Warm temps for the middle of October, so off in search of mountains to climb. Earlier in the year I had to turn back on Stormy Joe because the snowpack was too deep and springtime avalanche danger was significant. This felt like the day to revisit this climb. Early on the sun was out and the trees with changing leaves on them still were radiant.
About 9 miles from the trailhead I climbed the saddle and then headed up the final 2,000 feet to the summit. Snow from the last little storm was still on part of the slope and made me watch my footing. I found a ridge line that was mostly snow free and made good time on the accent. Halfway up the climb I took a break and while looking down at Bass lake decided to spend the night on the south shoreline in the edge of the trees.
Then I went back to getting to the top of this climb. At the summit my GPS showed 9,001 feet which was close to what the maps show as the summit elevation. Felt as if I was just below the clouds with the Bitterroot range stretched out before me. Can sure tell winter is on its way. Made it down to the lake just in time to set camp and have dinner as it was getting dark. The clouds cleared early during the night and this morning things had froze over a bit.
Woke this morning to clear skies, and a wonderful sunrise on the climb from yesterday. While the summit photos would be spectacular today, I decided to not climb back up. I just took my time heading back down the valley.
All year I have been seeing mushrooms with bites taken out of them. This was the first time I was what was eating them. Was able to sit and watch this squirrel devour the whole mushroom prior to running off in search of more food. Sometimes it is more fun to watch the little critters than it is to see the big ones.
