Skiing the Cowlitz Glacier

[Jim Dockery]

I've been sworn to secrecy to not post pictures of this hidden gem, kidy corner from the heavily traveled Muir Snowfield, but that's on skier sites. My partners and I selfishly want to keep it as quiet and smooth back there as we can, plus it's a real glacier, which could lead to trouble for many inexperienced skiers. I doubt that many of you will grab your skis and head up, so I think it's OK to share my first real day of skiing since breaking my leg last winter. I'm out of shape, so it was hard work, and my soft feet got a blister, but well worth it to be back out doing what I love.

My partners spread out on the climb back into the valley of the Paradise Glacier (which we climb to reach the Cowlitz).

My friend Silas, who will turn 70 on the 21st this month, leads the way down the first steep pitch.

Yoshiko kept saying, "I'm so happy!" in her cute Japanese accent after she laid down for a rest after the last long run.

 

[JimFox]

How cool Jim! Each photo is cool to share the experience, and especially the last one of your friend resting.

And you won’t gave to worry about me rushing up there to ski, it’s been so long since I skied I would have trouble on the bunny slopes at this point.

 

[AlanLichty]

Neat place to lay down some tracks and some nice shots of the visit.

I am with Jim on strapping some boards on my feet anymore. I was a ski instructor for Utah State University - in the late 60's and wouldn't even know where to start with modern equipment. I suspect trying to start again would result in bodily harm at my age.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Beautiful, and congratulations on a very speedy recovery.

 

[Jim Dockery]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to get up on Mt. Baker Thursday.

 

[AlanLichty]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to get up on Mt. Baker Thursday.

Keep shooting - we are living vicariously through your images of the high country

 

[Douglas Sherman]

What Alan said.