I have a tendency to get a bit verbose in my trip reports, including all sorts of unnecessary details. I've made an effort to be brief here, keeping in mind the fact that these pictures probably tell more of a story than I ever could.

Longest. Approach. Ever.

Well....only when you factor in the 8 hour drive. Brian (dunsum) knew a good campsite near Estes Park.

3:30 am start

Feels much better when you went to sleep at 8 pm. Maybe an hour or so into the approach.

"Welp, guess we're not first in line after all."

The Climb

Brian on the second bulge. The group in front kindly let us pass.

Emerging from the third ice step. Rotate 90 degrees right for additional "wow" factor.

Internal dialogue: "Uhhh, I'm starting to get tired....hide the grimace from the camera....must....look.....casual....."

Seriously, I don't think it's possible for it to get any better than this. Yes, climbing alpine ice in nothing but a long sleeve shirt.

Oh God it's a long way down

Success.....four and a half hours from the car. Brian seems happy, but I am actively dreading the 4,500 vertical feet to the car.

Caring is for suckers when it's scorching outside. Redefining American climbing fashion, one long, hot descent at a time. Many snickers from many hikers were heard on the way down from Chasm Lake.

The ugly aftermath.

Images

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Viewing: 1-5 of 5

jfox

He, he, he...

Hasn't voted

yeah, gotta love that approach from LPTH to the summit. DW looks to be in great shape. When did you climb it? The report says 12/31/1969 which would probably equate to some old beta! I might run up that thing this weekend or next week...do you think it'll still be in?

Posted Jun 23, 2008 10:19 am


	fowweezer	Re: He, he, he...
	Hasn't voted	Hey, sorry about that. We did it Saturday, June 21. It might be too late by this weekend, but I'm not sure since I'm not that familiar with the temperatures there. It didn't seem to be melting while we were on it, but we were off early. Parts of it definitely get direct sun. I'd go up, but with a backup plan firmly in mind. Sorry, that's probably not much help.
		Posted Jun 23, 2008 11:50 am

DrJonnie

Ouch

Voted 10/10

wow I know that sore feet scenario, I bought myself a pair of lightweight Hanwags (Klettershuh) to do the Skye Cuillin Ridge traverse but probably like you, I neglected to get them well broken in before the big walk and my blister was definitely a doppleganger of yours. Maybe new boots should be sold with a blister warning.
Nice report shame about the feet.
cheers Johnnie

Posted Jun 24, 2008 5:41 am


	fowweezer	Re: Ouch
	Hasn't voted	The sad thing is, these boots are relatively "broken in." I've worn them probably 12 times now, mostly ice climbing. A couple of longer days of 4-6 hours in them, but none with quite as much distance and elevation covered as this. Also, they are simply not the best fit ever, but I've never been bothered to consult an expert (until now). Oh well....sooo worth it.
		Posted Jun 24, 2008 10:47 pm


	DrJonnie	Re: Ouch
	Voted 10/10	ah, it must have been 4 season boots on a 3 season walk then? (i.e. not quite bendy enough) cheers Johnnie
		Posted Jun 25, 2008 6:44 am

Viewing: 1-5 of 5