Overhanging snow cornices, newly fallen snow, blue skies, 60 degrees, climbing ridge after ridge. On snowshoes, today Karen and I gained a challenging 3,000 feet of elevation over six miles total.

Thinking I could get an echo from cliffs across the bowl, I whooped, startling Karen. She taught me to yodel: "Old La-dy O." Together we yodeled loudly. Wait for it.. Our echo came from the cliffs.

For lunch, we sat on rocks warmed by the sun. It delights me to bring Karen, a vegan, something she will eat. I brought Medjool dates stuffed with roasted almonds. She loved it.

The higher we went, the steeper it got. Karen kept climbing higher and higher. Increasingly reluctant ("How do I get down?" ), I followed.

"If we go up there," Karen said pointing, "we can cut through the trees and come out above Midway at Mission Ridge Ski Area. We can come down the ski run, staying near the trees."

My argument for turning around:

"Today the ski area is closed because of ice. With grooming, the runs are hard-packed. It will be icy and steep. Besides, dogs are not allowed at Mission Ridge Ski Area in the winter." Karen knows that.

Karen was disappointed that we didn't complete the route she wanted. I felt guilty for disappointing her.

"It's not fun for me if you are scared," Karen said. "Next year, I'll come back and complete the route alone."

Still, it was a gorgeous adventure. Photos:

1. Enchantments and Wenatchee Mountains. WA.

2. Karen and her dog Bonnie climb higher.

3. Lake Marion is beginning to thaw.

4. Ponderosa Pine tree with fresh snow.

5. Beautifully sculpted snow.