Wow, the incredible weather held out for both days this weekend! So our party of three drove up to the Mason Lake trailhead, only scraping the bottom of the car on the snow a few times. There was only a bit of snow at the trailhead, so we walked up the old road and the Mason Lake trail in boots. Shortly after the trail splits (we took the Mason Creek option), the trail became slippery due to packed ice. But we made it to the boulder field, where the deeper snow dictated snowshoes. We skirted the bottom of the snowfield and then up the far side, which got steep in a few places. Once at Mason Lake the sun was shining and we were in a napping mood. So we lounged and scarfed down some of our lunch.

After a half hour of leisure, we headed up the ridge to Defiance. Somehow we drifted off course, and to get back on the ridge we climbed up some very steep forested slopes. That was difficult due to the soft snow. But once on the ridge it was fairly easy going until we broke out into the open slopes on the high portion of Defiance. By staying just under trees, or walking the ridge, the avalanche hazard was minimized, and we topped out in glorious sunshine and fabulous views. Once again, it was time for a half-hour nap and food frenzy session. How anyone can nap during a food frenzy is difficult to imagine, but we managed.

The descent was more straightforward, since we followed the trail route down the ridge to Mason Lake. Time for a last half-hour nap in the sun before heading down the slippery trail along Mason Creek. All in all, it was another great 4-star trip!