West Ridge of Conness

Apparently I have a hard time resting.  After talking with Dr. Freesolo, I decided to go up and do the West Ridge of Conness.  I brought my climbing shoes, but no chalkbag.  

The approach was a little epic.  I hiked in from Sawmill Campground near Saddlebag Lake.  All went well until I was trying to walk around towards the West Ridge.  I ended up way too high and hiking through scree and talus wondering where the hell Mount Conness was.  Finally I found it, booted up and set out.  Mercifully some clouds came out because it was freakin' hot!  Other than worrying about a thunderstorm and the potential of breaking some chossy rock and plummeting to my death, it went well.  I didn't see a single person the entire day...so I guess I had a real "solo" experience.

Here are some pics:

Lewisia

I startled a ptarmigan on the approach.

lovely scenery...you descend down this ridge (the East Ridge) and then head across the plateau.

I was hoping these clouds wouldn't come my way.