Darren

I was up there two weekends (7/7 & 7/8) ago and the conditions were just fine. We camped directly below Sahale at around 6,500 and were able to ascend almost directly to the Sahale/Boston col and also to the approach gully for Shark Fin. There's a small moat at the base of the gully which we were able to get passed on the right. As for the trail, it is very easy to follow and the stream crossings are easy as well. Have fun!

I did ths last fall in two days. I'm pretty sure it could be done in a helluva long day though. Take Longs Pass trail over Longs Pass, and drop down to Ingalls Creek. Cross creek to Ingalls Creek Trail and go right about a mile to the Beverly-Turnpike Trail junction, 4,700’. Leave the trail and ascend rightward across the meadow to where the slope begins to steepen at about 5,000’. Cross the stream and ascend the ridge, staying left of the crest. Around 5,800' traverse right, cross over the ridge and contour into the basin. Great camp available at 6,200’. From 6,200', ascend talus/snow to Sherpa/Stuart col and aim for the notch nearst Sherpa.

Thanks! It was a great trip! As for the Chopping Block, we never got a close look, but from looking at my photos the entire N, NE side looks to be snow free.

That would be me and 3 friends. We made the approach (snow at 4000) Friday and set up camp at the 6200 foot saddle over looking Terror Basin. This took just over 8 hours. Snow was typical for this time of year. Firm in the morning and shade and then turning pretty messy in the afternoon. We climbed West McMillian Spire on Saturday and set off several small wet snow avalanches on our way back to camp. Our plan was to climb Degendardt on Sunday, but a huge cornice blocked the approach gully through the Barrier. We then decided to climb Pyramid via the West ridge. We climbed steep snow and 4th class rock directly up from the glacier to the Degenhardt/Pyramid col and then scrambled the ridge from there. On our way down we noticed about half of the cornice blocking the approach gully for Degenhardt had collapsed creating a decent size avalanche. Needless to say, we were pretty happy not to be there when it happened. Our decent was made without incident. We camped that night and then back out to the cars on Monday. All in all, I would say now is a great time to be there. We traveled exclusively on snow back and fourth from camp which made for happy feet and the glacier was in great shape. I've never seen it late in the year, but we were able to travel in a nearly strait line from the toe of the glacier to the top. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Does anyone have more information on crossing "the Barrier"? Also, I'm interested in hearing about any experiences with Mt. Degenhardt, both technical aspects and the overall experience. I was thinking of doing the West Ridge? Is this a feasible destination in combination with McMillan Spire for a four day trip? Would those who have done this route before recommend it? I've read what Becky has to say with regards to both of these topics so any additional, first hand knowledge would be greatly appreciated.