May 13, 2001, Edith Creek, Mazama ridge, Rainier

Not too optimistic as Dorothea and myself arrived in misting clouds at Paradise lot. Worse yet, Igor the bad news bulldozer and his snow blowin friend "Puffy" were hard at work clearin out the Paradise valley road. Decided we would do end run up Edith basin ski some of that and then go over to Mazama. Some clearing occured and temps went up kinda hot house like at times. Summit and Muir snowfield showed themselves fully by 1pm Snow was wet but very skiable. Reminded me of driving a Cadillac. A little heavy and sloppy steering. We kicked off a couple wet slides and I got run down by one of my own snowball creations. Evidence of Cornices dropping. Creek crossings are getting thin but still lots of snow. Best runs were west facing. We skied the backbowl once then headed down to horseshoe bend and found the challenge of the day dropping down 10' into the road cut left by Igor and friend.Road is plowed out half way down the valley as we left. Amusing note of the day : We were getting our packs ready and I noticed 3 young men two cars away. They were putting skins on thier rental AT rigs. I heard one of them say " I think that's how they go." I looked and the skins were on backward with the tail fix in the tip hole! I went over and straighted them out. They were appreciative and wouldn't stop calling me sir. Somebody rented these army guys gear without explanation? I told them to be careful and don't do anything stupid. "Thank you Sir"

Robie