Hiked up to base camp today. This hike let me know just how out of shape I am. Fat, out of shape and older… Lots of huffing and puffing. It is a 3.1 mile ascent with a 2000′ elevation gain. Back in the day…sigh. Anyway, the view from here is spectacular. I passed several hikers/skiers who lug their gear up to about 10,000′ and then ski down to where I am standing in the above photo. I know the picture is dark, but the sun and snow played hell with the camera; and I could’t change either the sun or mountain. In case anyone cares, I am using a FujiFilm Finepix S1000 with a tripod. That’s how I’m getting all of these pictures with me in them. It’s also why they are all from a lower angle.

Here is a picture of some skiers making their way down the mountain.

Here is a picture of their gear. Ignore the pretty girl in the background.

Two headed back down. They said it took them two hours to ski down. they said they take breaks to savior the moment. The guy in the orange pants also had a camera drone so he could film their decent. Out of all of their gear he said that the drone was the heaviest. To be young and in great shape again.

Base camp is also where hikers begin their ascent. Here is a group on their way to base 2. They will begin their final ascent in the morning, usually leaving around 3 or 4 am before the snow gets too soft and dangerous.

Lunch at the top. Mixed nuts with raisins added. Also known as trail mix or if you want to go old school, Gorp (sp).  There are lots of ways to make it, dried fruit, chocolate etc. Everyone seems to have their favorite. This is how I prefer mine.