TR Replies
Glad you guys enjoyed. I think people walk past this line for "bigger" objectives quite often, I know i did for years. Argonaut might be dwarfed by it's neighbors, but I'd have to say the whole package (couloir, hanging snowfield, summit ridge, possibly a mixed step) add up to be one of my favorite lines in the area.
I hear your on the road walking... for me it's been 27 miles of roads in the area in the past 3 weeks. At least it pretty much guarantees no crow...
I hear your on the road walking... for me it's been 27 miles of roads in the area in the past 3 weeks. At least it pretty much guarantees no crow...
WOW! Thanks for the inspiration and stunning pics!
Great to meet you, penoyar!
After ~22 hours without encountering another person, it was a surprise to hear the hoot from far below, and again a surprise when you guys crested the summit.
Hope your descent and trip were fun indeed!
After ~22 hours without encountering another person, it was a surprise to hear the hoot from far below, and again a surprise when you guys crested the summit.
Hope your descent and trip were fun indeed!
Nicely done! This TR almost makes me want to ski again. Almost.
Walking that road is the deal breaker. Way to push through!
Walking that road is the deal breaker. Way to push through!
nice! How far down were you able to ski off of Eldorado?
Cool bet that hanging snowfield was a cool ski!
author=kamtron link=topic=36271.msg147878#msg147878 date=1460392267]
We were joined by a party of 4 climbers who took the route described in the Volken book. I think next time I would try that route for the ascent to avoid losing vert crossing the valley.
Unfortunately, that route (the "high route") involves gaining and losing just as much extra vert as the way you went via Cowlitz saddle (the "low route"). The...
We parked at the same spot as Charlie and met him at the false summit, but had sleds to carry us up to the Esmerelda Trailhead. Those 6 miles of FS9737 were mostly snow covered with plenty of dirt patches and creek crossings, including a sketchy 5.8 bypass through the ditch around a 24" downed tree. No good for towing a skier given the innumerable short dirt patches. Could easily sled right up to Longs Pass but we wanted that second descent on the way out so left the sled at Esmerelda...
Pictures https://picasaweb.google.com/100981508225955729243/April92016LittleAnnapurna?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Skinning into the sun
Eldorado glacier (EZE photo)
Wrecking feet (EZE photo)
Eldorado glacier (EZE photo)
Wrecking feet (EZE photo)
(EZE photos)
Forbidden behind
Classic Eldo summit shots
Forbidden behind
Classic Eldo summit shots
Sketchy traverse w/o crampons (EZE photo)
Relaxing transition
Eldorado ahead (EZE photo)
Relaxing transition
Eldorado ahead (EZE photo)
(All EZE photos)
Camp
Starting the climb out from Moraine lake
Camp
Starting the climb out from Moraine lake
(All EZE photos)
Boston basin & skiing the Forbidden
Boston basin & skiing the Forbidden
Sharkfin climb (EZE photo)
Rappel
Skiin' Boston (EZE photo)
Rappel
Skiin' Boston (EZE photo)
Skiing the trail
Skinning steep alder (EZE photo)
Boston Basin views
Skinning steep alder (EZE photo)
Boston Basin views
Teanaway road got snowy right at the Beverly Creek road, but was melting quickly. We skinned up most of the Beverly Creek road on Saturday, removing skis for ~3 dirt patches and a log. Coming down Sunday, we removed skis ~6-7 times.
If you're a 4WDer, the only blocking log would be fairly quick work with a chainsaw (~12-14" ?), though one end is up in the air, making it not for novices.
I was surprised how close we could get to Bean Creek on the ski back dow...
If you're a 4WDer, the only blocking log would be fairly quick work with a chainsaw (~12-14" ?), though one end is up in the air, making it not for novices.
I was surprised how close we could get to Bean Creek on the ski back dow...
Nice! Looks like the Teanaway season is on. Any more particulars re the road?
That summit is like a hot cousin it feels wrong but damn.
Great TR, thanks for sharing!
Nice! Looks like some great turns off the top.
we climbed via the easton yesterday. the route is still very clean at this point and given your comfortability with glacier travel can be done sans rope.
the roman wall was still very icy when we dropped in around 1230.
the roman wall was still very icy when we dropped in around 1230.
Yes, cool line! Have been eyeing that face too; nice work catching it in condition
author=discostew link=topic=36261.msg147860#msg147860 date=1460323574]
the year 2030?
I think Seattle lightrail will get up to Heliotrope trailhead before that road gets fixed. How dope would that be? meet at northgate PNR and get on the train bound for the TH.
author=tabski link=topic=36261.msg147857#msg147857 date=1460309428]the year 2030?
Thanks! Nice to know as Glacier Ck Rd is closed until 2030.
Thanks! Nice to know as Glacier Ck Rd is closed until 2030.
Nice one, Ed. Takes a good eye to spot that...
Please note: this post belongs under March trip reports. Therefore any claims at first descents are disqualified.