When What Kind of Hat is That DeWallis, Axe and "g" heard 0-degree temperatures were forecasted for the weekend... it meant only one thing. The 6-Degree Snowshoe Club was back in action!

It was a beautiful, crisp, partially sunny day with great visibility. The Hat was excited about his maiden voyage on his new snowshoes, Axe was haulin' his well used Tubbs, and "g" was packin' his secret hiking weapon - a new pair of dangerously pointy, strap-on crampons.

The Boys were first on the trail. The path was hard packed snow with a layer of crunchy ice on the surface. Midway up, "g" packed his snowshoes and strapped on his crampons. A couple of misguided steps resulted in his sinking waist high into powder.

It was a two mile hike to the summit of Pitchoff. Surprisingly steep and slick in many spots, "g's" crampons grabbed the slope like oatmeal glued to an empty bowl. However, a handful of missteps cost him a few punctures in his gaiters... the good news... no blood!

From the wooded summit of Pitchoff, the Boys looked south to see a frosty looking Cascade Mountain - "g's" second hike on snowshoes in 2002. With hunger and cold settling into their stillness, the 1-burner was lit and the 3-cup Titanium pot was filled with H20 for the ritualistic Ramon Noodle Soup Extravaganza. Of course, Axe demonstrated pure culinary class by whipping out his 3-cup Thermos and satisfying his appetite with home made, piping hot, chunky chicken and vegetable soup!

The trip down was somewhat taxing due to the steepness and tendency for the Boys' snowshoes to transform into alpine skis. Axe was convinced that crampons might be a good addition to his winter hiking gear-stock. All in all... the 6-Degree Snowshoe Club hiked without injury... again. (Whew.)