Grindstone Mtn. attempt

Dave, Alan and I headed out to climb Grindstone Mountain as a last training climb before our Rainier trip the following weekend. Grindstone is in the Icicle ridge area, outside of Leavenworth. The forecast was for hot and sunny on the east side, so it was shorts and lots of water. Surprisingly, it started raining just before arriving at the trailhead, which made for wet trek through the overgrown trail. 

First view of our summit, we were on the only ones on the trail.

We encountered snow, pretty solid from about 6200' where we left the trail and headed for the north ridge of Grindstone.

The view from the ridge was great, but there were dark clouds heading in from the east and we could see curtains of rain falling in the distance.

Soon, lightning was striking around us, so we quickly left the ridge, only 400' from the summit. We'll have to come back another day and summit this one. 

Grindstone Mountain - 7533'

Trailhead 3000'

10 miles RT

Ingalls North Peak climb

Jacob and I headed out for a quick alpine climb of Ingalls North Peak. We had scrambled the South Peak a year earlier with Alan, but wanted to return for the more technical North Peak for a bit of a challenge. Although fairly short and relatively easy, it proved to be a really nice day with a great mix of terrain. A nice walk through the woods, lots of firm snow up high and 3 pitches of a great crack climb on the summit block.

Signing in for a day permit

Shortly after reaching the pass, Ingalls South, North and East peaks come into view. 

Our route up, avoiding the avalanche debris, up to the base of the climb.

Jacob heading for the first pitch.

Jacob lead all the pitches, quickly gaining on the group of 4 Mountaineers club members who were very slow.

Jacob at the top of the 2nd pitch.

From the summit, looking over at the South Peak and on to Mt. Rainier.

The hike out was warm, slushy but not too bad. Pizza and beers in Cle Elum topped off a great day out with Jacob.

Mt. Rainier - Camp Muir weekend

Our annual winter trek up to Camp Muir turned into a weekend adventure. Along for the ride were Jon and Mark from Boise, Dave, Alan, Mat and me. Paradise had just received a ton of new snow, and the conditions were fantastic.

We found a nice spot just below the steep climb up to Panorama Point. We quickly set up the tents, emptied our packs and got ready for the real hike up to Camp Muir

Just above camp, making our way up to Panorama Point

Rime ice on the trees

Above the clouds, on the Muir Snowfield.

 

 

Camp Muir - RMI guide hut and ranger hut

Mat's first visit to Camp Muir - very excited!

Our group from left to right - Mark, Mat, Jon, Alan, Me and Dave

Making our way down the Muir Snowfield

Ice particles suspended in the air, being lit by the sun

Back in camp for dinner and sunset

Morning dawned mostly clear, but pretty windy.

All packed up in the wind, getting ready to head down.