Here's where you peruse WACer trip reports and post your own for everyone to see. Remember: Never let the truth interfere with a good story!
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| Owned By | amyba67 |
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| RowId | 486 |
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And. . . we were off. Wow, after arriving in the Alpental parking lot a few minutes before 7 we had pack checks completed, re packed packs, a quick trip back to the cabin for a 1950 era wooden ice axe (an improvised loaner for a forgotten ice axe) we were on the trail around 715. We were racing 2 things . . . the predicted thunderstorms and other groups, neither of which turned out to be an issue.
The trail in was smooth. Jeff and Jack lead us through a snow trail fairly well tracked from the Friday and Saturday groups. We arrived at the large snow boulder (aka bathroom quarters) and saw our instructors headed up to Pineapple pass. We were making great time and took a short break for eating and gearing up.
The instructors setup a quick belay over the tricky spot on the pass. We were all up in no time and headed to the base of the climb. Ahhhh, made it! I felt like I had already accomplished a days work and we had not started the rock climb. The students waited while the instructors worked their magic getting the pitches/rope established.
Noah, Andy, Ethan and Marah flew up the first pitch. I took a little more time overcoming some mental obstacles and was so happy to see Jenni at the ledge. A quick change of rope and I was on the second pitch. Just when I thought , "yeah I got this, no problem," I got to a tricky ledge. Slowly I scaled up the rock remembering, "small steps, climb like you are walking up stairs." I was equally happy to see Veronica at the top of the sceond pitch. From here it was a hand line up to Alex at the third pitch. All the previous trip planning and training was actually coming together! The summit was in sight. Andy was at the top of the forth pitch sitting there calm and cool in socks directing me up the route to the top.
I was excited to see my group relaxing at the summit. It was fun to be looking over at Denny Peak and realizing that is where we were a few weekends ago. Especially fun to see the other WAC group at the summit of Denny. All the instructors arrived shortly after and then we started the long rappel down. Rappel went smoothly thanks to both the instructor's and student's mad skillz.
Glissade!! Whoo-hoo!! Extra thanks to Jeff for guarding and keeping us out of a large hole.
A quick hike and we were greeted by Pat, Mike and Pabst!! I overhead Pabst at the bottom earlier in the day but thought someone was kidding. Ahhh! Chugging a Pabst was never so good. Marah impressed the group with her 'shotgun' ability.
Overall it was a great day of climing. It was very rewarding finally getting to the top of the infamous tooth we have been hearing so much about. Thanks to all the instructors and fabulous group of students for making the day so fun.
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WASHINGTON
ALPINE
CLUB
