Overhanging snow cornices, newly fallen snow, blue skies, 60-degrees, climbing ridge after ridge. On snowshoes Karen and I gained a massive 3,000-feet of elevation gain in -miles round trip above Lake Clara.

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

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 there," Karen said pointing, "we can cut through the trees and we'll be 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. Her dog was with us.

Karen was disappointed because we didn't complete the route she planned. 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.