The so-familiar sight of Cobb Peak on the Hyndman Creek trail.
McIntyre and Jacqueline Peaks hover to the south of Big Basin
There's been a well-worn boot track all the way. We packed snowshoes, but never used them. This is at "Dry Lake," adjacent to the Pioneer Yurt. And as you can see, an obvious fork in the trail.
In May I'd taken a solo stab up Duncan Ridge (left), and made it to 10,000' before weather turned me back. We'd like to go further this time, to the top of the yellow high point at left.
The west shoulder of Cobb with its icycles stand in front of Old Hyndman.
According to Terry, what I used to call Cirque Summit (on the left) is actually "The Moose's Butt." I'll take his word for it. Duncan Ridge and the route are to the right.
We intend to follow the ridge dead ahead. The north face of Hyndman Peak lies beyond.
Once the ridge is gained, we have specatular views of Hyndman Basin. I notice a landmark directly below the north face of Cobb. It looks like a stone sarcophagus...see it?
Yep, that's it. It's familiar because Shaun and I landed there four years and one month prior (October 11, 2009).
Now? It's on the top right edge of the snowfield in mid-photo.
It's a nice vantage point for the Pioneer Triumvirate along with the basin.
Terry and the north face of Hyndman Peak.
Out to the west is Pioneer Cabin. See it? It's right in photo center...
Terry takes a look back.
The views get better and better.
We clear timberline and enjoy the final slope along the ridge.
This provides some perspective. This shot was taken just a bit above 10,000' elevation.
Terry takes a look to the west. The views were almost too much, very distracting! And the weather was perfect: not a whisper of a breeze.
An example of that stunning view to the west. Walnut is the round mound on the left, while Johnstone Peak is blocking Baldy over towards the right. I'd just climbed Johnstone solo a month prior.
Terry decides to wait for me and have a bite to eat. I take the opportunity to pass him up, since that seldom happens.
What a view. Terry ponders Old Hyndman Peak.
Nearly there.
Terry quickly catches up. Grays Peak is off in the distance to the south, with Cobb dominating the southeast view.
Terry always seems happiest in the Pioneer Range. I can't say I blame him.
I recall a youth outing where we were headed for a lake I later named Desperation. I noticed it in this photo, but it's ice and snowcovered in the lower center of this shot.
