With Rainier done, I only had one more 14er to do in the lower 48, so I decided to make a slight detour on my way home to finish them off. Thanks to Ted for help on both of these. Those who know will understand the circumlocution.
- The price of a long day in October
- Start of a long ridge
- Hint of a strange sunrise
- Strange sunrise
- Spanish Peaks
- Non-threatening clouds on the way out
- Finally done, in surprisingly comfortable weather
- This sucked, as the boulders were loose.
- More threatening clouds where I need to go.
- Almost home
- Almost sunset
- Spanish Peaks again
- It’s amazing what wool socks can do for you.
Did you pull a Bob Burd on this one? I applaud your method.
Pretty much, though no doubt Bob would have done it with more flair. I just suffered through snowy talus for 13 hours. Congrats on Squaretop, BTW.
Thanks. It was fun although my questionable judgement had me climb a very exposed and vertical ramp. Descended using your recommended route (the way the smarter people went) which worked nicely.
That was some of the most well-behaved rock on the whole ridge, though getting there via the garbage chute below must have sucked. I’m a bit disappointed you guys didn’t have time to traverse over to Michael’s and Red Kaweah. That part wasn’t more than 4th class, I believe, and it would make a nice loop.
Oh, well. At least you didn’t get snowed on or go swimming… ;-)
Sean…
It was so good have some time with you a few days ago. You are one truly remarkable man. I hope we get to stay in touch.
…Wes
I’ll definitely let you know the next time I’m in your neck of the woods. Kind of busy transitioning to the off-season at the moment.