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Ptarmigan Peak Ice, Alaska 12/09/07
Dane and I went up to Ptarmigan Peak yesterday to see if we could find the route Only Hookers Get The Blues (WI4-WI6) but we were not really planning on going there per say so I forgot to look online and see where it was first! We were able to pick it out however after seeing the peak and started our way up. The weather was not to bad a little wind and clear weather, it was looking good. We didn't have our ski's ready so we walked out and it was my first hike since I hurt my knee a week ago so it was slow going. Unfortunately a little to slow as we ate up a bunch of time getting out. We hiked up to the base of the climb through the S gully on pretty hard snow. By the time we got to the base of the climb the weather had deteriorated, a snow had moved in and the wind picked up. We were getting pretty well licked by spin drift coming down the face and the hard ice didn't feel as pleasant when it was hammering my helmet. Basically it was a fun belay! When Dane had finished the first section it was already about 2:30 - 3:00pm and we knew we wouldn't be able to finish the climb before nightfall so we took all the factors in and headed down. I was the smart one who forgot my headlamp, thats just silly. It was a good day though and I really enjoyed it!
Dane gearing up for the climb:
Ptarmigan Peak, Hookers is in the center of the photo the short line of ice at the top of the lower portion of gully.
And here it is again from the trail.
Dane getting a little drink before the climb.
Heading up the gully. Hookers is on the top left of the photo.
This gully is steeper then I had initially thought. It was fun to come down!
Standing at the base of the climb. I was off to the right of the start and after watching the constant ice that actually missed me I felt pretty good about not standing underneath. On top of this first portion of ice is a ledge with a mess of broken ice and snow which is really loose. The harder pitch is visible above.
Standing at my belay as Dane gets ready to climb. The snow coming down the mountain was enough to fill me in at this spot.
Dane getting after it.
Blurry here but shows the drift coming down.
This rock face is to the right of the hookers further down the gully. There were 3 people climbing on here and turned out to be Carl, Roman, and Scotty. Look close they are actually in this picture. They would later fly by us on their skis.
One more for the way down. My camera got pretty covered with snow here so it was the last time i brought it out.
Dane gearing up for the climb:
Ptarmigan Peak, Hookers is in the center of the photo the short line of ice at the top of the lower portion of gully.
And here it is again from the trail.
Dane getting a little drink before the climb.
Heading up the gully. Hookers is on the top left of the photo.
This gully is steeper then I had initially thought. It was fun to come down!
Standing at the base of the climb. I was off to the right of the start and after watching the constant ice that actually missed me I felt pretty good about not standing underneath. On top of this first portion of ice is a ledge with a mess of broken ice and snow which is really loose. The harder pitch is visible above.
Standing at my belay as Dane gets ready to climb. The snow coming down the mountain was enough to fill me in at this spot.
Dane getting after it.
Blurry here but shows the drift coming down.
This rock face is to the right of the hookers further down the gully. There were 3 people climbing on here and turned out to be Carl, Roman, and Scotty. Look close they are actually in this picture. They would later fly by us on their skis.
One more for the way down. My camera got pretty covered with snow here so it was the last time i brought it out.
My Pictures can be seen at http://prezwoodz.smugmug.com
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
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Comments
anyway I like the 8th one the bestest.. the composition is great.... at least to me
Help this life long Alaskan out - where is Ptarmigan peak? I know I should know this and I'll kick myself when you answer lol
just nice to know SOMEWHERE in Alaska there is snow right now *glares at the freezing rain coming down*
www.morffed.com
Lovely photos in difficult conditions.
Keep the ice stuff coming.
Sawyer
Aww darn internet! Ptarmigan Peak is the peak located further down the ridge from Flattop Peak. Big mean looking north face.
This link has lots of info. Click on the Map sources link and it has great topographic maps.
http://www.alaskamountainforum.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ptarmigan_Peak
Thanks John it was a great day for some tuff hiking!
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
Otherwise, great story proving there's lots to do in AK.