The RMI summit climb made their way to Camp Muir yesterday with perfect, sunny skies. It wasn't until this morning that the weather deteriorated. RMI guide, Eric Frank said the climb left the Muir Ridge around 12:45 this morning and crossed the Cowlitz Glacier with no wind and a big, almost full moon to light the way. There continued to be zero wind as they gained Cathedral Gap and crossed the Ingraham Flats. As the climbers made their way up the Disappointment Cleaver the winds progressively increased. By the time they were at the top of the Cleaver the wind was gusting around 30mph - enough to knock you back when it caught you off guard. Eric said the wind was either gusting or it was relatively calm. Not only did the wind pick up, but visibility worsened and Eric said they couldn't see much of anything. The teams finally crawled into the summit crater early this morning and since they were inside a soupy cloud they did not have views down below. After a quick, 10 minute celebration on top everyone began their descent back to Muir. The Muir Snowfield was nice and clear until about 8500' and the rest of the descent was in a soupy, misty fog back to Paradise.
Take a look at some pictures from RMI guide Mike Hinckley. Also, here's a SPOT Adventure from the Summit Climb too!
Great weather for the climb to Muir (7/21)
Awesome views of the Tatoosh Range below (7/21)
Arriving at Camp Muir (7/21)
A look at the deteriorated weather today...
And this last photo is from RMI guide, Win Whittaker - in Edith Creek Basin down in Paradise on Day School.
1 comment:
Awesome trip guys. Thank you Walter, Mike and Eric.-
Jerry
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