The first time I climbed Hardy I was with Don 'PJ' Beavon and Tom Sjolseth, shown here on the right as they near the summit of Mt Hardy. It is late October and the first snowfall of the fall has nearly melted off but there is enough left to make the footing a bit treacherous - especially for an old guy like me. It is cold enough that I feel comfortable with a stocking cap and gloves. My companions are tougher than me and go without hat or gloves for much of the climb.

The views from the summit are spectacular with nearby peaks wreathed in swirling clouds.

To the west are the double summits of Black Peak (to the left). We can also pick out the summits of the Ragged Ridge just north of Easy Pass from our vantage point on Hardy's summit. Closer by are Golden Horn and Tower to the east.

October's short days dictate that we start down. The trip down allows for some sitting glissades speeding up the descent considerably. Then it is down through the trees and brush to our vehicle parked near the Swamp Creek culvert on the North Cascades Highway. And the end of a climb with a couple of my favorite people.