Mt. Rainier, Summerland, July 6-8, 2012

 

Me.

  

Phil at the Bridge

  

Brian and the Big R.

 

 The view expands as we near the lower slopes of Summerland.

 

 Brian and Phil climbing into lower Summerland.

Lower Summerland

Our camp in the "Meadow".  Both afternoons, we were approached by rangers who informed us that we were illegally camped in a meadow. They were nice enough to not cite us and make us move, but now we are in "the system".

 

 After setting up our camp we skied up toward Goat Cirque and upper Summerland in search of running water, and turns.

Climbing above the valley bottom gave us this view of Goat Cirque.

 

Phil, ripping some turns on the way back toward camp.

Our morning view from camp.

 

 After breakfast, we skinned up to the watering hole before heading up toward Panhandle Gap.

 

 Brian and Phil skinning toward Panhandle Gap. Meany Crest, with Rainier behind, is in the background.

Panhandle Gap is the corniced saddle right of center.

The view to the northwest from above Panhandle Gap

 

The view to the south from the Gap.  Goat Rocks is on the left, and Mt Adams is the big one to the right.

 

 Phil, skiing the slope above Panhandle Gap.

Phil taking a picture of Brian skiing down. The cornices on Panhandle Gap loom above.

Brian, skiing down slopes below the Gap.

 

Me, skiing into Goat Cirque (photo courtesy of Phil).

Phil, climbing into Goat Cirque for one more run before heading back to camp.