Josh climbing up the North Ridge.

Morning rushed me awake in a blaze of radiating heat. Forced from my tent I could see Sky and Paul coming over. They were saying their farewells, especially Paul who was leaving for graduate school in California. As they set off, I felt bad about staying. It was too nice, and the climb up the North Ridge is so easy. I talked to Josh and within minutes we were packed and ready to go. While the others veered for Lava Ridge (the planned descent), Josh and I raced ahead to meet them at the top of the North Ridge.

Phil near the top of Lava Ridge.

Near the top three groups who had completed the Adams Glacier were coming down. Each of them stopped to talk. Two out of the three asked if the beer at 6400-ft was ours. We told them it was our fathers. They were noticably disappointed. From them we also found out that Sky was just above us, only a few hundred feet.

Again, perfect timing.

Sky going for gold.

Phil was the only other one besides Sky waiting for us. The others had decided to return. I don't know why, except maybe for lack of motivation.

Sky with the Lyman Glacier in the background.

The ski down LAVA Ridge was incredible. It made my weekend. Without it I wouldn't have been disappointed. Although I wouldn't have been estatic that's for sure. This ski left me thrilled. Near perfect corn tilted at a constant 40 degrees for several thousand feet. How can you beat that? Not to mention, this would be the 11th route I've skied on Adams. I have several left, which is great. It gives me reason to return.

The Lava Headwall looks good. Oh, you do too, Sky.

Josh below the schrund.

Already missing this place. Until next year.

This trip finished up with a ski most of the way out to the car. The entire party except for Dave and Amar were waiting at the end. We met up once more at the Hamburger stand in Elbe. The food was good, but we still all would rather be eating top ramen back at Adams.

More Elegant Sky Pilot's.

Finally, for those hard at work behind your comfy desks, here's a treat for making it to the end. Phil put together a film. ENJOY>