6/1, Saturday, partly sunny. Lazy morning. Left for Mount Rainier not much before noon. Thanks to a last minute cancellation, just as the lady at the wilderness center was looking for availability, we got a backcountry camping permit at Summerland. Lots of climbers for Little Tahoma, which goes by Summerland. It's about 4 miles in. Saw a few groups hiking out, most carried their skis. Intermittent snow on trail up to the bridge, then solid snow all the way. There was a bear and her cub about 2 miles in, unfortunately we didn't see them. The view really opens up after the bridge.
Pitched the tent above Summerland. Set out my chair, but my weight on the chair legs punched the snow down, so it was too low. Probably won't take it out to snow, instead sitting on the backpack is better. 
Lazied around, enjoyed the view from this splendid location. Only saw one tent lower at Summerland proper. It has 5 sites and 1 group site. Not sure where were those people. After dinner, I hiked up higher for sunset. Not enough cloud to make the sunset red. Stars were brilliant at night, no moon. Not very cold, however, sleeping on the snow made my back cold. Should have blown the mattress more.
6/2, Sunday, Sunny. Lazy morning. Laid out tent and socks on trees to dry. Not much condensation. 
Saw a blackish marten-lookalike (maybe a fisher) running around in the snow. Went to check him out, and sure he disappeared before we reached him.
After an early lunch, we packed up and hiked towards Goat Island Mountain. Saw more skiers coming. Dropped the packs on the way. Arrived at the rocky ridge facing Mt Rainier, without not a sole around. Few little waterfalls melting from the snowy scary face. Absolutely gorgeous. Very pleasant temperature. Didn't want to leave.Picked up our packs and hiked back to the car. Saw more hikers coming. Uneventful driving home. Not much traffic today.
