Hessie to Skyscraper Glacier to Devil’s Thumb and back. 16 miles, 60 lb pack, 3600’ elevation gain, 65 degree snow, Class 5.4x alpine climbing.

Hessie to Skyscraper Glacier to Devil’s Thumb and back. 16 miles, 60 lb pack, 3600’ elevation gain, 65 degree snow, Class 5.4x alpine climbing.

Looking down the lower section of Skyscraper Glacier.

Looking at the cornice problem of the upper section of Skyscraper Glacier. It didn’t look this steep

from down below.

Marley made it (somehow) so up I go!

Looking down from the top

Hiking the High Lonesome Trail on the

continental divide

A thunderstorm is approaching from the west. Better set up camp.

My lightning rod

The Devil’s Thumb. The route spirals around the

whole tower. A fall brings quick death.

“I’ll wait here.

You have fun.”

Devil’s Thumb from the north.

It looks like it might fall apart.

The start of the climb.

There’s just a bit of exposure here. And I

forgot to bring a belayer.

Summit shot. Now to find a way down.

The end.