, and Alan got a head start down the trail while I loaded up the skis and watched thunderclouds billow overhead. Catching them awhile later, it was clear that Eric was tired, his vocabulary reduced to one word, "Yeah," which he used to respond to everything I asked. Through the entire 7 miles, 7 hours, and 2000' of climbing, Eric kept a great attitude and enjoyed his first turns in the backcountry. The rest of us enjoyed our turns as well. What a day!
Eric getting his first backcountry turns:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=5393&password=&sort=1&cat=515&page=1
Eric finding his rhythm:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=5394&password=&sort=1&cat=515&page=1
Jon (dad) enjoying sun and corn:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=5395&password=&sort=1&cat=515&page=1
"Uncle" Alan chowin' corn:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=5398&password=&sort=1&cat=515&page=1
Jon finding jumpturns:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=5396&password=&sort=1&cat=515&page=1

Sorry, Peter, the pics of you were very dark.