Mt. Baker

For a while now we've shared our home with Mark, Sachi's brother. He did us a huge favor in living in our home while we were gone and taking care of our dog. Fortunately for us, the favors just keep coming. You see, Mark has a penchant for charity auctions. While we were gone he bid on a few days at a condo (and lift tickets) at Mt. Baker, an amazing ski/snowboard mountain north of Seattle.

So, ya know, we had to help him with the fruits of his winnings, you know, for charity. So we spent a few days up there recently.

Mt. Baker usually gets pounded with snow in the winter. In fact it holds the world record for annual snowfall (1,140 inches). It is a family-owned ski area since the 60's and retains a family charm that attracts a lot fo locals. There is no "resort". In fact, you have to drive for about 20 minutes to get to the closest accomodation. Mt. Baker is also famous for the lengendary Banked Slalom snowboard race where pros come from around the world to join the locals in a race for the duct tape trophy. Mt. Baker is also known for excellent backcountry terrain.

However, when we were there we saw rain one day and sun the next. The area is no stranger to rain of course and it makes for an other-worldly scene where everything is covered with thick moss. Even after out trip, there are few places that appeal to me more than the forest of the great NW. We stayed along the Nooksack River.

Thanks Mark!