On Friday, we started packing up the vehicles at ~6 am and had a nice breakfast. We piled into the mini-van and set off for Mt. Rainier. We stopped at the White River Wilderness Information Center to register and have a short discussion with a Ranger. Then, we drove to the trailhead, the White River Campground at 4,300 feet.
At the trailhead, everybody put their mountaineering boots on and strapped their ice axes, shovels, snow pickets, snow anchors, camp pads, etc to their packs. We applied sunblock, added batteries to things, and figured out how to use our helmet cams 8^)
It took about an hour and finally, we were ready! We gathered at the signpost to discuss the days itinerary and talk about pace.
Sue, Bruce (Trip Leader), and Kevin Plotting the Route up Mt. Rainier
My Awesome Tentmate, Sue
Ready to Climb!
The day was spent climbing to our first camp at about 8,500 feet on the Inner Glacier. Once there, we set camp and enjoy stunning and expansive views. By stopping at this intermediate space, it allowed us to acclimatize a little and have an easy move the following day.
Sue Ready to Ascend Inner Glacier
Josh aka Mr. Mustache!
Loving Life!
When we got to the Inner Glacier, we reviewed walking on snow and ice, glacier travel skills, ice axe use, and breathing techniques that will assist us on our ascent.
Wyatt, the Man in the Middle! I was at the end and Kevin was leading (see him below!)
Anne leading Laurie and Sue! It was hot in the Inner Glacier!
Sue, Anne, and Kevin taking a breather.
Josh looking particularly hard core!
Upon arriving at camp, we dug a pit for a toilet area, a pit for a kitchen mess, and platforms for our tents. Everybody took turns shovelling.
I really enjoyed this part of the trip. Deciding where to put the various parts of camp and making a protective wall around our tent.
Our View from Inner Glacier Camp
Clare, Superstar!
Father and Son Bonding
Sue in Our Tent!
Cozy Down at Sundown.
That night, there was a terrifying lightning storm above us, as captured by James Clark! Several strokes made contact with the mountain above us which sent large bits of the glacier crashing down.
We woke up to the crackle and crack of the storm. We were completely exposed, but there was nothing we could do except sit in our sleeping bags and hope nothing bad happened. A layer of hail coated Sue and I’s little tent, but luckily the tent held up.
Tags: Day 3, Emmons Glacier, Inner Glacier Camp, Mt. Rainier, Washington