The Southern Yokel...

My wife and I thought about going up to Gothic Peak today near Monte Cristo, Wa. Were not sure of the conditions, but made it 50% of the the way without crampons or snowshoes. The couloir that you traverse up right out of the tree line was full of avalanche debris from a medium size spread that happen maybe 2 weeks ago. We decided to call it a day, and return. By the grace of God, Courtney made it into the car right about the time her whole upper body went into an extreme pain. We hurried to the ER to find out it was a bunch of muscle spasms. :/

I’m hoping this will be the year I conquer more than this list. - Cham

Mt. Dickerman summit. Hating this mountain is an understatement for me. I have attempted it 6 times in my lifetime and have only summited it twice due to bizarre events. Usually, the case is the person that I hike with. They end up turning back at some point. Courtney shared this feeling of hate with me as we ascended up over 70+ switchbacks. There was one point where she hit the wall to turn around and I was pushing her to keep going. We finally summited and descended for her to say, "I will never go up that mountain again". It definitely is on my no to do again list, but I rather hike that mountain than live in a state with no mountains any day.

Courtney's first hike/summit. It was Mt. Pilchuck with is a greater starter mountain. I use to take tons of folks out of state up there, so they can get the feel of summiting while not killing themselves (or worrying me). Courtney definitely pounded it out. It was a great day mixed with a cloud show. 

"The mountains are calling and I must go" - Muir