Mount Baker, Elevation 10,778ft
Coleman/Deming, December 8, 2002
1 day
Ben, Jeff Vander Yacht
Mount Baker from the Coleman Glacier.
I took my boss up Baker a few months prior and like all good junkies, he wanted more. We climbed Ruth Mountain and Shuksan but that wasn't enough so we decided to end the season with another ascent of Baker. I skied the Coleman/Deming and Park Glacier Headwall that Saturday so I knew the route was in good shape. Crampons were required so we made a stop by REI that evening and Jeff picked up a pair.
We started hiking shortly before daylight and found ourselves back at the trailhead just after dark for a round trip time of about 11 hours. Jeff chose to leave the skis behind so his descent was a little more painful but it allowed him to keep a comfortable pace on the ascent. I couldn't resist bringing mine along so I ended up doing some stop and go. This would be my 9th summit ski of Baker within a year so I had no problem waiting. A good time was had by all.
Jeff getting familiar with the crampons.
Jeff at the saddle. Light pack and smiles.
Jeff at the summit. Light pack and sleep.
Jeff realizing it's all downhill from here.
Jeff descending the Roman Headwall on foot.
Looking west towards the saddle from the chute that I skied.
The chute that I skied. You can also see Sky and my tracks from the previous day.
Hmmm, I wonder how this got here. Jeff and I witnessed a small icefall sweep this area a few minutes after this photo was taken.
Photographer: Jeff