Two weeks ago was Eric’s birthday, and we needed to do something to celebrate! He had initially wanted to go to Squamish, but the weather had other plans, so we pivoted to a big ole climbing birthday party on Ingalls Peak - a classic easy alpine rock climb.
After camping below Ingalls Pass the night before, we rocked up to the base of the route as a group of 8 people, which prompted one member of the party ahead of us to ask if we were “with the Mountaineers” - an auspicious start! We divided up into three rope teams and took the mountain by storm, which was fitting as an actual snowstorm added some flakes, strong winds, and near freezing temps, which gave the climb a bit more alpine character. I think we all climbed the whole thing in gloves! Here are a few pics :)
A squall over Esmerela Peak on the way in
Becca and Yohannes on the approach above Lake Ingalls
Eric, Ian, and Soph with Stuart behind in the clouds
Becca and Yohannes nearing the base of the route
Matt demonstrating precise footwork on the first pitch
Yohannes getting properly alpine on his first alpine rock climb
Soph just below the summit
Everyone on top!
Warming up before the descent
Becca staying toasty on rappel
Of course it cleared up as soon as we were down
Views on the trail out