That's the toughest 9er I have ever seen! Awesome report, Julia. I have heard about Shuksan, and it looks like a very arduous climb! What is the distance and vertical on this route? Nice work!
Yeah it was tough for me but very rewarding. This is the distance and vertical from camp to summit: http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/218173.jpg Looks like about 5km/3miles one way (my god it felt like a lot more than that!) and about 5000ft/1500m. That's not including the hike in/out to/from camp.
Good climb, this one is a lot of fun. It seems you took the "fun" way up onto the Upper Cutis glacier. When I was there the week before we considered doing what you did, but instead we stuck to the rock rib running up onto the left. Still, the ice looked like fun but I guess not so much after your little encounter, whew!
My theory with this mountain is that the later in the season it gets, the crazier this climb becomes. Great pictures, especially the summit "cartwheel" I guess you have to take what you can get, I would hate to read an article about a woman cart wheeling her way to death on Shuksan, although that does sound funny in a funereal way!
The ice could have been fun if we'd been able to protect it and didn't have to worry about falling through it. I guess that's sort of the nature of ice at the toe end of a glacier though. I agree.. would be easier earlier in the season but probably not as interesting. :)
Good thing you waited for the Chimney Sweep to show you the way. I have always noted on this route that a start in early light is fine, it can save time and energy. It is amazing how many people take the wrong chimney, and how many places people go the wrong way low on the route. Of course this just makes it easier for the next in line to wander off line. Next time get some glissading in on lower Hells Highway. Fine report as we expect from you.
Great report, I think the route is often underestimated due to the large amount of actual climbing where concentration is required, especially on the descent.
This line "We trudged on wordlessly as the trail took on an almost tangible malevolence." is poetry and those that know it, know it well. Great TR, thanks!
shknbke - Aug 23, 2006 5:10 am - Hasn't voted
WA has some tough peaksThat's the toughest 9er I have ever seen! Awesome report, Julia. I have heard about Shuksan, and it looks like a very arduous climb! What is the distance and vertical on this route? Nice work!
MountaingirlBC - Aug 23, 2006 5:16 am - Hasn't voted
Re: WA has some tough peaksYeah it was tough for me but very rewarding. This is the distance and vertical from camp to summit: http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/218173.jpg Looks like about 5km/3miles one way (my god it felt like a lot more than that!) and about 5000ft/1500m. That's not including the hike in/out to/from camp.
shknbke - Aug 23, 2006 5:41 am - Hasn't voted
Sweet!Wow, that's about the same distance/vertical from Camp Schurman to Rainier's summit on the Emmons, although the glaciers look much steeper on Shuksan.
jordansahls - Aug 23, 2006 5:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Very Nice.Good climb, this one is a lot of fun. It seems you took the "fun" way up onto the Upper Cutis glacier. When I was there the week before we considered doing what you did, but instead we stuck to the rock rib running up onto the left. Still, the ice looked like fun but I guess not so much after your little encounter, whew!
My theory with this mountain is that the later in the season it gets, the crazier this climb becomes. Great pictures, especially the summit "cartwheel" I guess you have to take what you can get, I would hate to read an article about a woman cart wheeling her way to death on Shuksan, although that does sound funny in a funereal way!
MountaingirlBC - Aug 23, 2006 5:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Very Nice.The ice could have been fun if we'd been able to protect it and didn't have to worry about falling through it. I guess that's sort of the nature of ice at the toe end of a glacier though. I agree.. would be easier earlier in the season but probably not as interesting. :)
mauri pelto - Aug 23, 2006 8:39 pm - Hasn't voted
off route nothing new at chimneyGood thing you waited for the Chimney Sweep to show you the way. I have always noted on this route that a start in early light is fine, it can save time and energy. It is amazing how many people take the wrong chimney, and how many places people go the wrong way low on the route. Of course this just makes it easier for the next in line to wander off line. Next time get some glissading in on lower Hells Highway. Fine report as we expect from you.
bacrossman - Aug 24, 2006 5:56 pm - Voted 10/10
NiceGreat report, I think the route is often underestimated due to the large amount of actual climbing where concentration is required, especially on the descent.
It is fun as heck though.
MountaingirlBC - Aug 25, 2006 12:17 am - Hasn't voted
Re: NiceI think you nailed it.
dicey - Aug 24, 2006 8:07 pm - Voted 10/10
Great Report!Mr. Grumpy pants - WTF? LOL!
MountaingirlBC - Aug 25, 2006 12:18 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Great Report!thx! he free climbs too you know...
Dustiano - Aug 26, 2006 3:03 pm - Voted 10/10
Awesome TR!Great read at work on this rainy/cloudy east coast day! Thanks!
MountaingirlBC - Aug 26, 2006 4:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Awesome TR!my pleasure! my condolences on your weather and work schedule!
Haliku - Aug 28, 2006 4:03 am - Voted 10/10
Yet another one!Another great report to envy. It appears you like epic trips... Cheers!
MountaingirlBC - Aug 28, 2006 4:51 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Yet another one!Thank you :) I don't ever set out to do epics but they seem to find me.
MoapaPk - Aug 28, 2006 4:02 pm - Hasn't voted
BravaA very entertaining read. You write much "gooder" than many people on SP.
Most people I meet in the outdoors are nice and laid-back, but I have met my share of yellers. Some people are control freaks.
MountaingirlBC - Aug 28, 2006 4:53 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Bravathanks.... i'm werking on getting a collige ejewcashun so hopefully my writing will get more gooder along the way :)
vancouver islander - Sep 7, 2006 12:42 am - Voted 10/10
Nice....... one MGBC - as always.
MountaingirlBC - Sep 7, 2006 4:09 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice.....thank you :)
SJD - Sep 7, 2006 4:18 am - Voted 10/10
Damn near poetic...This line "We trudged on wordlessly as the trail took on an almost tangible malevolence." is poetry and those that know it, know it well. Great TR, thanks!
MountaingirlBC - Sep 7, 2006 6:22 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Damn near poetic...it was weird... funny how your mind can mess with you when you're that tired huh? Really felt like there was some evil force at work.