Jordan finds what we were looking for.
Note from Lou: Since sleeping high is one of our main goals (we want to get on that Denali flight at least slightly acclimated to something above sea level), we headed up to the Bunny Flats parking area on Mount Shasta. Pulling in last evening in the cold rain didn’t inspire a great deal of confidence, but then, at least it was probably snowing just up the trail.
As they usually do, my eyes opened with a jolt at 5:00 A.M. and my fingers sought a keyboard to type on. Not finding myself that near a computer, I instead opted to glance out the camper window. Wow, the world’s greatest sucker hole had opened up and Shasta loomed above our “campsite” like the gigantic Lemurian throne some people around here think it is.
Okay boys, we know the wind and weather will hammer that thing soon, so the summit is out, but let’s go for a tour! Yeah, we didn’t go far, but anything on Shasta is always a joy and the workout appreciated.
Mount Shasta's Avalanche Gulch viewed through the rising morning mist.
A brief clearing of the skies as Louie and Jordan pause for a breather.
Jordan going to work California casual.
Wind and clouds moved in and out as Mr. Wildsnow searches for the cold snow.
Lou showing the boys how it's done, or at least how it is done on little tiny short skis.
Louie partakes in his fair portion of the spoils.
The fellas take in the view of Shasta's Hotlum and Bolam glaciers as we set the compass north again. Always a mixed feeling (otherwise known as summit withdrawal syndrome) leaving a great mountain under clearish skies. But deep inside we know that pushing Shasta in a storm cycle is a good way to have a bad day, so even though we could have easily done more vertical and spent more time up there, we're okay with being on the road again. As we head up the highway we're thinking perhaps we can get on the fringe of all this cloudy stuff and try another volcano. Check in tomorrow.
WildSnow guest blogger Caleb Wray is a photographer and outdoor adventurer who lives in Colorado and travels worldwide. He enjoys everything from backcountry skiing to surfing.
