Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

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DSCF1011.JPG
DSCF1011.JPG1 viewsI wonder how old this tree is.
DSCF1013.JPG
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.
DSCF1014.JPG
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.
DSCF1015.JPG
DSCF1015.JPG1 viewsWCP-9 on the left, and Calkens Peak in the back under those cumulus clouds.
DSCF1016.JPG
DSCF1016.JPG1 viewsClimbing toward the pink outcrop (hidden from view); I ascend toward the dark outcrop on the ridge.
DSCF1018.JPG
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.
DSCF1019.JPG
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.
DSCF1020.JPG
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.
DSCF1021.JPG
DSCF1021.JPG1 viewsThe higher two tarns, well below.
DSCF1022.JPG
DSCF1022.JPG1 viewsLess snow here than usual.
DSCF1023.JPG
DSCF1023.JPG1 viewsI don't recall how steep these slabs are. I don't remember thinking this would have been a faster route. Hard to tell from the photograph.
DSCF1024.JPG
DSCF1024.JPG1 viewsNE down Big Boulder Creek. Island Lake is hidden from view. I'm pleasantly surprised at the lack of smoke.
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