I was on top of the South Summit of Mt Engels when I took these photos. Mt Stuart is the highest non-volcanic peak in Washington State and provides some challenging climbs in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of the Central Cascades. I prefer not having to carry a lot of ropes and hardware … I took a climbing course long ago, but mostly to know enough to keep myself out of harm’s way.

I’ve always liked the clouds that were coming in. A storm moving through. I was glad it was a day hike.