April 9, 2014

East Face Descent & Mountain Goat Herding - Mt Helen

Kristin and I took advantage of a nice April refresh and headed to the Ten Mile Range, looking to head up Mt Helen's east face.  The snow coverage was impressive and allowed for a long 2700' descent from the summit proper.  We shared the summit with about two dozen mountain goats who followed us up the NE ridge.



Mt. Helen ( broad face left of center)  as seen from across Goose Pasture Tarn, after our tour.  We soaked up the sun all tour right until we arrived back to the truck to enjoy our snow cold beers, then the clouds started to roll in.


Curious fellas, these guys seemed to be the bravest of the bunch.  As far as I could find there had only been one attack/death from a mountain goat.  Once they got about 6 feet from me I got out of my crouch and started walking towards them and they slowly started backing away.



































Ahh spring skiing:)  Dont forget your skin wax



































Sunscreen!


The afro hair anemone in full effect!  Sadly it was all chopped off today, just in time:)  The wifey was about to leave me:)


Looking west from Mt. Helen at Father Dyer Pk. and Crystal Pk.



Notice the herd



























Almost too close for comfort


 Some good looking lines



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