We slowly made our way up the steep and slippery Hell Brook Trail up to the main ridgeline of Mount Mansfield, where we got our first glimpse of the summit. It looked positively tower-like from this vantage point. Very very impressive. We could see a party ahead of us on the upper part of the summit cone, and they looked pretty tiny and it looked pretty open and steep. Very exciting!
courtesy GAshford
courtesy GAshford
courtesy GAshford
courtesy PChen
courtesy PChen
The terrain was steep and covered in a thin layer of snow and ice. With Crampons on, the summit cone climb was pretty straightforward and fun and airy. Ewart, without crampons, was finding it a bit dicey, and in one spot Pu handed down his crampons so he could scramble up. Once past this, it was a short skip and hop to the summit, where beautiful views awaited in all directions.
courtesy GAshford
courtesy PChen
courtesy PChen
courtesy PChen
courtesy GAshford
The indomitable Mr. Tempest
The thoughtful-but-serious Mr. Chen
Even though it was sunny and reasonably warm for this time of year, a brisk breeze made it feel kind of chilly. We found a nice little hollow in the leeward side of the summit which had not a breath of wind, and had our lunch. I brought out my prized treat of the day - Asmir's Mom's Baklava, still ooey-gooey-good even in the cold temps. mmm.... lots of delicious mountain-burning calories to eat!
courtesy GAshford
Having completed our ascent, we started off on our Sunset Ridge descent route. I'd done this very descent route earlier in the year, but it is so nice, I did not mind doing it again.
courtesy GAshford
courtesy PChen
