The Summit Climb takes place over the course of two days. On the first day we hike to Camp Muir, and on the second day we make the attempt on Mt. Rainier and return to Rainier BaseCamp.
The hike from Paradise (5,400') to Camp Muir (10,060') is nearly 4.5 miles, and will take us most of the day. The hike travels through the spectacular alpine zone and onto the Muir Snowfield, named after John Muir who climbed the peak in 1888. The Snowfield is climbed for some 3,000 vertical feet, opening up grand vistas of the wooded lowlands and flanking glaciers. We would climb for about an hour or so and then break for 10 to 15 minutes which always lead into more photo opps.
Once at Camp Muir, the climb leader will address the specifics regarding the rest of the climb, including route conditions, food, equipment, clothing recommendations, and any further questions you might have. Accommodations at Muir consist of a small mountain hut with bunks and sleeping pads.
From this view what we thought was the famed "Deception Cleaver" didn't look so bad. Turns out that path through the rocks wasn't the DC but just the tame "Cathedral Gap".
Nothing like eating dinner that was activated with warm water.
6pm and it's time for sleep. We all know that our wake up call with be coming any time between 11pm - 2am. Sleeping in a bunkhouse with 18 other people isn't the best way to get a good nights rest. Trevor and I unknowingly broke the rules and popped a sleeping pill, threw in some ear plugs and soon fell asleep. Before we knew it the lead guides were banging on the door with our wake up call "Summit Day!"
No comments:
Post a Comment