Cashmere Mountain Ski     1/5/02 - 1/6/02

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Brian, Jerry and I got an early start and headed out to Leavenworth.  We up the Icicle Creek road to Bridge Creek and headed up on an overnight ski tour.  I would have to say this tour has a lot of approach.  Up the the road to the trailhead, the trail to Eightmile Lake, then lots of steep skinning to Little Lake Caroline.  It took us all day.  After quickly pitching the tent we had a half hour of light left but were too tired to go for a quickie and instead had our victuals and retired to the tent for a game of hearts with a tiny deck of cards.  The next morning we were eager to find some skiing.  



Jerry with the summit of Cashmere behind him.



Cannon Mountain across the way.



Skinning up a ridge.  



Somebody skiing- can't tell who.  


The slopes we found were mostly short and uninspiring.  Snow conditions were semi-crust.  By mid-day it started dumping very wet snow.  We got soaked.  We got lost getting back to camp.  We packed up all the wet gear and headed out.  I hadn't been that wet in a couple years, including some kayaking.  It was a long slog out.  Mercifully once we got back to the trailhead it was an easy glide out.  When we got back to my truck I initially couldn't start it.  Brian and Jerry pushed it a couple feet and then it started fine.  I thanked the solenoid gods.  

Tip Trip:  If you want to ski Cashmere bring lots of daylight.