I have come to the conclusion that great climbs, maybe even great times in general, involve a headlamp.
A few weeks back C and I started out from the trailhead to climb Mount Baker at ten in the evening. Well after dark. Wearing our headlamps. We hiked through the night and watched the sky change colors as the sun rose onto the Easton Glacier. Though we did not reach the summit, it was a beautiful climb. And my first climb without one of our Boealps instructors along, unofficially leading the climb.
Then, Sunday, after waking at the trailhead, A, T, and I headed up the trail toward Mount Adams at four in the morning. The sun yet to rise, we adorned headlamps. The stars were bright, the moon a sliver. We hiked up beyond the treeline and watched as Mount Hood became illuminated to the South. A dark night turned to a pink dusk which turned into beautiful blue skies.
Though the route had very little snow and talus field after talus field, we successfully summited the second highest peak in the state. A and T were excellent climbing partners.
There is something exciting about climbing in the dark. And being keenly aware of each little bit of light as the sun rises is so great. And relieving. Seeing the landscape slowly light up is pretty amazing.
On another note. While sunrises may be best seen from somewhere on a mountain, sunsets are maybe best from the water. The sun sets just as rowing class is nearing its end. Today, Kip had us row out onto Lake Union to see the colors of the city. And it was so pretty. Made me happy to be out on the water. And in Seattle. Watching the sunset.
[ Photos from Mount Baker are here. C's are here. Photos from Mount Adams are here. ]