Summer in the
North Cascades, once again.Lots of hard work pays off once I hit the trail and finally get out there. A play pin for climbers, the North Cascades has something for everyone...literally. The fourth of July weekend brought crowds to the trail heads. Motor recreationists cluttered the highways. I was also one the of the lucky folks who had a three day weekend, but unlike the tourists, I don't mind getting up in the morning to avoid the congestion. An alpine start was the key to climbing the ever so popular Becky Route on Liberty Bell. 0430 on the road, 0530 on the trail, 0730 tied in and ready to climb. On the the third pitch we saw 2 parties of 6 trek up the gully and and then another party four. Although tough to endure the early morning chill, it was worth having the mountain to ourselves.
Pictures: Top Left: Cutthroat Peak from the summit
Right: North and South Early Winter Spire, Lexington Tower, Concord Tower, Liberty Bell
