July 17, 2012
Almost Summit
Just about the same time RDub noticed a lenticular cloud above the summit, the conditions deteriorated - quickly. Visibility dropped, the wind picked up and we found ourselves struggling to keep ourselves upright.
Previously, we had been making good time despite carrying all of our camping gear up the glacier. It was sunny and warm and my mind wandered as I leapfrogged Ryan's steady and strong Himalayan Pace. We even talked casually about tomorrow's agenda.
The decision to turn around wasn't a hard one. We had tried to intersect the normal route for quite some time as visibility dropped to just a few feet. In these conditions, it is impossible to look at the mountain and determine if it's sloping up or down. We both figured we could potentially make the summit but getting down would be another question. We back tracked to a small tallus field and hunkered down to wait for the weather to pass. After nearly a half hour it was still blowing enough to knock us down and visibility was even worse.
'I've never regretted coming down,' Ryan commented as we deliberated over our options. It wasn't much a conversation as it clearly was not safe.
For my part, I had to smile. Last year, I was shut down on Shasta with similar conditions. Still, I liked today's weather. It poses several unique challenges that require a little more caution.
Back in the parking lot a couple hours later we had to smile as the summit had cleared completely.
The biggest news is really that now we are a bit behind schedule for my 7 for Someone Big City Mountaineers fundraising climb. Our goal is to climb seven peaks and raise 7,000 dollars for BCM. Of course, the most important thing is we're trying. What seven things can you do to help?
Previously, we had been making good time despite carrying all of our camping gear up the glacier. It was sunny and warm and my mind wandered as I leapfrogged Ryan's steady and strong Himalayan Pace. We even talked casually about tomorrow's agenda.
The decision to turn around wasn't a hard one. We had tried to intersect the normal route for quite some time as visibility dropped to just a few feet. In these conditions, it is impossible to look at the mountain and determine if it's sloping up or down. We both figured we could potentially make the summit but getting down would be another question. We back tracked to a small tallus field and hunkered down to wait for the weather to pass. After nearly a half hour it was still blowing enough to knock us down and visibility was even worse.
'I've never regretted coming down,' Ryan commented as we deliberated over our options. It wasn't much a conversation as it clearly was not safe.
For my part, I had to smile. Last year, I was shut down on Shasta with similar conditions. Still, I liked today's weather. It poses several unique challenges that require a little more caution.
Back in the parking lot a couple hours later we had to smile as the summit had cleared completely.
The biggest news is really that now we are a bit behind schedule for my 7 for Someone Big City Mountaineers fundraising climb. Our goal is to climb seven peaks and raise 7,000 dollars for BCM. Of course, the most important thing is we're trying. What seven things can you do to help?