Last additions - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
|
DSCF0701.JPG6 viewsFrom the top of the outcrop, a game trail leads up an across to a point above the saddle, making it much easier to get across the upper section of loose scree. D. O. Lee Peak rises from the south side of the saddle.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0700.JPG4 viewsArriving at the base of the outcrop, and welcome solid rock. Three years ago at this same point in the climb, a thunderstorm rolled in from the west. Lightening was flashing all about, accompanied by crashes of thunder. I was pelted with hail. I did not dare stop to put on my mountain parka. One of the most frightening experiences I can recall in the mountains!Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0699.JPG5 viewsI plan to reach that outcrop, crossing below it on the left (north) side. The wider lens makes this look less steep than it is. The previous shot gives a better idea if how steep the route is.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0698.JPG6 viewsLooking southwest into upper Bighorn Basin. Over that ridge, almost three miles distant, is Strawberry Basin, where I was mid-day yesterday.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0697.JPG7 viewsThe climb to the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle begins; no threat of a thunderstorm. The grassy turf between the solid rocks makes it easy, but this won't last.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0696.JPG5 viewsTo the north, WCP-5 rises above the pass leading into Iron Basin where I descended from just over three hours ago. Tom Lopez, in "Idaho, a Climbing Guide", describes this peak as, "the most interesting of the White Cloud Peaks. Its split summit and rotten vertical slopes are challenging for scramblers."Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0694.JPG7 viewsThe meadows in Bighorn Basin are full of wildflowers. There are no mormon crickets, as there were last year when I passed this same spot. D. O. Lee Peak looms above.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0693.JPG6 viewsThe route follows a slight ridge further north, which is quite a bit more stable than the talus directly below the saddle. The outcrop I'm headed for is the darker rock, three quarters of the way to the top.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0692.JPG6 viewsThe path opens up into Bighorn Basin at about 9600', nearing the beginning of the steep climb to the saddle. The weather is looking good.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0691.JPG4 viewsI can see the route I will be taking rising directly ahead. I'm aiming for that large outcrop visible on the slope high in the middle of the frame.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0690.JPG5 viewsThis route will lead directly to the base of the climb to the saddle between WCP-9 and D. O. Lee Peak. It is a warm day, so any shade is welcome.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0689.JPG6 viewsFollowing the drainage just east of Bighorn Basin. This is not the route I usually take, but it is has welcome intermittent shade, and is not much longer. I'm happy to have water!Sep 11, 2023
|
|
| 126 files on 11 page(s) |
 |
|
|
|
|
7 | |
|
|
|
Home
Login
Back to Main Gallery
Album list
Last uploads
Last comments
Most viewed
Top rated
My Favorites
Search
