Alpine Ice: July 18th 2006

Once again we were woken up early by the other climbers setting out on their summit attempt. A few clouds still hovered overhead and as we set off down the glacier the sun peeked through the clouds illuminating Mt Baker in orange and pink light.

We headed back to Harrison Camp and dumped our full packs. Once again we descended to the lower Coleman Glacier, our familiar playground. We concentrated on more ice climbing, even moving on to having me lead a few short pitches on the seracs, placing the ice screws as I went.

Then we practiced several rescue techniques, including escaping a belay, passing a knot on a rappel, and ascending a rope to an injured climber. Before noon we wrapped up the day and descended back to the trailhead. Joseph gave me advice for future trips and courses to improve my skills on the return to Bellingham.

Later I managed to hook up with him and his family for a late dinner and drinks before heading back to the Mount Baker area for a series of day hikes on the lower peaks.