July 2004 

 

... Continued We all made it up the ridge to the summit plateau without incident.  The highlight was definitely the steep knife edge ridge just before the plateau.  The backdrop of McCabe Lake made for some very cool photos.  Once on the plateau, the rest of the way to the summit was pretty easy -- first hike up some sandy slopes and then eventually do some easy boulder hopping to the top.  The views from the plateau were outstanding, capturing Mount Conness, the Cathedral Range and the domes above Yosemite Valley.  The views made the sandy slog to the summit most worthwhile.  Bob, Sam, Michael, Joel, Mark and I got up there around the same time.  I think it was around 9:30am or so, which I thought was a pretty good time from the car.  Matthew and Christianne made it up about 15 minutes later.
Note:  clicking on any photograph will present a full screen version.
	Joel on the Ridge.  Joel follows the spine of the ridge up towards the summit plateau.
	Above McCabe Lake.  Joel riding the dragon's back above McCabe Lake.
	Conness Comes Into View.  Our first good look at the North Ridge of Conness.  Doesn't look too scary from here.
	View Southwest.  Looking out over Ragged Peak to the monuments of Tuolumne Meadows.  Echo Peaks at far left, then Cathedral Peak, Tressider Peak, Fairview Dome, Tenaya Peak, Clouds Rest and Half Dome.  What a perfect day we had.
	Joel on the Slog.  Joel heads up the sandy slopes to the summit, and eventually makes it (below left). Below:  Michael and Sam share the summit with views out to the NE Face of Mount Conness.
	Matthew Arrives.  Matthew makes his way the final 50 feet to the summit.  In the background, Tower Peak dominates the northern Yosemite skyline.

^{BACK               NEXT}