After I got back from taking Christian to his classes, I told the other two boys in a very solemn voice that school was canceled. They gave me a puzzled look and I asked if they had not seen the adverse conditions out there. How could one have school in such weather? "But where has school been canceled?" I told them to take a look outside and they were still trying to figure things out as they saw the bright blue, crisp autumn morning. Then it began to sink in, that their teacher would not miss one last opportunity to go on a Baker hike before the snow (which is in the forecast for this weekend for that elevation) will shut down the access road.

We saw, explored and learned so many things that would not have been possible had four walls surrounded us all day.

Our good friend and neighbour Lolita and her dog Nya, joined us for the day.

Here we take a rest for lunch. What would you choose, being a little cold or a little hungry? Nolan did not know he was choosing the later when he put down his sandwich to put on his jacket. Nya did not hesitate to gobble his food in one bite. The tuna smell must have been irresistible. We were told by other hikers to go on and check out some mountain dwellers on the other side of the ridge. And here they are, a group of eleven mountain goats. I was glad to see them, but also glad about the distance between us as well. Lolita had just told us about the unfortunate hiker that had been killed by one of these, just a couple of days ago on the Olympic Peninsula. I have a new found respect for these creatures.

As the sun rapidly began to set, we had to get our toques and gloves out and also quicken our pace; which was a challenge for Ethan, since he was getting pretty tired. There was no choice, we had to complete the 8 miles and get back to the parking lot before dark.

The shorter days afforded us beautiful sunsets,

and a beautiful moon to guide us back to the trail head.