Great pictures and detail in your route description as always. This trip report helped edge Olympus up on my short list of mountains to climb even though it's a long way to haul a 50+ pounder.
... but an even better experience and mountaineering team!
I bet you are glad that I insisted on taking the entire week off from work. We actually did the trip sooner than originally anticipated. We originally were thinking about making an attempt later during that week, which we discovered after our trip had horrible weather and conditions. Many potential summit teams fail because they do not allow enough "wiggle room" time-wise just in case of bad weather. Besides, you still got to help out your boss later in the week, anyway. ;-)
Side-Note: Yes, the rangers did not want us to tell other potential summiters that we used the "Fourth of July" route. However, I had the opposite theory. I made certain to tell several other potential summiters that we passed, as well as rangers, to *not* follow the footsteps on the mountain. If I had not done that, then other teams likely would have followed the footsteps thinking that was the best route. With only two successful summit teams (ours and the one two days prior), I did not want other people to follow the same route with worsening conditions and fail (or get into unseen risks). Telling others that advice seemed to be the right thing to do.
I'm glad it was helpful. Someone just noticed your comment and asked me what was up with Elk Lake because they are headed out there this weekend. I gave them the scoop.
Thank you! The weather and conditions this summer have made it a challenge to get out and climb at times, but it's shaping up to be a very productive season anyway.
juneauhiker - Jul 18, 2011 9:38 pm - Voted 10/10
Inspiring TRGreat pictures and detail in your route description as always. This trip report helped edge Olympus up on my short list of mountains to climb even though it's a long way to haul a 50+ pounder.
gimpilator - Jul 19, 2011 12:48 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Inspiring TRThanks Matt! It's well worth the long trek.
Redwic - Jul 19, 2011 1:01 am - Voted 10/10
Great TR...... but an even better experience and mountaineering team!
I bet you are glad that I insisted on taking the entire week off from work. We actually did the trip sooner than originally anticipated. We originally were thinking about making an attempt later during that week, which we discovered after our trip had horrible weather and conditions. Many potential summit teams fail because they do not allow enough "wiggle room" time-wise just in case of bad weather. Besides, you still got to help out your boss later in the week, anyway. ;-)
Side-Note: Yes, the rangers did not want us to tell other potential summiters that we used the "Fourth of July" route. However, I had the opposite theory. I made certain to tell several other potential summiters that we passed, as well as rangers, to *not* follow the footsteps on the mountain. If I had not done that, then other teams likely would have followed the footsteps thinking that was the best route. With only two successful summit teams (ours and the one two days prior), I did not want other people to follow the same route with worsening conditions and fail (or get into unseen risks). Telling others that advice seemed to be the right thing to do.
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:24 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Great TR...It sure was a great trip. I'm glad we could do it together.
EastKing - Jul 22, 2011 5:38 pm - Voted 10/10
Great TR!!Excellent photos and great trip. Your summer is really coming together now!!
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:23 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Great TR!!Thanks Greg.
ericd - Jul 25, 2011 9:35 pm - Hasn't voted
Good Job!Thanks for your advice not to camp at Elk lake. We both had some great weather that weekend! Very nicely done. Eric
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:17 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Good Job!I'm glad it was helpful. Someone just noticed your comment and asked me what was up with Elk Lake because they are headed out there this weekend. I gave them the scoop.
SKI - Jul 25, 2011 9:53 pm - Hasn't voted
Yeah Buddy!Very nicely done!!
Wow! Great job on the 360 and the narrative. I dig it.
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:18 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Yeah Buddy!Thank you! I have a lot of fun making these trip reports.
lcarreau - Jul 27, 2011 10:03 pm - Voted 10/10
Chiming in ...Excellent first-hand account of a remote wilderness peak
that most of us can ONLY dream about. KEEP up the great work !!!
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:19 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Chiming in ...Thank you! The weather and conditions this summer have made it a challenge to get out and climb at times, but it's shaping up to be a very productive season anyway.
Hotoven - Jul 29, 2011 10:36 am - Voted 10/10
Very niceGood report, it was an enjoyable read. Congrats on the summit achievement!
gimpilator - Aug 3, 2011 12:20 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Very niceThanks very much. I appreciate the feedback.