{"id":6227,"date":"2020-08-09T17:20:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-10T00:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/?p=6227"},"modified":"2020-08-09T18:48:04","modified_gmt":"2020-08-10T01:48:04","slug":"challenger-2020-day-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Challenger 2020: Day 2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Video digest of the day&#8217;s travel:<\/p>\n<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\/DsAge69T--Y?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>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>We were all tired, and it was soooo tempting to sleep in that morning, but there was much ground to cover (none of which was on trail), and the slope would get hot early when hit by the AM sun&#8230; we resolved to start walking by 7 AM. So, up at 5:30 it would be. I slept pretty well, and awoke feeling largely replenished. This was good news, because I predicted day 2 to be our most challenging day of the trip. It would involve (slightly) more elevation gain than the other days, we would still be relatively heavy, and it involved climbing a slope that was notorious for its difficult terrain: would there be Devil&#8217;s Club? Nettles? Sumac? Thistles? Slide Alder? Moss? Rotten tree limbs? Loose rock? Time would tell. I recalled how bad my buddies looked one season after they had tried to take a shortcut down from Hannigan Peak, and I did NOT want to look like that. Ever.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6191\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6191\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a style=\"font-weight: bold; background-color: transparent;\" href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6191 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01709-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6191\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Good morning, people! Yes&#8230; it was that kind of breakfast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6229\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6229\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6229\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01710-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Through the canopy above, hints of a blue sky awaiting us.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6204\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6204\" style=\"width: 562px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6204\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854-562x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"562\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854-562x800.jpg 562w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854-105x150.jpg 105w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854-464x660.jpg 464w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2854-768x1093.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6204\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin noticed that dent in my helmet right away&#8230; I reminded him it happened on transfer via yak to EBC in 2016. No TBI here yet (that I know of).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On went the boots, and we were off. First stop: The Emergency Shelter a few meters uphill, where we chose to cache a bit of gear we planned not to touch again until we returned here for the last night. Losing the approach shoes and our last meals lightened our loads nicely. This is probably against regulations. I did not care.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6197\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6197\" style=\"width: 546px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6197\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712-546x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"546\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712-546x800.jpg 546w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712-102x150.jpg 102w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712-450x660.jpg 450w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01712-768x1125.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6197\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our cache in the HantaHut.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6196\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6196\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6196\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713-800x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713-800x572.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713-660x472.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01713-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6196\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bummer. But, surely, there&#8217;s room for some last-day booty in here, right?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6198\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6198\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6198\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711-800x606.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711-800x606.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711-660x500.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01711-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6198\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stoked to have dropped a few pounds of load here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6184\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6184\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6184\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/B23CA63B-D516-401E-894B-D81340F5C7A4-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pig of Adventure watches over our cache with diligence and care.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Nothing left to do but leave the trail and head into the woods! We had a track from a prior party, who was kind enough to leave it online. It helped&#8230; mostly. But, really it was Justin who figured things out, with a skill that is hard to describe. I guess guiding outdoors for a whole career will do that&#8230; he just seemed to know the least bad way forwards. We were very grateful to follow him. Initially, the terrain was actually OK, meaning lots of tall trees and little brush in between. And, the slope was not too steep, either.\u00a0 We discovered the truth: There is no Sasquatch, for if there were, then truly he would live here. It was quite beautiful, and deeply shaded.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6192\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6192\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6192\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720-440x660.jpg 440w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01720-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6192\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin? Sasquatch? You decide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6194\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6194\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6194\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01717-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6194\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">T$ makes this look easy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6195\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6195\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6195\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01714-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6195\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I&#8217;m certain he knew exactly where we were headed, at all times. Absolutely certain&#8230;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6193\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6193\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6193\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01718-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6193\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Devil&#8217;s Club! Let&#8217;s stay the hell out of there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Eventually, of course, things changed. First, the pitch steepened substantially, and it felt like climbing a ladder of loose dirt and pine needles, punctuated with roots and chossy rock. While carrying &gt; 40 lbs on your back. In the heat. Under assault of a jillion, squillion biting insects. So, so many bugs! Getting bitten was actually not the top concern, because we could cover most of our flesh under clothing. No, the worst part was their tendency to enter our eyes, ears, and respiratory passages. Breathe through your nose, and they will get caught in your turbinates, or occasionally make it to a sinus and buzz for a while until they died. Breathe through your mouth, and they will certainly become swept into the trachea and mainstem bronchi. They did not stay long, of course, because this triggered violent wet coughing fits. But, an unpleasant feeling for sure. Put on more bug repellent if you choose, but it will sweat off in a hurry. For me, 20% picaridin worked well but only in camp; underway, it just could not fend them away well enough, nothing would have. And all the while we crashed and thundered through branches that reached out and grabbed us, getting snagged on our gear, whipping us in the face with their leaves, tripping us up on their slick, lubircated bark. The only good thing about the trees seemed to be their ability to afford shade&#8230; and their offer of abundant, reliable veggie belays. Oh, and I&#8217;m allergic to whatever tree pollen they have up there. Still, we made fine vertical progress&#8211;we had to, considering how steep the terrain was.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6190\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6190\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6190\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/0D88A625-E528-41AE-B51B-F5D812567D55-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6190\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Much of the terrain in the first half of the climb looked like this: Steep, untouched, slidey, but totally passable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6225\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6225\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6225\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01721-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6225\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Watching every step.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6203\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6203\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6203\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2855-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hints of a view to come, obscured by the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6244\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6244\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6244\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_090138093-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6244\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We have met the beast, and truly he was us.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6202\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6202\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6202\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2856-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6202\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6201\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6201\" style=\"width: 538px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6201\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857-538x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"538\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857-538x800.jpg 538w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857-101x150.jpg 101w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857-443x660.jpg 443w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2857-768x1143.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 538px) 100vw, 538px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6201\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Forrest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6200\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6200\" style=\"width: 585px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6200\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858-585x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"585\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858-585x800.jpg 585w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858-110x150.jpg 110w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858-483x660.jpg 483w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2858-768x1050.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6200\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">T$.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6199\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6199\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6199\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859-674x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859-674x800.jpg 674w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859-126x150.jpg 126w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859-556x660.jpg 556w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2859-768x912.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6199\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Selfie on the way up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There were three distinct mossy cliff bands that required extra negotiation and effort. One in particular was so steep that we chose to take a drainage to the right, meaning we climbed up a waterfall for over 100 vertical feet. This was daunting given how overgrown the canopy was, and how slick the mossy bottom. But, the handholds were firm and there was really no other option. Up we went&#8230;.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6222\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6222\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6222\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726-440x660.jpg 440w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01726-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6222\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin leads us up the green gully.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6224\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6224\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6224\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01723-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6224\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This waterfall gully is a world of moss.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6243\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6243\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6243\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_101627478-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6243\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nearing the creek exit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6223\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6223\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6223\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725-440x660.jpg 440w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01725-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6223\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking up the green gully&#8230; things seem to open up just ahead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Eventually we emerged from the World of Moss into a bright, shiny meadow of wildflowers. Perfect place for a break! Food, water, sunscreen, picaridin, and other self care. This included clearing my nostrils of the most curious obstructions: Casts of an unspeakable mixture (inspisated mucus, blood, mosquitoes, sunscreen, dirt, and other horribleness) blocked both airways. Snot-Shots alone would not clear them, this required deep probing up to what felt like my first knuckle. For those who consider climbing Challenger via Big Beaver, please remember my tale of the Big Boogers. You have been warned.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6189\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6189\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6189\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/236FAC9D-F1DC-4EE2-8685-C00DCB1234FB-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6189\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Making our way up the steep, sunny meadow above the dank forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6254\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6254\" style=\"width: 527px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6254\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR-527x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"527\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR-527x800.jpg 527w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR-435x660.jpg 435w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104029134_HDR-768x1165.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6254\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I toast the team from the shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6255\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6255\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6255\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_104020173-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6255\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">T$ enjoys the sunshine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Anyhow, after saddling up again we made our way higher and higher, and enjoyed ever greater views. More forest scramble time awaited us, but eventually we truly broke free into an alpine landscape of heather, scrub, boulders, and all the fresh air anyone could ever hope for. (And still, the mozzies persisted.)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6218\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6218\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6218\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732-800x476.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732-800x476.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732-150x89.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732-660x393.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01732-768x457.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6218\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We can finally see across Beaver Creek to the range we had skirted along the prior day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6220\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6220\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6220\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729-800x467.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729-800x467.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729-150x88.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729-660x385.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01729-768x448.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6220\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">First good look at Luna Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6186\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6186\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6186\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/52677FF3-2DF5-4667-95A3-E8C2CD5E785E-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6186\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">We were not certain what to expect above this rampart, but hoped it would be scenic and airy. We were correct.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6188\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6188\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6188\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2473CA32-041B-48E5-B9D7-DCB326982288-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6188\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking north from the ridge above the rampart.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6216\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6216\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6216\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01738-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6216\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking to our Northeast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6221\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6221\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6221\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861-600x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2861-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6221\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Selfie above the forest slope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Our next problem presented itself: A large gendarme blocking our progress towards the ridgecrest. Justin reviewed the topo lines and felt that there was no reason to go higher here; instead, we could traverse at our current elevation (roughly 6,400 feet) and enter a series of ravines in the distance. But, below the gendarme we faced a new issue: Exposure to climber&#8217;s left. This was a steep meadow that fell away precipitously&#8230; truly, a &#8220;no-fall zone.&#8221; Absolutely no worries, we could handle it: Just proceed carefully, step by step, and eventually we would make it across. And, of course, we did.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6241\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6241\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6241 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED-800x546.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED-800x546.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED-660x451.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E4F6FBF2-F552-41C6-8ABB-B3A58B17F0ED-768x524.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6241\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My sun protection system seems to be working well!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6253\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6253\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6253\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134109391-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6253\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ridge walking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6217\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6217\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6217\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734-440x660.jpg 440w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01734-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6217\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Making good progress on this beautiful, but exposed, meadow traverse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6252\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6252\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6252\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_134626667-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6252\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin&#8217;s perspective looking back after we have traversed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6215\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6215\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6215\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01741-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6215\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking back at the first portion of the traverse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Beyond the traverse, another surprise: Steep, terrain separating us from the deep ravine beyond. We determined that the least bad way down was to follow the ridge nose, to our left, through a world of choss and scree and sharp, catchy conifer branches, until eventually we made our way to the top of a steep meadow wall, which we could safely descend towards a rocky stream, perfect place for a break.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, it was the perfect place for high camp. This was short of our planned camp location, at either Eiley or Wiley Lakes. But, they were probably 2 hours away&#8230; it had been a long day already&#8230; we were within striking distance of the summit regardless&#8230; and camping here meant a lighter traverse and ascent the following morning. We put our packs down and settled into one of the world&#8217;s great campsites.<\/p>\n<p>The bugs were still aggravating, but it did not matter. We were in position for Challenger! The re-re-match was going to happen. All I had to do was take care of myself and rest up. Although this day should have been tougher than the prior one, I actually felt better. This was happening. I dreamed of the upper mountain, preparing myself for what we would find.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the true upper mountain was even more beautiful than I had imagined. But, I would have to wait until the next day to find out.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6251\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6251\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6251\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806-450x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806-450x800.jpg 450w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806-84x150.jpg 84w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806-371x660.jpg 371w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154200806-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">T$ takes the last steps into our new camp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6250\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6250\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6250\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_154209882-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I&#8217;m glad to call this home for now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6247\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6247\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6247\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180948331_HDR-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6247\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our camp, COVIDstyle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6248\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6248\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6248\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_180635006_HDR-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6248\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The sun is moments away from dropping behind the next ridge, providing us with sweet shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6213\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6213\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6213\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01744-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6213\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Justin&#8217;s tent and the North Pickets beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6249\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6249\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6249\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882-660x371.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_20200804_162541882-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6249\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luna and the Pickets from Justin&#8217;s tent.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6214\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6214\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6214\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01742-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6214\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">T$ makes this place feel like home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6212\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6212\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6212\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01745-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6212\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our guides ponder their nutritional options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6211\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6211\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6211\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01746-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6211\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Camp time is good time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6233\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6233\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6233\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/E8773F6B-3D3A-4C16-8CDE-6A3F1C81FCDB-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6233\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Getting my bearings before bedtime.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6210\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6210\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6210\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01748-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6210\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luna, with a profile from here that looks so much like an orca&#8217;s dorsal fin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6208\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6208\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6208\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01750-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pickets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6209\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6209\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6209\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6209\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">East and West Fury.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6207\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6207\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6207\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01751-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6207\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pickets await us&#8230; Challenger summit at far right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6206\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6206\" style=\"width: 604px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6206\" src=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01753-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6206\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luna, in alpenglow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Video digest of the day&#8217;s travel: &nbsp; We were all tired, and it was soooo tempting to sleep in that morning, but there was much ground to cover (none of which was on trail), and the slope would get hot early when hit by the AM sun&#8230; we resolved to start walking by 7 AM. &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Challenger 2020: Day 2<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6209,"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-6227","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>Challenger 2020: Day 2 - 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\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Challenger 2020: Day 2 - OSM Adventures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Video digest of the day&#8217;s travel: &nbsp; We were all tired, and it was soooo tempting to sleep in that morning, but there was much ground to cover (none of which was on trail), and the slope would get hot early when hit by the AM sun&#8230; we resolved to start walking by 7 AM. &hellip; Continue reading Challenger 2020: Day 2 &rarr;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OSM Adventures\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-800x533.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"533\" \/>\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\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Paul Pottinger\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646\"},\"headline\":\"Challenger 2020: Day 2\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1991,\"commentCount\":6,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/DSC01749.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Approach Trek\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/\",\"name\":\"Challenger 2020: Day 2 - OSM Adventures\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/DSC01749.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/DSC01749.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/DSC01749.jpg\",\"width\":6000,\"height\":4000,\"caption\":\"East and West Fury.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/2020\\\/08\\\/challenger-2020-day-2\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Challenger 2020: Day 2\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/\",\"name\":\"OSM Adventures\",\"description\":\"One Smart Mountaineer\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pottinger.net\\\/osm\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646\",\"name\":\"Paul Pottinger\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Paul Pottinger\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Challenger 2020: Day 2 - OSM Adventures","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Challenger 2020: Day 2 - OSM Adventures","og_description":"Video digest of the day&#8217;s travel: &nbsp; We were all tired, and it was soooo tempting to sleep in that morning, but there was much ground to cover (none of which was on trail), and the slope would get hot early when hit by the AM sun&#8230; we resolved to start walking by 7 AM. &hellip; Continue reading Challenger 2020: Day 2 &rarr;","og_url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/","og_site_name":"OSM Adventures","article_published_time":"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00","article_modified_time":"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":533,"url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749-800x533.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Paul Pottinger","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/"},"author":{"name":"Paul Pottinger","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/#\/schema\/person\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646"},"headline":"Challenger 2020: Day 2","datePublished":"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00","dateModified":"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/"},"wordCount":1991,"commentCount":6,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg","articleSection":["Approach Trek"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/","url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/","name":"Challenger 2020: Day 2 - OSM Adventures","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg","datePublished":"2020-08-10T00:20:36+00:00","dateModified":"2020-08-10T01:48:04+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/#\/schema\/person\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"caption":"East and West Fury."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/2020\/08\/challenger-2020-day-2\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Challenger 2020: Day 2"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/#website","url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/","name":"OSM Adventures","description":"One Smart Mountaineer","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/#\/schema\/person\/52916489bad9029b353f31a6610a4646","name":"Paul Pottinger","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/797562bbd21875cec055cbf50960d38659acfca8f1570fcfa8386dc69c2f593f?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Paul Pottinger"}}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DSC01749.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pahVio-1Cr","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6227"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6257,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6227\/revisions\/6257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pottinger.net\/osm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}