6/15/20; mile 790; elevation: 11,099 ft.
Starting with what will become a habit for the next week and a half or so, I wake to my alarm very early. It’s cold and dark….again…and I’m alone about to tackle the last 2 miles before the real climb of Forester begins. I can’t believe I’m actually here. I don’t think you all appreciate how much time and energy I put into this particular part of this entire journey.
While taking down my tent, a solo hiker shows up…surprise! Her trail name is Nectar, and we talk a little bit, discovering this isn’t her first time here. As I throw on my pack to move out, she hangs back. Within a half mile or so, I go past the camp of the couple from last night; I guess they changed their minds. By the time I hit the base, Nectar has caught up again and off we go.
The bottom section is normally a switchbacked climb through scree, but a good portion is still covered with snow. With microspikes, climbing the hard snow around the few open patches of trail are a breeze; though the altitude certainly limits my rate of climb. Eventually, the trail is fully clear. It’s steep so it doesn’t collect that much snow for long, and higher up and sun exposed for longer periods. The chute draws near.
While I’m putting the spikes back on and getting my ice axe out, Nectar is traversing the chute in the well developed foot holes. Again, it’s not really dangerous unless you freak or don’t focus and misplace a foot. The Backfire and Princess, the couple from earlier catch up and blow through here as well. Call me wimpy, call me cautious (and some of you may certainly laugh at THAT idea), but I take my time to place each footstep and ice axe placement. Proper PPE use can save a lot of grief and time if the excrement hits the rotary oscillator.
Once at the summit, the views to the north just blow the mind away. What a gorgeous valley curving away to the northwest. The sun is out, it’s not windy, and we’re all on a summit high. PIctures are taken, stories told and we get to know each other a little more. It’s only 8-ish in the morning, we have the whole day in front of us, and it’s all downhill for many miles from here.
The northern face snow has already softened, so it’s perfect conditions to glissade. Wet ass be damned, I’m saving time this morning. Nothing like sliding down Avalanche Gulch on Shasta (2k vertical feet in one shot, took 20 minutes), but still a hoot. When we can’t glissade, the spikes are still able to get purchase just below the moist snow if you plunge step. My long legs and big feet really help with moving quickly and effieciently. I’m also just a grinning fool.
We all take a break creekside about an hour from the summit. It’s now nearly free of snow, but we’re still above the treeline. Soon after, we’re hiking again, spreading out. Princess says that I am their Savior, thanking me for questioning their plan to summit the night before.
Nearing the middle afternoon, we split up. Nectar needs to get off at Kearsage Pass to resupply and meet friends. Backfire and Princess are low on food and race onwards. Me, I walk slowly up the hill to get to the base of the next climb, Glen Pass. I’m tired now, really tired. I’m walking slowly with no energy. The wind is picking up and clouds are moving in.
I take many breaks on the way up, again camping overt 11k feet. It’s a gorgeous spot amongst trees in this narrow valley before the summit. I eat my food, rinse some socks and generally try to prep all of my gear and food for another early pass attack. When will this pack get lighter?
Savior out.
Way to go! I am really enjoying your adventure and am glad you are posting your progress.