Gannett Peak
Gannett Peak (13,804') is the high point of Wyoming, known to be the second toughest of all 50 state high points, just behind Denali.
Splattski and I have been slowly accumulating state high points. After missing Gannett's summit on our adventure into the Winds in 2008, we tried several times in 2009 to put together a trip back. Each time we had an open window of time, something got in the way, either personal or weather. I have had some unusual personal constraints, so my windows are far and few between. Over the last two years I sweated bullets over this peak. I can‘t really explain how important this was to me, so I won’t try. Let’s just say I spent two years planning and scheming on this one (one benefit of my obsession: the best instant coffee ever).
When the early spring of 2010 started off dry with low snow, we targeted late June to try again. This is an early date for attempting Gannett, which is usually climbed in August. Then in April and May we had an unusual spring, with cool temperatures and lots of snow. We were locked into the dates and had to deal.
So that is where this trip starts: lots of snow and no choice of dates. Somehow, our friend Brian thought that sounded appealing. Brian flew in on Sunday. After some last minute grocery shopping, we went through our packs, gear, and the equipment list. Thanks to our thoughtful examination over the last two years, our equipment was pared down to the absolute minimum. So was our food. We had weighed things out with a gram scale (yes, we’re that old, but also that accurate). For five days, not including water, our total pack weights would average about 38 pounds.
I was going to add a narrative to each section but decided to let our photos tell our story.
NOAA Forecast: The Wind River Range
Comments
Post a Comment