Having not been out on many trips this winter and just recovering from a nasty cold the week before, I headed up the Mount Townsend trail with Jim, Don, Ronda and Robbin. I only mention the cold and my lack of going on many trips because I must be seriously out of shape. I was dragging on this trip when usually I feel stronger on these short climbs. At any rate, after meeting up at the park and ride, and Jim graciously driving us to the trailhead, we headed up the trail. We didn't hit snow until around 4000 feet or maybe a little higher. Once in the snow we all donned traction in the form of Microspikes or Yaktrax and continued on. At around 5000' we took a snack break and I headed up a little higher to try to set up to take some pictures as the others headed up. I think I mostly succeeded in getting a few good shots with my new camera but I regret not having a polarizing filter yet. You can see how blown out the sky looks in a few of the shots.