I managed to hang on to Mt Pilchuck for a couple of hours by thermalling in the sunny lee side of the mountain. It was fun and challenging with the SW side of the mountain receiving plenty of sunlight while being shielded from the 14kt NE wind that blew over the mountain top. The snow line was sufficiently low for thermals to separate from the ground at a safe distance from the ridge, allowing me to circle below mountain peak. Leaving this area on the lee side would throw me into 5 to 10 kt sink. I tried to connect a couple of times further east but unfortunately there was no chance to escape the mountain and explore the cumulus around Spada Lake.
Flightbit 