"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
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DSCF1005.JPG1 viewsThe route climbs up and left (SW). Into a protected drainage with a stream that was running. Every time I have climbed this route, the stream has been running. There is no need to carry water up to the tarns encountered higher. The route is grassy, interspersed with granite friction slabs.
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DSCF1006.JPG1 viewsThe saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 I crossed two days before has now come into view. Today, Thursday, was forecast as breezy. Thus far, what little breeze there is has been welcome; nothing like what I experienced climbing to the saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9.
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DSCF1008.JPG1 viewsNow you see why it was named Island Lake.
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DSCF1009.JPG1 viewsThe first, largest, and most accessible of the three tarns, on this route. At this point I usually ascend to the ridge to my right (NW); the views are better, and it also minimizes boulder-hopping further on.
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DSCF1011.JPG1 viewsI wonder how old this tree is.
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DSCF1013.JPG1 viewsI always ponder the possibilities here. I want to avoid boulder-hopping, in favor of more stable rock. I will ascend to the prominent lower group of trees on the right (N), then angle up and left (SW), climbing above the pink solid rock appearing about even with those tree-tops in the photo, and in the center of the frame (horizontal axis). The pink outcrop is steep, but the angle of the rock is considerably less above it. I find it best to continue climbing up and left (W) above that, taking advantage of the most solid rock.
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DSCF1014.JPG1 viewsThe objective is the saddle below the skyline, above those two patches of snow. I find it easiest to climb on the more solid terrain, ascending as high as possible (right edge of frame), then contour over to the saddle. Reaching the saddle is the crux, due to the loose scree.
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DSCF1015.JPG1 viewsWCP-9 on the left, and Calkens Peak in the back under those cumulus clouds.
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DSCF1016.JPG1 viewsClimbing toward the pink outcrop (hidden from view); I ascend toward the dark outcrop on the ridge.
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DSCF1018.JPG1 viewsTake advantage of the granite slabs to gain elevation! The two snow patches are much closer. The true crossing is under the cumulus cloud, not the low point of the saddle.
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DSCF1019.JPG1 viewsThe pink outcrop is left of that tree. I want to climb up, crossing to the left above it. This is where the optional route through the loose scree described in DSCF0997 joins the route I prefer.
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DSCF1020.JPG1 viewsI stay to the right here, avoiding unnecessary exposure, sticking to the most solid rock to gain elevation before contouring to the first saddle above the snow patches.
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