I headed up to Bob’s place in Fourmile Canyon, above Boulder (a.k.a. The Hinters) for some time in the mountains and to get in a little practice time on the ladders prior to heading into the Khumbu Icefall and we’re playing for keeps.  Fortunately, our basic rigging system worked great and it was a lot easier walking across the rungs while wearing crampons, even as the ladders bowed and swayed, than I anticipated.  At this point, I’ve done all I can to prep for the trip, so it must be time to just go do it!  Soon enough…

We also did a quick trip up Bald Mountain, which is literally Bob’s backyard, with his buddy Cam and the dogs (Wilson and Bridger) in tow.  It was a quick day out and only ~1,500′ of vertical, but we had some deep snow to plow through at times and terrific views from the top.  More pictures available of our quick outing by clicking on the picture above.

I did another round of the Boulder Trifectra climbs the other day with Bob and we’ll be heading up to attempt 13,000′ Mt. Bancroft on Sunday.  That will likely be my last big training day in the mountains prior to departure next Friday, 3/16.  The trip is getting extraordinarily close.  Pretty amazing it’s here already.  Lots to do between now and then, but I feel very physically strong and ready to take on this challenge!