North Slope of Chair Peak

Went into the Alpental backcountry to ski the North Slope of Chair Peak. This drops you off on top of the frozen Snow Lake, which you then cross to head up and back the way you came.

This tour was in late April...the conditions and temps felt like the middle of winter.

Heading up to that notch...

The boot-pack section...short but steep

Heather eating snow...

Light on our tracks

We wished we had brought our ice tools...

The view from the bottom.

Clouds moved in as we crossed Snow Lake...

...but then they cleared again.

Heading out of the Snow Lake basin...another great day of turns.

Cave B / Frenchman Coulee

We wanted to go to Mexico over spring break...felt the need for sun and R & R. However, we were trying to save some money (imagine that) for the multiple trips we would like to take next year. So, we settled for local luxury...stayed at the Cave B Inn in George, WA. We went climbing during the day and then cleaned up in our comfy Cliffehouse with magnificent views of the Columbia...then ate a gourmet meal in the main inn. I guess it's not really fitting with the dirtbag climbing world...but I guess we've never made good dirtbags. We like good food, comfortable beds, and hot showers a bit too much!

The view from our Cliffehouse

Our patio overlooking the Columbia.

The main Cave B Inn building.

...the food was awesome and the wine was tasty too!

If you're ever looking for a great place to stay (and don't mind spending a bit) when you go climbing at Vantage or to a concert at the Gorge, check it out... http://www.sagecliffe.com/Inn.htm.