Prusik Peak - West Ridge, October 2002
I pulled into the Snow Creek trailhead parking area about 45 minutes later than the agreed upon rendezvous time. By the look on Scott, John and Craig's faces, I knew they weren't very happy with my tardiness. I managed a weak excuse and a feeble apology, but my efforts fell on deaf ears. What can I say? Sometimes it's hard getting out of bed. We all re-packed our gear, Scott and I argued over who would carry the rope and without further ado we started down the trail. We crossed Icicle Creek and began the dusty ascent up towards Nada Lake and eventually Snow Lake, our destination for the day. Our pace was casual, yet the miles went by quickly as conversation spanned topics ranging from work to play to beer. Fortunately for me, I was packing an oversized can of Fosters to enjoy later at camp.
The trail to Lower Snow Lake switchbacks gently as it takes you farther up the valley, passing a fountain (I'm told it's some sort of irrigation system) gushing water and plumes of mist seemingly from out of bare rock down to the valley below. We rounded the upper end of Snow Lake and located a campsite on the beach. The sun went down rapidly and it got cold real fast. The breeze blowing off of Snow Lake greatly enhanced the cooling effect and additional layering was promptly applied. By 10pm we all had had enough of the cheesy 80's tunes picked up by my AM/FM radio and called it a night. Sleep came quickly for a change. A sleeping pad on sand is a welcome luxury! (more...)
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