Sawtooth Mountains

Last weekend, Justin Woods and I decided last minute to check out the Sawtooth Mountains. Mainly, The Elephants Perch. Neither of us had been there and had only heard good things about the area.

Looking up the drainage from Redfish Lake

The approach started out great. A 10 minute boat ride across Redfish lake cut off 5 miles of hiking leaving us with 3 miles to go. A mellow trail gave way to a climbers trail which was a small grunt up to Saddle Back lakes and our camp site.

Justin enjoying the boat ride

The camping was plush. Beautiful lakes, minimal bugs, and a short approach to the climbing. We tapped into some wine and kicked back to enjoy the stars excited to climb the next day.

Milky Way our first night

Due to the proximity of the wall, there was no need to set an alarm. We slept in and casually rolled to the climb. A 9 pitch 5.11 is what we chose to start with. The climbing was excellent although sandbagged. Beautifully smooth dihedrals ran the length of the wall forcing delicate stemming and smearing.

Enjoying a dip in some cold water

Once on top, we couldn't have asked for an easier descent. A short walk led to a gully with a trail down it. A quick walk with a single rappel got us back to the base. 10 minutes more of walking and we were back to camp. Cush!!!

R&R with the Elephant's Perch in the background

Back at camp we found ourselves with 6 hours of light to kill. In such a beautiful place, it wasn't hard to occupy that time. We went swimming, hiking, fishing, and kicked back in the sun.

Elephant's Perch

The next morning we woke to more perfect weather and headed to another climb. This time it was a 12 pitch 5.11. The first pitch was sustained and with worries of continued difficulty, combined with having only one rope, we decided it best to return to the ground while we could. With the plan a bust, we decided to have fun top roping that first pitch again.

Camp with the the Elephant's Perch silhouetted

We returned to camp and took a leisure approach to packing up. With no reason to spend another night there, we hiked out and began the journey home.

The Goat's Perch

Saddle Back Lakes

Justin bouldering pitch 1

5.10 fingers

Perfect dihedrals

Summiting

Another Great Flight

Yesterday was an awesome day in the air. Jeff, Karl, Brian, and I went up Sentinel in hopes of a good cross country flight and that is exactly what we got. Conditions were looking great so we headed up the hill early. Launch conditions weren't idea so it took us awhile to get in the air.

Once I was off the hill, I found it difficult to stay up. Jeff and Karl were just above the top while I was looking at the LZ. Luckily I found a thermal low, worked it hard and found myself climbing out. Jeff quickly joined me and we were on our way to 13,000 ft. By the time we neared the clouds, we had drifted down the Clark Fork valley. We pulled full rope and headed for Drummond.

Jeff thermaling above launch

We were getting low near Rock Creek and stopped to find a climb. Back up to 11,000 ft, we headed again towards Drummond. This next glide got us to within one more jump over the mountains to Drummond. The lift was soft, but steady. At 10,000 ft, we headed towards the valley.

Jeff climbing out

We were entering as blue hole and found no lift as we went on glide. Jeff was out front heading for Drummond and I was following behind. It wasn't until I got to the foot hills next to Drummond that I found lift. Unfortunately, I was too low to comfortably work it. I drifted for a short ways then landed in a nicely hayed field. Jeff was able to drift further down the interstate landing in the next available field.

My landing zone

We found out later that Karl and Brian both got up and went down the Potomac valley. Everyone had a great day.

Waiting for Greg

Luckily for us, Greg Brow was on the road and picked up our radio communication. He was picking us up within minutes of landing.

Random Pics

Here are some random pics that have been sitting on my point and shoot camera.

Travis on Juanita's wall

Balsam Root on Sentinel

Setting up on Sentinel

Bitterroot on Sentinel

Dan on the Prow

Dan on the Red Tower pitch

Recon in GNP

Last week I left for Glacier in hopes of climbing with Justin. When we got there, conditions were horrible so we decided to go for a hike. We hiked from Syieh bend to Many Glacier so we could get a look at Mt. Gould. Weather kept most people off the trail so we had the majority of it to ourselves.

Nearing Pigeon Pass

Justin pointing out the line on Gould

Descending from the pass

Hidden creek waterfall

Few More Yosemite Pics

It took a few weeks to retrieve some gear that I left with Dan. When I picked it up, we swapped pictures. On the last day, we were moving fast and I never pulled my camera out. Fortunately Dan had his camera.

Mess of gear

Brad starting the free hanging jugs

View from near the top

Dan

Summertime

Summertime seems to be in full swing here. Hot temps followed by the occasional evening storm. I've been out trying to enjoy every minute of it. Flying, skiing, climbing, fishing, biking, and running have all been great. Unfortunately work seems to always get in the way. Oh well. Everyone needs a rest day.

An evening storm brewing

Impressive light show

4th of July in Seattle

Skied the remaining snow on Lolo Peak.

Life Goes On

I've been having a hard time wrapping my mind around what I've been going through for the last week and a half. Its been a long time since I have lost a friend and once again it hit me hard.

As always, I've been doing my best to stay busy and remember why many of us choose to pursue somewhat risky activities.

Sunset from Mt. Jumbo

Exiting a wing over