This is the route we took. We ended up at a false summit, at 11,400 ft. The true summit was to the right, with a giant cliff between us
Gear check
First views of Convict lake
The approach trail is beautiful
Taylor is studying the route from the approach
The massive face of Laurel rises to 11,813'. The base of the climb is 8,000'
Putting on crampons before we hit the snow
The climb goes up the snow gully behind me to the right -- directly into the red band of rocks
Danny is ready to climb
Taylor starts up the frozen snow field.
Having climbed about 1,000', we look down on convict lake
It gets cold when we stop, so we have to wear parkas to stay warm.
This is the crux of the climb, a small technical rock & ice section which is steep. We soloed it on ascent, but would have like to have used the ropes. On descent we rapped off a piton we placed.
Taylor, above the crux on a steep bit of snow. Danny is below him.
Looking up the route, it gets steeper after the crux. This section was all icy, and required front pointing with two axes.
On descent - the sun has gone down, so out come the headlamps
Climb is finished! Hooray - Taylor smiles for the camera ;P
