Windom Peak
T H E S U M M I T
The reason we came...
Leaving the lakes. Behind Ned and Dan is Richard from Mike's crew. Richard is a hardcore cyclist, like the author.
This was our first encounter with Mike's crew since the train. They had camped considerably higher up the Basin than us.
Darren, above the notch, headed towards the ridge. Windom is directly behind me. To the left, just out of view, is Sunlight Peak, a C4 that, according to some young studs we encountered, caused them to "shake for 30 minutes after reaching the top".
For more info on Windom proper, here is the Wiki link...
Not sure who took this shot or who is in it. Just a bit further up the valley from where the above shot was taken.
Starting the ridge climb. This part was the most fun. Never before had we climbed on such huge, smooth boulders before. This was probably still C2, as I don't remember using my upper body for this piece. (Adam)
Kenn. After the smooth boulders, it was all C3 scrambling over huge boulders.
I don't think I've ever used my upper body quite so much. Crestone Needle (2005) is of course steeper, C4, and you have to find hand holds, but these boulders were so consistently large that you were fairly having to hoist yourself up on each one. Dan pointed out that dips (tricep exercise) were good prep for this.
Case and point. Dan coming up the ridge...
Darren just below the peak (hence the smile).
Adam on the peak. The comedian Carrot Top once remarked that if you just buy your shirts one size too small, it makes your upper body look really muscular. Doesn't hurt that Adam's actually is...
The Dismissive Duo on Windom Peak. Bringing you summits since 1984...
View from the top
Dan, Adam, Kenn, Darren, Rich.
Rich using his friends to achieve his malicious plans. Ned got to the top and almost immediately headed down, in fear of the weather. With good cause, as it turns out...