stray

Ok, ok. It doesn't really matter, but a climbing buddy keeps ribbing me for that last line. About "alpine start" I meant the standard kind: you know, so late that you end up returning in the dark... Anyway, the moon was great. D

It isn't in, 2/12. Shame: cold enough with great snow conditions, but not much ice there. Messed around at the base, then tucked our tails and climbed the S side. S side was dry rock. Axe would've been helpful on descent from summit and the short solo to 2nd rap anchor, but not crucial. Ski traverse from Alpental had stiff hardpack on International -- best with more edge than on my munchkin approach skis. If you hoof up from the lot, definitely want skis/snowshoes to minimize post-holing. The sugar snow is great on descent. Bonus for everyone else with my kind of alpine start: a near-full moon. D