The final ascent

July 9th, 2011 - 09:00

Danny leads the way on the final climb. We have probably about 2 miles left to the peak, but with all the descending, we figure we still have almost all of the 0.6 mile elevation gain to do. We are both hurting now, one step at a time

Every few hundred yards, brings us much higher, and the views change quickly. In general much more barren everywhere. (Click picture for large view).

Snow drifts (now frozen) cut across the trail, and the wind is now continuous. Danny is well equipped with gloves, balaclava, etc., I'm still in a T-shirt. I find the wind refreshing, Danny not so much.

Looking down on that tiny set of Sierra Nevada mountains.

Slowly, the peak draws closer. Headache is not relenting. However, Mother Nature has one final crushing blow to deliver. The trail disappears, and is replaced by frozen snow. Even Shy wants to give up!

Looking back after crawling up the snow. This wasn't meant to be a technical climb. My fingers are quite numb from digging into the snow and crawling up. Very light-headed right now.

Finally we clear the snow. Danny took a different path across the snow and came out lower on the trail, but the end is in sight!