Renaming the blog

This blog was created for my hike of the Continental Divide Trail.  As I have decided to keep posting my other adventures, "CDT 2012" will no longer do.  The new name is a reference to my favorite song, "I don't mind" by the Tobasco Donkeys (which is based around several Edward Abbey quotes).

Blanca Lake, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Shuksan

The northwest had a wonderfully clear September, which made for great end-of-summer adventures.

Blanca Lake

I have been meaning to hike to Blanca Lake since seeing a friend's photos a couple years ago.  I was not disappointed--the weather was clear and the lake was a brilliant turquoise.

Blanca Lake's signature color

Mt. Rainier

The weather was agreeable for an end of summer climb of Mt. Rainier.  This was my fourth climb and second summit.

On the way up to Camp Muir

Ice axe self-arrest practice

Setting up the belay system for crevasse practice

Practicing crevasse rescue

Sunrise over Mount Tahoma

A successful climb

Mt. Shuksan

At 9,131', Mt. Shuksan is Washington's ninth highest peak.  It is a fantastic climb--not so high as to cause altitude problems, a pretty approach hike, a few crevasses, and a rock scramble to the top.

Camped on the glacier

Mt. Baker from camp

Attempting to get an early start

Crevasses below the summit pyramid

On top

Harrison rappelling down from the top

Mountain goat