October climb of SEWS

short trip report on SEWS, south arete

Trying to sneak in another summit before the snows... plus I wanted to see about the fire damage to the area around Newhalem... I also wanted to see the Larch trees...no disappointment today! Weather was ideal and the usual trusty friends as climbing partners. Several other parties were thinking the same, so a 1 hour wait for our turn on pitch one. Everyone was friendly, no hurries, no passing needed, just a great day, one pitch at a time, photos on top, clear skies... Baker, Black- East and West, everyone takes a turn on the way down at the repels. Rest a minute and out with abundant Larch trees lighting the way. Hamburgers at Mondos. No problem.

The fire is long over, but it was a significant event this summer. 

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/wildfire-burning-thousands-of-acres-near-newhalem/article_bbbcbdfc-4848-11e5-a576-7f9876fcdfff.html