{"id":4566,"date":"2018-09-09T14:43:03","date_gmt":"2018-09-09T21:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/?p=4566"},"modified":"2019-01-05T15:45:28","modified_gmt":"2019-01-05T23:45:28","slug":"forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2018\/09\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I7isj_Pp8r0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">On January 17, at 6:32 AM, I received this text from my buddy Ann:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\u201cPaul &#8211; JM and I had a good dinner and talked about some fun climbs in the PNW next summer, namely the north or east ridge of forbidden &#8211; Justin I forget which one. Anyhow would you be able to join? I would be able to go late August. 3-4 day trip. Thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">And thus began a seven-month odyssey of dreaming, scheming, planning, preparing, and ultimately fulfilling her proposal: Climbing Forbidden Peak via the North Ridge with Ann Sparks and Justin Merle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I had tried to climb Forbidden\u2019s West Ridge in October 2015 with buddies John and Tom, but we were thwarted by rockfall just below the col and cold, wet, cloudy conditions. I knew nothing about the North Ridge, but I understood that Forbidden is a serious mountain that is appropriately named. Climbing it would push my skills to their limits, and would be impossible without such an incredible team: I knew Ann\u2019s strength firsthand because we had climbed some 14ers and steep ice in Colorado, and Justin had shown his skills getting me safely up and down Everest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I was totally excited to try to pull this off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The trip was threatened at all turns, mostly by our conflicting schedules. Even when the calendars aligned, everyone seemed to get injured during the runup:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Justin broke his ribs in a mountainbike crash\u2026 Ann sustained a monstrous hematoma on her thigh after falling on a talus field on Snowmass\u2026and I thwapped my calf on a canoe bench a couple days prior to departure. Plus, due to work and family obligations, I could not train and sleep beforehand as I would have liked. This route would require long hours, so banking rest beforehand can make a real difference. Two weeks earlier I had attempted Challenger with John and Tom while exhausted, and there was no way in hell I could have done it safely even if the rain had not forced us to spin. It was time to invest in new boots: LS Trango Cubes felt great in the shop, but would I get blisters on the route? I did not have an easy way to apply ToughFoot daily, my usual protocol when wearing new boots. Finally, the question of mountain conditions remained: September in the PNW may be plagued by wind and rain, and this year the entire region seemed to be consumed by wildfires. It was not until several days before departure that our fortune seemed to turn:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4609\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4609\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4609\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09-800x782.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09-800x782.png 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09-150x147.png 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09-660x645.png 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.11.09-768x751.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4609\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bomber forecast for Forbidden Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">Exhausted? Check.<br \/>\nInjured? Check.<br \/>\nPsyched? Double check.<br \/>\n<em>This is happening!<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Ann flew to Seattle on Sunday, arriving several hours after we returned from the East Coast, and we went to dinner for a last meal of \u201creal\u201d food before the coming days of dehy and GORP.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4607\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4607\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4607\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2508-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4607\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is how we look pre-mountain, photo taken by Julie.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4608\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4608\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4608\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20-800x451.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20-800x451.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20-660x372.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X11.34.20.jpg 1914w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4608\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">In the mountains we look different\u2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">After dinner we ran our kits. Justin had already given us very detailed instructions, even beyond the standard IMG list for trips in the North Cascades. His bottom line: We had to come in below 35 lbs each, including full water bottles, so that we could haul our shares of the group gear to Boston Basin on day 1, up and over Sharkfin Tower on day 2, then to the summit of Forbidden on day 3, and all the way out on day 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>My Personal Gear List<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Mammut Creon Light 45 pack<br \/>\nFeathered Friends Nano Swallow 20F bag<br \/>\nBD Light Saber Bivvy Bag (no toe pole, no stakes)<br \/>\nThermarest NeoAir pad<br \/>\nLS Trango Cube boots<br \/>\nSmartwool PhD ski socks for climbing<br \/>\nREI light merino socks for camp<br \/>\nIbex merino base layer<br \/>\nPatagonia light base layer<br \/>\nPatagonia R1 hoody<br \/>\nOR Helium shell<br \/>\nPatagonia Nano Puff hoody<br \/>\nPatagonia midweight climbing pants.<br \/>\nAcrteryx shell pants<br \/>\n4 pair gloves (buff fishing gloves, SW merino liners, Hestra insulated leathers, Neoprene kayakers)<br \/>\nHats (merino, ballcap for under helmet, sun hat for approach, 2 buffs)<br \/>\nSunglasses<br \/>\nGrivel Airtech Light aluminum leverlock crampons<br \/>\nBD Raven Pro axe<br \/>\nBD trekking poles<br \/>\nBD Alpine Bod Couloir harness (3 lockers, 3 wiregates, ATC, long sling, prusik cords)<br \/>\nPetzl Meteor 3 helmet<br \/>\nFood<br \/>\n2 liter bottles<br \/>\nGoPro 6<br \/>\niPhone (used instead of my trusty Sony Alpha 5100 to save weight)<br \/>\nInReach<br \/>\nGarmin Fenix2<br \/>\nAuxiliary battery &amp; USB cords<br \/>\nSuper tiny med kit and blue bag kit<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">All of which came to 31 lbs in the pack.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Our food needed to be hauled in bear canisters provided by the NPS because of the \u201cfive black bears\u201d in Boston Basin. Ursacks would work too, though we did not have any. On top of this we would haul some group gear, such as MSR Reactor and cells, or part of the rack. Justin always carried the rope.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Off to bed, and up at 5:00 AM, rolling by 6:00 so we could meet Justin at Marblemount and get things settled with the NPS. The rangers were super helpful and friendly, as always.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4603\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4603\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4603\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2515-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We are here just after they open.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4606\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4606\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4606\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2509-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4606\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This fuel canister was chewed by a bear in the Basin. One fang puncture I can understand, but why so many? Do bears groove on petroleum products\u2026?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4605\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4605\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4605\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2510-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4605\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Everything looks so tiny from here&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4604\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4604\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4604\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24-800x763.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24-800x763.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24-150x143.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24-660x629.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ScreenshotX2018-09-09X13.08.24-768x732.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4604\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A nice model of our route, which I have outlined here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4602\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4602\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4602\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2516-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4602\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Massive breakfast at the Eatery, and a visit with the rabbits who apparently call this place home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4601\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4601\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4601\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522-800x522.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522-800x522.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522-660x431.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2522-768x501.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4601\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ann flirts with her new friend, &#8220;Francisella T.&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4600\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4600\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4600\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527-800x720.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527-800x720.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527-150x135.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527-660x594.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2527-768x691.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4600\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sorting gear in Marblemount.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4599\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4599\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4599\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528-800x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528-800x726.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528-150x136.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528-660x599.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2528-768x697.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4599\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photobombing shenanigans start early.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4598\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4598\" style=\"width: 770px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4598\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531-770x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531-770x800.jpg 770w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531-144x150.jpg 144w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531-635x660.jpg 635w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2531-768x798.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paring it down to the absolute minimum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4597\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4597\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4597\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2537-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4597\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I almost peeled out with Justin\u2019s breakfast still on my hood.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">The Cascade River Road leads from Marblemount, past El Dorado, and up to the Boston Basin trailhead. Cascade Pass is apparently just a few minutes farther up the road.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4596\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4596\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4596\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2544-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4596\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Road is open to the trailhead now! This saves us miles&#8230;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4594\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4594\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4594\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2546-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4594\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We may not get solitude up there, but at least we can meet fun people! Check this rig&#8230;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">The hike to Boston Basin was beautiful. Last time I was here, three years earlier, we had started before dawn, miles down the road due to a washout, in cold overcast conditions. This time it was hot, (but not oppressive) and the views were stunning and breezy. I was delighted to bump into some trainees from the hospital on their way down who recognized me immediately, even in my mountain garb. The only other party we met all day was also on their way down after tagging the top via the West Ridge, and we discovered mutual friends as well. The biomedical-mountaineering axis runs strong in the PNW. They warned us of having to chase a curious bear away earlier in the day, which made me thankful for the canister I had squeezed into the pack.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4593\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4593\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4593\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2548-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4593\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Airy views greet us after emerging from the slide alder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4775\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4775\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4775\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR-450x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR-450x800.jpg 450w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR-84x150.jpg 84w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR-371x660.jpg 371w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_131417852_HDR-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4775\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crossing one of several creeks along the approach hike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4592\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4592\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4592\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2550-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4592\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin and his patented tortilla lunch system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4591\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4591\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4591\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2555-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4591\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lots of water here means lots of snow&#8211;and sun&#8211;above.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4774\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4774\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4774\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X07X30XPM-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4774\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I like this photo of Mt Torment and its basin, snapped by Ann. Aiguille de M on the right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4590\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4590\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4590\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2578-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The basin! And Forbidden at center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4589\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4589\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4589\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2580-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4589\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking down the valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4773\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4773\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4773\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX3X17X54XPM-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4773\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Now above treeline, in the lower Boston Basin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4588\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4588\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4588\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2581-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4588\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin: never, ever happy to be at work. Our first objective for the following day, Sharkfin Tower, can be seen over his right shoulder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4587\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4587\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4587\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2585-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4587\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ann: Are we on vacation yet?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4585\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4585\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4585\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588-800x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588-660x660.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2588-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4585\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yes. Yes we are.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4586\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4586\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4586\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2587-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Johannesburg is always impressive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4584\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4584\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4584\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2870-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4584\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Getting closer to the bivvy site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4583\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4583\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4583\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876-800x573.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876-800x573.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876-660x473.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2876-768x550.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4583\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tailings from an abandoned mining operation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">The bivvy site was immaculate, even came with a composting toilet. Justin made a killer Thai dinner. We had the entire Basin to ourselves, with sweeping views in all directions, from Johannesburg to Sahale to Boston to Forbidden to Torment, and down the valley towards the sunset. Only a small amount of wildfire smoke was noticeable before nightfall. Just before we fell asleep, a small flock of ptarmigans strolled right through camp, making creepy \/ adorable chirping sounds.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4579\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4579\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4579\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2609-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4579\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our bivvy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4772\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4772\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4772\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180903_170548590-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4772\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our posh camp. Perfect conditions for bivvy bags. And a great place to air my feet out after the approach march in Trango Cubes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4581\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4581\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4581\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604-800x157.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604-800x157.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604-150x30.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604-660x130.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2604-768x151.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4581\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View uphill from the bivvy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4580\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4580\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4580\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606-800x240.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606-800x240.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606-150x45.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606-660x198.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2606-768x231.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4580\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View right, including Sahale and the Quien Sabe Glacier.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4578\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4578\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4578\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2616-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4578\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Closer view of Sahale and the Quien Sabe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4582\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4582\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4582\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2594-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4582\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wildflowers everywhere.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4576\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4576\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4576\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2632-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4576\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ann takes a stroll.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4577\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4577\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4577\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2630-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4577\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin makes a super-great dinner for all of us.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4771\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4771\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4771\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X07XPM-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin&#8217;s spectacular kitchen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4770\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4770\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4770\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX7X27X18XPM-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4770\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BEST&#8230; DINNER&#8230; EVER&#8230;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4575\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4575\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4575\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2637-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4575\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">All good guides read poetry from the chocolate wrapper after dinner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4574\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4574\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4574\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2639-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4574\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">He&#8217;s an excellent raconteur.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4573\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4573\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4573\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2650-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4573\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunset approaches, and temps drop. But not too badly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4769\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4769\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4769\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X16X02XPM-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4769\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The little hill where I shot the sunset with my iPhone. A pristine composting toilet sits just over the rise.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4768\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4768\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4768\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/PhotoXSepX03XX8X17X08XPM-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4768\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Johannesburg Peak across the valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4572\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4572\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4572\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4572\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wildfire smoke begins to rise from down valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4571\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4571\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4571\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2689-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4571\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sahale in alpenglow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4570\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4570\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4570\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2663-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4570\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Minor cloud cover shrouds Forbidden Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4569\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4569\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4569\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2883-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4569\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tucking in for the night.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4568\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4568\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4568\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886-800x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886-660x660.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/GOPR2886-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yes. I am happy to be here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4767\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4767\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4767\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2696-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4767\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view of Quien Sabe Glacier from my bivvy bag as we tuck in.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\">I fell asleep thinking of my family, and of Sharkfin tower which was our objective for the next day. And I thought, <i>This will be awesome<\/i>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On January 17, at 6:32 AM, I received this text from my buddy Ann: \u201cPaul &#8211; JM and I had a good dinner and talked about some fun climbs in the PNW next summer, namely the north or east ridge of forbidden &#8211; Justin I forget which one. Anyhow would you be able to join? &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2018\/09\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-approach-trek","expedition-cascades"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1 - OSM Adventures<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2018\/09\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1 - OSM Adventures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On January 17, at 6:32 AM, I received this text from my buddy Ann: \u201cPaul &#8211; JM and I had a good dinner and talked about some fun climbs in the PNW next summer, namely the north or east ridge of forbidden &#8211; Justin I forget which one. Anyhow would you be able to join? &hellip; Continue reading Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1 &rarr;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2018\/09\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OSM Adventures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-09-09T21:43:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-01-05T23:45:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_2692-800x600.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Paul Pottinger\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Paul Pottinger\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646\"},\"headline\":\"Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-09-09T21:43:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2019-01-05T23:45:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1869,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/IMG_2692.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Approach Trek\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2018\\\/09\\\/forbidden-peak-via-north-ridge-day-1\\\/\",\"name\":\"Forbidden Peak via North Ridge Day 1 - 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