We are up here in the great state of Washington now and we really haven't had a chance to explore yet. So we thought it might be fun to head over to Rainier to do some snowshoeing. Well, after searching the internet, making plans on where we would go, we came across the Mt. Tahoma Tail Association. North Americas largest no fee cross country ski/snowshoe hut to hut system. This looked like a perfect option to take the baby into a backcounty setting in the winter time and still have a warm place to sleep at night. Tons of solitude and views and a warm bed by the stove? Can't get any better than that.
So we set out across the state. The weather forecast did not look good. Storm Draco was pounding the northwest with snow. We were a little worried taking the baby into those conditions so we thought we would just go to the trail head and scope it out. Well like most things in the News, the conditions had been exaggerated, and it was snowing, but things looked decent.
We got a late start the first day, we had to wait for the road to the trail head to be plowed. So we did have some indecision at one point after we were 2 miles in and it was clear we would probably have several hours of snowshoeing in the dark before we made it to the hut. (It gets dark in WA at 4 pm) Tate was sleeping in the carrier and when Erik felt her cheek it was really cold. He said right then and there that we were turning back. Luckily right then Tate woke up and was fine and comfortable. After some debate we felt confident that we could make it in the dark no problem. We even stopped along the trail and I fed Tate in the cold and snow. We added one more layer to cover her whole body and that kept her face and cheeks much warmer. Erik had a nice backpacking chair we set on the back of his snowshoes and we wrapped up in the scooter skirt. I have nursed Tate in some rugged conditions, but this was intense with the snow coming down. It is a motherhood moment I am proud of.
We made it to the hut about 7 pm. Did I say hut? Turns out they are really more like cabins. We went to the Bruni Snow Bowl hut the first night, this is the first season this brand new nut has been in use, the old one in this location burned down several years back.
It was so nice! A big kitchen, family room and stove, and a massive sleep loft upstairs. We shared the hut with two great women and their sons. They were locals who come up every year. We could not have asked for better company. They LOVED having Tate there and played with her nonstop. They even wanted her in all their pictures. (Who wouldn't) The hut was at the top of a ridge that was supposed to have amazing views of Rainier, but it was cloudy and snowing so we couldn't see anything, but the forest was beautiful and we loved the area. Our hut mates said we probably would not see the big mountain in December so we didn't get our hopes up.
The next day we took our time packing up, we only had to go 3 miles this day to the next hut. We bundled up the little one and headed up to the High Hut. It was still snowing, not much for views, but the tranquility of the forest was amazing. I have never seen forest as dense as in the Cascades, it was unbelievable. Our spirits were so high and we were just loving every step.
As we climbed up to the mountain top where the high hut was we were shocked by the huge snow drifts. It had dumped several feet of snow in the past few days. The wind picked up there too, visibility was not that great. This is a typical view that one might see as they approach the High Hut. This is what we could see. Sweet right? There was a ton of snow.
It was warm and cozy and much more rustic than the Snow Bowl hut. We loved it. That night as Erik was out shoveling snow and I was nursing Tate by the fire in the dark, all the clouds rolled out and I got my first glimpse of the big mountain, valley floor, and Seattle way off in the distance. I have never seen anything like it. A massive snow covered beast looming over us in the dark. It was a moment I will never forget. That is why we get outdoors; for transceding moments like that. Just me, baby and the view. Great night. I wish I could have captured it in a photo, but it was too dark. This is not my photo, but one that another hiker took from the high hut. just to give you an idea of the view we had.
We thought we might have the hut to ourselves until about 9pm three guys from the ski patrol showed up. It was so much fun sitting around the fire listening to them tell stories. The next morning clouds rolled in and the view of the mountain was gone. But we have great views of the valley and surrounding hills.
Tate loves her camping PJ's with the moose on it. She also loves all of our gear. Hopfully there is a future backpacker in her.
We packed up and said goodbye to the high hut. So much fun. We headed back to civilization. It was a gorgeous day. By the time we were back to the trailhead the snow at those lower elevations was melting and we had some great views of the green forest.
What a wonderful place. We were really pleased with how happy Tate was the whole time. (Well, not the whole time, she hates the car) This may become a tradition to do this every year. But for now, we are back in Cheney for the holiday, this will be the first time Erik and I aren't at one of our parents for Christmas. We are so excited to start our own traditions and celebrate with our happy baby girl.
1 comment:
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the great recap. We will miss you all very much!
Love you,
Lynette
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