We made it!! We arrived at Paradise at 0800 Sunday morning with the sun in our eyes and the mountain in full view. There were 2 leaders and 4 students. We started our ascent. It was one of those days where you feel like you can only feel good about life and the unfolding adventure. The sun was shining. It wasn't too cold. As we hiked above the trees on to the snow fields we could see views down the mountain and Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens in the distance. The pace was perfect. Short rest stops to shed layers, regroup, or enjoy the view. We kept a steady pace until about 900 feet from the top then three of us took off for Muir which proved more elusive with each step. Finally we came to the small snowy village at the base of the ascent to the top of the mountain. I say village because there were alot of people up there and a few hardy buildings.

At Camp Muir we witnessed the regeneration of the Silver Skis Race or "Geschmozzel" held in the 30's and 40's. A number ofbackcountry enthusiasts raced from Muir to Paradise as it was done in theearly days - except with today's equipment. The winning time was about 8 1/2minutes - a few of the guys straight-lined it from Muir to Pebble Creek,about 3,800 vertical and 2.2 miles - WOW! It was pretty impressive to watch about 30 people take off from the top on skiis and snowboards and quickly disappear down the snow field. It made me want to have my skiis for the trip down.

We hung out at the camp for awhile taking in our success, refueling, and enjoying the view. The top seemed so close, so attainable. As we descended we heard cracks and rumbles along the Nisqually Glacier and witnessed an avalanche that spread across the entire upper glacier. I saw the wave of snow as it started downward and then the cloud of snow that filled the area as it moved downhill. Very humbling. I had heard a couple of climbers earlier saying they had bagged climbing the mountain because the avalanche danger was too high.

At Pan Point Vern saw 2 people near a rock wall I believe is Cushman Crest. 2 OSATers were out ice climbing as well. Vern yelled down from Pan Point. John, said they'd never hear them. Apparently they did.

Great day, great group to climb with. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed making it to Camp Muir. 4400ft of elevation to Camp Muir which is at an elevation of 10,188ft. Only 4000 more feet to go.

Climbers: John (leader), Vern (co-leader), Ed, Rob, Joe, and myself.