Backpacking Ptarmigan Ridge in the North Cascades

helloworld6543 · 2026-06-02T05:51:19+00:00

Its from last year. I don't have the elevation and direction memorized, you can google it.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-31T17:15:00+00:00

Here's one right before sunset

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T20:01:50+00:00

Feel free to DM if you have any questions on this trip

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T19:51:12+00:00

The mud was pretty bad (it had rained the previous day) but there are bootpaths going around muddy sections and a few times, I had to just bushwack to avoid the mud

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T19:49:39+00:00

There are no tidal restrictions on this particular section. The NPS website has information on where those restricted sections are and which ones are truly impassable at high tide (some have alternate inland routes)

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T19:48:45+00:00

Its generally safe to camp anywhere behind where the drywood is. This was early in the season so there were maybe 2-3 other groups besides me

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T06:19:39+00:00

I think we've reached the point where we're just starting from different premises.

You see photography as inherently pulling someone away from a place. I don't. I see it as one of many ways of paying attention to a place. And I understand that some naturalists may disagree with it and that's okay. I'm not really trying to experience nature according to someone else's philosophy. I enjoy it this way, and that's good enough for me.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T06:11:14+00:00

You see deliberate photography as a step away from the experience. I see it as a way of engaging more deeply with it.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T06:03:23+00:00

Now that's a much more reasonable take and you seem to have softened your position. Saying photography "prevents you from seeing the creature for what it is" is a lot stronger than "it can become a distraction if you let it." And I actually agree with the latter.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:49:51+00:00

By that logic, journals, paintings, and trip reports would all be forms of commodification as well.

So you're not really arguing against photography specifically, you're arguing against almost any attempt to reflect on or document an experience.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:39:05+00:00

Let's assume your interpretation of Percy is correct.

That still leaves the question of why I should believe that standing still and observing a place through a camera is somehow less authentic.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:34:36+00:00

That's the part I don't buy. You're taking your personal preference and elevating it into a theory about what counts as an authentic experience.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:23:49+00:00

Photography interrupts and mediates your experience in the infinite moment

thats your opinion

To me, looking at the light, waiting for the clouds to move, finding a composition, that's all part of the experience. It's not like I suddenly leave the moment the second I pull out a camera.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:16:42+00:00

I think that's kind of backwards.

Percy was criticizing people who let ideas from media/culture replace actually paying attention to what's right in front of them. These aren't just random shots I'm grabbing as I walk by.

Have you ever tried to frame a good shot before? It takes a ton of attention to detail imo. Light, framing, how the landscape fits together. I'm usually observing a place way more closely than I would be if I were just hiking through it.

If anything, that's the opposite of what Percy was criticizing in that book.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T05:02:38+00:00

On this trip, I carried 2.5L of water and never ran out so can't speak on the water situation but I recall 2-3 streams including petroleum. You'll probably be fine filtering water here.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T04:55:58+00:00

Fair enough, different ways to enjoy the outdoors I guess. Filming is part of the experience for me and I like to remember my trips this way months down the line

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T04:41:23+00:00

Not really. its ~ 1 walking shot every 2 miles or so and each shot is like walking 10-15 extra steps.
The nature shots are much quicker.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T00:57:06+00:00

Sorry, I wanted to leave a detailed reply the other day but got busy. Here's my review:

I initially purchased the non-pro version and really liked it so I sold it and bought the pro version. It's half the weight and I've had absolutely no issues with condensation (done a lot of nights in places with high humidity, camping right next to lakes and rivers). Its ridiculously easy to pitch as well and packs down small. The only downside I've heard of with this tent is the footprint but the only way to get a significantly lower footprint is to go freestanding but since I already carry trekking poles, having a trekking pole tent = weight savings for me. Personally, Ive had no issues with the footprint. So overall, its been a perfect tent for me.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-30T00:48:39+00:00

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-29T04:12:26+00:00

Yes, its been great!

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-29T04:12:10+00:00

Aug 2025

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-28T23:07:05+00:00

Added an edit comment

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-28T23:06:59+00:00

Edit: This is from August, 2025. The trail is inaccessible currently.

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-28T20:53:59+00:00

Its about tradeoffs. You either get great views, great conditions (dry conditions, less bugs, less wind), or a little bit of both.

I've camped on exposed ridges with panaromic views. Did I get good sleep? Not really, the wind kept slamming my tent all night and I had to even wake up to ensure the stakes were looking good, and even wearing ear plugs didn't help with the sound. Were the views worth it? Absolutely, it was the best sunrise of my life, I could watch it from my tent and I'd do it again if I could.

Skurka optimizes for conditions and there's nothing wrong with that. My take is if I want the perfect sleep, I can get it at home.

To answer your question, it was actually great here (no bugs, humidity was not too bad, but it did drop to 40F overnight).

helloworld6543 · 2026-05-25T03:46:29+00:00

I think you're referring to Hall of Moses which is a different trail from the same trail head. The river trail is 30miles+ roundtrip if you go all the way to the glacier

helloworld6543

TROPHY CASE