Four Shields: Exploring Whatcom Pass in the Shoulder Season

“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire.  The reality of your own nature should determine the speed.  If you become restless, speed up.  If you become winded, slow down.  You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion.  Then, when you are no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself.  This leaf has jagged edges.  This rock is loose.  From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer.  These are things you should notice anyway.  To live only for some future goal is shallow.  It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.” –Robert Pirsig

Rain.  The familiar damp welcomed us to the mountains on our second outing of the season.  With much larger numbers our group arrived at the trailhead to Welcome Pass after meeting early at the bus back in Bellingham.  Grinding up a very short, yet narrow and steep forest service road we were ready to begin our climb.  The weather was a steady rain, though temperature was mild and there was very little wind.  As we followed the old road grade up to the steeper sections of trails we adjusted layers trying to find the magic combination allowing us to stay comfortable under clammy rain layers.  Once we crossed our first drainage our climb began in earnest.  A steep switch backing trail ascended boldly up the mountain stretching calves and attitudes. 

The relentless grade was difficult.  Lungs, quads, rain gear, footwear and attitudes were all tested. We stopped occasionally to catch our breath and rest our calves.  The rain made our lunch stop brief and focused.  Along the way we passed though groves of Mountain Hemlock and silver fir.  We tracked our progress on our map and slowly we climbed higher and higher gaining over 2,000 vertical feet in a couple of brutal miles.

When we reached our predetermined turnaround time we gathered the group together.  Energy levels were across the board with some utterly spent and others were ready to run to the pass.  The group decided that since we were likely 200’ below the pass those that were too tired would wait with Steve and the others would make the final climb to the pass, take a photo then head back down.  After about 5 minutes of climbing the boys who wanted to climb the pass made it to the top.  We took a few photos and enjoyed the impressive sideways rain and the views of crag, heather, and clouds.

The decent was nonstop.  It 40 minutes to descend what had taken 2 hours and 20 minutes to climb.  Our only stop was a brief look for chanterelle mushrooms.  Spirits lightened once we entered the brightness of the parking lot.  We explored the small stream and dam beyond where the bus was parked.  Our closing circle was filled with affirmations.  It was a hard hike and we climbed it well as a group especially given the limited time and hard weather.  We ended by thinking about what made the day challenging and what we could have personally changed for ourselves to make it better.  Suggestions included gloves, rain pants, extra warm layers, a full night’s sleep and non-cotton layers.  Traveling into the mountains is a great way to understand the limitations of your clothing and equipment.  The trick is to pay attention and make changes so that the next journey is even more successful.

See the rest of the photos here!