Mount Rainier - Gibraltar Ledges 12/3/2009
Trip: Mount Rainier - Gibraltar Ledges
Date: 12/3/2009
Trip Report:Gavin and I summited December 3 via Gib Ledges. The weather was great and the route is in fine shape: Firm snow, direct. Still important to be careful of thinly bridged crevasses- we had one minor incident at about 13,000. Skiing the lovely breakable crust from 7500 down to Paradise was especially fun after I had to put on my headlamp at the top of Pan Face. Great climb- my first successful December ascent. Nov, Jan, and Feb left to go.
Gear Notes:Roped up at the top of Gib Rock. Didn't have or need screws, rock gear, or flotation above Muir.
Approach Notes:Tshirt, no gloves, no hat going up to Muir. Didn't put on a hat on summit day until 12,600. Route to Muir is beaten in well enough that flotation is optional (until the next storm cycle).
