Even as a multi-sport day, it's a long way in to Nick Peak.
- September 30, 2012
- Team: Michael
- Summit: Nick Peak, 9064', 7.5 miles, 3760' gain
- Car to car: 15 miles, 3760' total gain, 9 hours
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
I invited Michael to come up and visit. It didn't take a lot of persuading. But I did let him pick the adventure. He chose Nick Peak. I did Nick Peak back in 2005, so it was a good chance to see how much memory I've lost in my old age. Only this time we rode our bikes in to Idler Creek. |
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After stashing our bikes (and locking them) in some brush, we were off and up Idler Creek. At about 6500', we left the trail and started up the hillside. Didn't look bad. In fact, there were long periods without brush. Really long. They just kept going and going. I had forgotten. |
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| It took about an hour to get high enough to gain some views. It was a very pretty day, but it seemed someone had moved the saddle, South Fitsum Summit. |  |
When we finally got to the saddle, it turned in to easy cruising. No trees. I had forgot. |
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| There's Nick off in the distance. |  |
As we got closer, we noticed this big snowfield still remaining. Turns, anyone? |
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The ridge continues to narrow as you approach the summit. |
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| Then you have to get around the shorter north summit to see the final head wall. |  |
| The chimney is easy Class 4. Much easier and less scary when dry, I might point out. |  |
Here's Michael making the last move into the sunshine. Ahh, the warmth. |
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| Perfect summit. We could see smoke on all points of the horizon, but it was basically clear air here. |  |
Lots more peaks to check out. When, after nine hours of steady travel, we finally got back to the truck, Michael commented that he never thought a 9k' peak would be so tough. I snickered, but the next day my legs were sore, too. |
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| Map |  |
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