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This is my first trip report, so it's probably going to be a bit rough. I was hiking with a guy from Texas, named Christian. We met in Alma and then drove up to the trailhead. We geared up and started snowshoeing around 7:30. The snow was deep in parts, but in other areas the ground was completely windblown.
Our hope was to climb Lincoln, Cameron, and Bross; but after getting to the TH Lincoln looked nasty. Since neither of us have much winter experience, we decided to set our sights on Bross, and go from there. The hike to the treeline was uneventful, and once above the tree line, the snowshoes came off. The wind was horrible, and we were blasted with spindrift until about 12,500. Around 12,000' we split up and started climbing at our own speed. I'd climbed Pike's a few days before, but Christian hadn't so I had the edge.
The view of the valley was priceless.
Around 13,200 the winds got vicious. I was almost knocked over several times. One time, I was leaning into the wind so much, that when a momentary pause came, I fell flat on my face. Clouds moved, and the summit was gray. I finally reached it around 11:30, but the wind kept me from enjoying the summit for more than a few minutes.
I snapped a few pictures using the timer on my camera. I had to weight down the camera strap with rocks to keep it blowing away. I wanted to bag Cameron, but with the clouds, and partner being so far behind, I decided to descend.
The descent was hard in the wind. I met Christian around 13,200' and he decided to turn back too. I was going to go back up again, if he really wanted, but it wasn't necessary. We descended to ridge, and got to the truck by 1:30.
The only thing to note is that the snowpack in the bowl is rubbish. I thought about crossing over to the south side, but didn't like the idea so I stayed on the North-East ridge the whole time. It was windswept dry in many places.
That's it; my second winter 14er, and pretty much uneventful. A big thanks to Dancesatmoonrise and Sgladbach for help about the route and TH.
Love the Madness
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
you‘d think there‘d be no mosquitoes! The Mosquito range is notorious for wind. catch it right, and they are gloriously easy. Wrong time and you can have to crawl to the top. Good job getting there!
I like how the photos depict the wind. Every time I try to get one of those, I‘m being blown around so much that there‘s no focus. : ( We had a lot of wind when we were up there last month as well. Glad you enjoyed the trip. Stay with it!
I have to say, I love how you mentioned first, that the guy you went hiking with was from Texas! It almost sounds like a disclaimer.
Nice work on your 2nd winter 14er! The winds on the decalibron are almost always intense in winter. Been up a few times in winter & have been turned around due to winds and have setteled only on Bross for same reasons.
Good choice on the route!
Haha yeah, glad somebody noticed. I tried to be slightly subtle
I‘m definately going back, probably in the summer. I‘ve got plans to get all 5 high points in one go if I can.
And to Jim, it was your TR that actually gave me the idea to try the route. Thanks for the help and tips!
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It almost sounds like a disclaimer. 