Paradise to Camp Muir is a very popular hike, as well as the first part of the most popular route on Mount Rainier. Being gently-sloped, crevasse-free, wide-open and set among glaciers, icefalls and massive rock walls, overlooking Tatoosh Range and Southern Cascade volcanoes — views rivaled by very few if any in the lower 48, — it was an ideal destination for taking Sophia to her first tour since her arrival to Seattle two days earlier. Chris agreed, and, luckily, Ashley was able to join us as well. It was a clear warm summer Sunday.

Sophia, having arrived from sea level, and two weeks after her last cardio workout, started showing signs of tiredness early in the day, but she was determined to keep pushing. We supported her as much as we could, with jokes, advice, various mountain anecdotes, proper on-the-go nutrition, hydration, and of course with that magic potion that saved us on a few occasions — the 5 Hour Energy shots . She announced that she gives up and wants to ski down at about 8,000ft of elevation, but was able to push for another 600 vertical feet. We stopped and waited for Chris and Ashley who went to Camp Muir, and then rejoined us on their way down. Then the four of us skied over 3,000ft down to the Paradise parking lot on surprisingly good snow. We were in the car in time to make it to the Copper Creek Inn for dinner before they closed.