Emmons
This is a trip with friends to Mt. Rainier's summit in July 2002. We had nearly perfect conditions beginning with the year's hottest day.
 Working our way on the 3-mile trail toward Glacier Basin. |
 Larry pauses for his first view of Mt. Rainier, which seems so far away. |
 Over and around the heavily damaged blow-down from avalanche activity. |
 One by one we emerge from the woods, ensure that all are accounted for, and continue upward. |
 Snow covers much of the creek and we walk over the frozen covering on easy footing, following the climber's tracks. |
 The summit behind me is actually Mt. Ruth, beyond which is Stamboat Prow and the location of our first camp. |
 Around Mt. Ruth at the hottest part of the day (over 80 degrees!), we trudge toward the steep Interglacier. |
 Chris, Jon and Carl take a short break, with the rest of the Team behind. So far we have traveled the valley seen below. |
 Chris leads on and up the Interglacier. Other climbers and a boot path can be seen ahead. |
 Looking back into the Basin, I see the rest of the team begining the ascent. Chris and I are about 30 minutes ahead of the rest. |
 This section is off to my left, as I'm looking back. It's called St. Elmo's Pass and leads to the Winthrop Glacier. |
 Chris on the Interglacier with St. Elmo's Pass in the background. |
 Me at the same spot -- makes for a nice backdrop and photo op! |
 Topping out on the Interglacier, just before dropping down onto the Emmons Glacier. Little Tahoma rises out of the snow and ice. |
 I take a break while waiting for the rest. Here, the winds are gusty and cool. Mt. Rainier is behind me. |
 Corby takes a well-deserved break. |
 Chris, don't you ever get tired?? |
 Little Tahoma, elevation 11,138 feet. |
 Finally arriving at the ridge is Garth, Carl, Larry and Kirk (sitting). |
 Come on! We're buring daylight. You're almost there! (Carl, Larry and Kirk) |
 Larry (r) and Jesse (l) at the ridge -- whew! We've been on the go for almost 6 hours now. |