Our long awaited annual Rainier climb finally arrived on the calendar. Perfect weather in the forecast and the DC route conditions still very good, we headed out from Paradise on Friday morning. From left to right, Jeff, Lane, Alan, Dave, Jon, Tim and Andy. It was Jeff, Lane and Dave's first Rainier attempt.
The sun broke out as we approached the Muir snowfield.
In many places, the summer trail was snow free, much earlier than the last few years
Very close to camp Muir
After setting up camp, we rested, re-hydrated and ate, then rested again.
Our camp spot at Muir.
Camp Muir from the nearby hill with anvil rock.
Alan did a quick rope and ice axe lesson for Jeff, Lane and Dave.
More food, then early to bed (7:30pm). Midnight comes early for our summit climb.
No pictures of our climb during the hours of midnight to 5am. This is our 3rd rest stop in route to the summit.
On top at last, at 6:30am. We're all resting in the summit crater before walking over to the very top for pictures.
The summit crater from Columbia Crest, 14,411 feet.
A very proud Dave, on his 58th birthday. Congratulations Dave!
Alan and Dave
Dave, Alan, Jon & Jeff
All 7 of us made the summit
Tim and Dave
Passing through the ice fall and crevasses that were in the dark on the way up.
Negotiating the lower part of Disappointment Cleaver.
Our route past Ingraham flats camp, up the cleaver, through the ice fall to the summit
Rest and more food and drink back at base camp.
Lane, excited to have summited.
Alan and Jon
Me (Andy)
Dave
Jeff
The rest is history, with a stop at the RMI grill for burgers and IPA.
