The crux of this trip is always the steep slopes between Chinook Pass and the first tarn on a clockwise route. Henry wasn't comfortable with just trekking poles. He swapped one of his poles for his axe and we continued. Halfway through the traverse... and he slipped.

Being able to stop a slide is a critical mountaineering skill. We've practiced on easy slopes and harder slopes, but this was the first time he had do it without preparation and without thinking. Nailed it! I was so proud. He arrested perfectly and stopped his fall within five feet.

As we continued around the mountain we laughed and joked and had a great time. I was struck with the realization that "arrest" is a word with no negative connotations for me. I've never feared I'd be arrested without reason. I've never feared the police.

Would it be different if I weren't a white, middle class male? Seems the very definition of white privilege.

Henry and I talked about our privilege as we continued through the snow. I was reading White Fragility at the time and tried to share what I was learning with the boy. I don't know if I helped him, but I know these kinds of conversations are necessary. (Next on my bookshelf is So You Want To Talk About Race.)

Returning to the trailhead the parking lot was full. Families were gearing up to walk in the snow around Tipsoo Lake. Almost all of them were white. The outdoors needs to be diverse to be protected for the future.

There are lots of organizations working to make the outdoors accessible and welcoming for everyone. Check out Outdoor Afro to see how they're building Black leadership in nature. If your circumstances allow it, consider a donation and a follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or why not all three?