Mt. Ellinor
 Patty and Larry emerge from the trees to the base of the Chute. |
 The rest of the group follow the deepening snow into the open area at the base of the Chute. |
 Ridge, with the Chute in the background, the top obscured by clouds. |
 From here, its straight up a 30-40 degree avalanche chute, which we will glissade on our descent. |
 One third the way up, the clouds begin to dissipate and we can see Lake Cushman. |
 Me, just before the base of the Chute. |
 Patty, about a third of the way up, and Larry is behind. |
 Larry entering the steeper portion, between a narrow channel of rock faces. |
 Patty, comes out of the narrow channel, where the winds were blowing fiercely. |
 After the channel, clouds, wind and blowing snow hit us hard for the last third of the ascent. |
 Ridge crosses the large, snowfield as the winds pick up, throwing stinging ice at us. |
 Once we were through the last steep section, we follow a short ridge leading to the summit. |
 Ridge and Patty crossing the short ridge. |
 The clouds and wind envelop around us as we asend the last steep slope. |
 From the top, not much to see, but we came up from the right of the photo. |
 Once on the top, we put more clothing on and think about a short break . . . |
 . . . however, with the wind blowing everything and our hands getting very cold, we quickly left the top. |
 But not until we take a few summit photos while we wait for Ridge to join us! |
 And here he comes, nice and steady, fighting the gusting winds. |
 The group: (L-R) Patty, Larry, Tord, Marguerite, Richard and Ridge. |
 The group again, minus Ridge and with me added . . . |
 As we descend, the clouds begin to lift, and the winds start to subside - affording a spectacular view! |
 Lake Cushman, to the south. |
 Looking north, from the wind protection provided by the large rock on the left. |
 Slightly east, toward Seattle. You can see our tracks leading up from the Chute. |