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Paul Kent-Snowsell - Eldorado peak
North Cascades - July 5-7, 2006
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| Paul Kent-Snowsell, of Vancouver came down
for the mountaineering classic Eldorado peak, just post Independence
day and Canada day. While the weather forecast looked great,
some unlikely weather did indeed move in and provide an interesting
climbing experience. |
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| The approach to Eldorado, while not excessive
in altitude gain (about 3500'), is unrelentingly steep
and extracts a heavy toll from climbers looking to summit.
Here Paul uses some roots to assist him on a particularly
steep section. |
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| Finally above the steepest sections,
Paul enjoys the cool mist of one of several waterfalls
that flank the trail. |
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| During the night a thick marine layer
of fog crept up and overtook our camp. We awoke to wet
fog and drizzle in the morning and very uninspiring conditions.
We proceeded to climb anyway, albeit a bit late, and at
about 7000' approached the top of the cloud layer. |
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| Once above the clouds, the views were
spectacular and the weather delightful. |
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| Here Paul follows the last exposed knife
edge section of ridge leading to Eldorado's summit. |
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| Paul, all smiles on top of Eldorado,
and what felt like the top of the world! |
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| Heading back down the glacier, we dreaded
the thought of dropping back into the dreary fog. We took
one last break before committing into the mist. |
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| The weather broke the next morning and
we were able to hike out in great weather. Here Paul is
packing up as we take down our camp with great views of
Johannesburg, Cascade peak and the Triplets. |
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