I made it up the back side of Flat Top

I feel slightly ridiculous feeling SO accomplished for doing this, considering it is the most-often climbed peak in Alaska. That said, I did not go up the "normal" approach with the big, widely established trail. I went up the trail off of Upper DeArmoun and Canyon Rd! I also will be honest and say parts of it really scared me. Now more honesty: I will do it again, because now I know I can make it up! I look forward to doing the front approach since THAT I have come close to finishing and I now realize it's... less challenging... than going up the south side!

There was some actual rock climbing. My friend that I went with is a super-experienced rock climber and can do this 3-4 times a week! As it is now, I am so.very.sore. that I will be taking a couple days off from just about everything as much as a mom of 7 can! Everything super physical anyway.

The views were amazing and we got a little bit of sun on the way down. My outer fleece jacket was on and off the whole time, and I wore gloves for protection for my hands. On the way down (we did not come down over the rocks) we were able to slide on the snow the majority of the way. It was a lot of fun!