Greg and I are always up for new adventures and experiences. Ask us to come try something or go some where and if we can, then we're there and excited to try whatever it is or to be where ever we are.
We have read books in the past about mountaineering (No shortcuts to the top, Annapurna, Into Thin Air, Touching the Void, etc.) that have made us think about trying some new ways to climb to the tops of mountains ;-) Greg has always wanted to get into mountaineering, I on the other hand am a recent convert to the idea. It all started when Greg had me read the book "Annapurna". After I got done I had mixed feelings. It was an amazing story, but the group had a very hard time, some people died on the mountain and others lost digits to frostbite. I have no inclination to do either. After that he had me read another book, and another. Each story is about hardships on the mountains and how each person(s) had to overcome the odds to make it home or reach their goal. Amazing stories and very inspiring (highly recommend them).
When Greg and I read "NO Shortcuts to the Top" by Ed Veisters, the first American to climb the 8 tallest peaks in the world without using supplemental oxygen, he doesn't believe in taking stupid risks while climbing. This was something Greg and I could relate to. Slowly we have been getting into it. We are doing a few hikes this year to see how it goes, but so far it has been exhilarating!
We have read books in the past about mountaineering (No shortcuts to the top, Annapurna, Into Thin Air, Touching the Void, etc.) that have made us think about trying some new ways to climb to the tops of mountains ;-) Greg has always wanted to get into mountaineering, I on the other hand am a recent convert to the idea. It all started when Greg had me read the book "Annapurna". After I got done I had mixed feelings. It was an amazing story, but the group had a very hard time, some people died on the mountain and others lost digits to frostbite. I have no inclination to do either. After that he had me read another book, and another. Each story is about hardships on the mountains and how each person(s) had to overcome the odds to make it home or reach their goal. Amazing stories and very inspiring (highly recommend them).
When Greg and I read "NO Shortcuts to the Top" by Ed Veisters, the first American to climb the 8 tallest peaks in the world without using supplemental oxygen, he doesn't believe in taking stupid risks while climbing. This was something Greg and I could relate to. Slowly we have been getting into it. We are doing a few hikes this year to see how it goes, but so far it has been exhilarating!
Mt Baldly and Sugar Loaf Peak
First Sight. As we drove up the canyon early in the morning we found this coyote running around. He didn't like us looking at him to much and took off up the snow to hide from our tired eyes... also, a warning. I am posting quite a few pictures, sorry, but I didn't do a very good job of cutting the pile down;)
This is our first trip! A beginner climb up Mt Baldy. We needed to get out and try out the crampons and axe. Trying to get the feel down and practice self-arresting. We hiked up the ridge on the right to the top, across and down the left, then up another peak that's not pictured.
Oh, that's cold on the backside! Good morning!
Straight up we go!
Up the last little bit to get on top of the ridge.
Two amazing views from the ridge
I love this photo of Greg, it shows how fun this is. Out in the elements, high up on the mountain, unbelievable scenery, and can you talk about a calf, thigh... aka: leg burner!
My mountain!
Yes, it's Mount Timpanogos (the backside) and yes I love that mountain.
Part of Timp, Cascade, and Provo Peak
On the top, looking down to the greenery of the Salt Lake Valley and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Made it with flying colors!
Glissading: Glissading is one of the bonuses of mountain climbing, offering the fastest, easiest, and most exhilarating way down many snow slopes for a climber on foot. AKA: sliding down on your backside! So much fun and saves alot of time. You can see our two tracks coming down the slope behind Greg.
Sugar Loaf Peak, nice easy climb to the top.
Made it to the top!
Somewhere in the Wasatch
We started hiking in dirt and green grass, eventually we ended up in SNOW!
Climbing and Climbing and Climbing... Are we there yet?
The clouds were all over the place this day. They would drop down on us one minute, then lift and give us blue skies, then do it all again.
Tree frosted by the snow and wind that night.
Finally we made it to the bowl below the ridge. From here it was straight up!
Couple of panoramic's that show how impressive this place is. Can you believe this is only about 20 miles from my house!
Am I in Utah?
Got a little steep towards the top of the snow field, which made for some "extreme", haha, glissading when we headed down!
Finally to the top of the ridge! Now to follow it to the top!!!
The "North Peak" (our name for it)
Tree on the ridge, yes, it is end of May.
Snow crystal that only grow on one side of the trees. These crystals actually grow into the wind showing us that the wind comes from the north in this area.
Utah Valley
Made it to the north peak, beyond Greg is the ridge line to the summit!
We allllmost made it all the way. We were about 50 yards from the summit and stopped. It was pretty sketchy from there to the top. It was quite the accomplishment to get where we did! After climbing 6,000 vertical feet, through snow up to our knees, and up a 50 degree slope... just over 7 hours and we made it. I know we're crazy, but it's a great way to get your exercise in for the day ;-)
Felt like we were on top of the world!
Now that we've practiced a little we are now going to head up to Washington to climb Mt. Rainier. After that... who knows maybe a climb in Ecuador in July too ;-)
First Sight. As we drove up the canyon early in the morning we found this coyote running around. He didn't like us looking at him to much and took off up the snow to hide from our tired eyes... also, a warning. I am posting quite a few pictures, sorry, but I didn't do a very good job of cutting the pile down;)
This is our first trip! A beginner climb up Mt Baldy. We needed to get out and try out the crampons and axe. Trying to get the feel down and practice self-arresting. We hiked up the ridge on the right to the top, across and down the left, then up another peak that's not pictured.
Oh, that's cold on the backside! Good morning!
Straight up we go!
Up the last little bit to get on top of the ridge.
Two amazing views from the ridge
I love this photo of Greg, it shows how fun this is. Out in the elements, high up on the mountain, unbelievable scenery, and can you talk about a calf, thigh... aka: leg burner!
My mountain!
Yes, it's Mount Timpanogos (the backside) and yes I love that mountain.
Part of Timp, Cascade, and Provo Peak
On the top, looking down to the greenery of the Salt Lake Valley and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Made it with flying colors!
Glissading: Glissading is one of the bonuses of mountain climbing, offering the fastest, easiest, and most exhilarating way down many snow slopes for a climber on foot. AKA: sliding down on your backside! So much fun and saves alot of time. You can see our two tracks coming down the slope behind Greg.
Sugar Loaf Peak, nice easy climb to the top.
Made it to the top!
Somewhere in the Wasatch
We started hiking in dirt and green grass, eventually we ended up in SNOW!
Climbing and Climbing and Climbing... Are we there yet?
The clouds were all over the place this day. They would drop down on us one minute, then lift and give us blue skies, then do it all again.
Tree frosted by the snow and wind that night.
Finally we made it to the bowl below the ridge. From here it was straight up!
Couple of panoramic's that show how impressive this place is. Can you believe this is only about 20 miles from my house!
Am I in Utah?
Got a little steep towards the top of the snow field, which made for some "extreme", haha, glissading when we headed down!
Finally to the top of the ridge! Now to follow it to the top!!!
The "North Peak" (our name for it)
Tree on the ridge, yes, it is end of May.
Snow crystal that only grow on one side of the trees. These crystals actually grow into the wind showing us that the wind comes from the north in this area.
Utah Valley
Made it to the north peak, beyond Greg is the ridge line to the summit!
We allllmost made it all the way. We were about 50 yards from the summit and stopped. It was pretty sketchy from there to the top. It was quite the accomplishment to get where we did! After climbing 6,000 vertical feet, through snow up to our knees, and up a 50 degree slope... just over 7 hours and we made it. I know we're crazy, but it's a great way to get your exercise in for the day ;-)
Felt like we were on top of the world!
Now that we've practiced a little we are now going to head up to Washington to climb Mt. Rainier. After that... who knows maybe a climb in Ecuador in July too ;-)
1 comment:
Looks like you are climbing up North Thunder. Why didn't you invite me? :) My favorite place in the universe. Looks like tons of fun. I am so jealous. Just a few more years till Rainier is old enough to go to Mt. Rainier with us. Awesome pics.
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