North Palisade via the U-Notch — Page 3

Big Pine Lakes

1. Progression
2. SMG
3. Big Pine Lakes
4. Rope 101
5. The Alpine Start
6. The U-Notch
7. Two Pitches
8. The Summit Ridge
9. Atop North Palisade
10. On Rappel
11. Downclimb
12. Palisade Review

Evidence of glaciation past and present abounds in the Palisades region, including an impressive system of moraines and lakes above 10,000 feet.

Neil and I take a break on a granite berm overlooking the aqua waters of First Lake, where we have a quick snack and talk about possible campsites.

The trail ahead makes a meandering loop to the north, but a shorter alternative exists in the form of a snow-covered gully beneath Temple Craig and Mount Gayley.

Camping higher would place us on the edge of the Palisade Glacier, allowing quick access to the U-Notch and North Palisade tommorow.

But carrying our fully-loaded packs up another 2000' hardly sounds like fun.

Moreover, based on my body's reaction to the day's heat, effort, and our present elevation, I can already tell that sleeping lower will be a far more comfortable option.

That settles it: we agree to camp near Third Lake.

We'll make up the difference tomorrow with an invigorating 3:30 a.m. start.

Neil leads the way off-trail and into a thicket of woods.

Soon, we come to the first real adventure of the trip: a stream crossing.

Eyeing the loosely-piled logs bridging fast-moving water, I find myself wondering whether this constitutes some sort of climbing fitness challenge orchestrated by my guide:

Fall in here and No Soup for You!

Regardless, Neil and I successfully navigate the shifting log bridge in our heavy packs with only a minor bobble or two.

And my boots prove nicely waterproof.

Now, on the rocky southern shore of Third Lake, it's time to find a place to camp.

Though the day remains relatively new, I'm already noticing subtle differences between traveling alone and traveling with a guide.

For one thing, I find it especially easy to act like a client.

Normally, I'd be solely responsible for knowing the route ahead, for maintaining my bearings, even for choosing where to camp. But in the company of my guide, it is easy—refreshingly so—to hand off responsibility for these tasks to Neil.

And so I trail behind as he wanders the rocky boulder field beside the Lake, waiting for him to declare where we will spend the night.

It seems to me, as I think about it, that this sheepishness might not be such a good thing as we get higher upon the mountain—and especially once the technical climbing begins. Guided or not, I believe it is important to take responsibility for your own safety. I resolve to be on guard for any tendencies otherwise.

next: Rope 101 »