And... it was Father's Day weekend so of course it was time for our Nacho Peak Loop trip starting near Chinooky Pass. (I'll never not love poking fun at the kids' pronunciations from years ago.)

Like so many of our past trips up this way, the weather wasn't perfect. Cloudy enough to block the big views of Tahoma, but not so cloudy we could avoid sunburns. At least we were mostly covered from head to toe. Raccoons are attractive, right?

This was in June and there was still a TON of snow. We looped around the peak, past the tarns just starting to melt, and up the ridge. Since the boy and I did this trip a few years ago it's become our preferred route. As long as we stay back from the cornices, it's safe and sets us up for amazing glissades down to the lakes by the trailhead.

We were granted a few peeks at the surrounding peaks (ha!) as the wind blew the clouds around, but the blue sky was reserved for after we had dropped over the ridge.

At that point, though, it was all about the glissades. As usual, I led and carved a track. That meant I went a little slower. I also cleared away the loose snow with a wee little loose wet avalanche.

Then, the boy. He can be in control when he wants to be, but often he just enjoys the ride. Ryan (did I mention we had cousin-of-sorts Ryan with us?) opted for a more measured descent.

The second run went about the same, except Moosefish Junior managed a lovely roll at the end. I was only a little concerned until his head-down, flat on his back seemingly knocked out body gave me a thumbs up. Good deal.

Back at the car we changed out of wet clothes and headed home with the obligatory stop at Wapati Woolies.

Twas a good day back in the PNW and a great Father's Day for me. It's good to be home.

📍 On the lands of the Yakama people.