7/8, Upper Basin to Deer Meadows, mile 824
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- The climb on Mather pass was the most 'technical' yet.
- The initial 15 or so switchbacks were still snow covered and suncupped.
- The climb started out at about a 50 degree angle then quickly increased in grade to a scary 70+ degree adventure.
- The runout (area you would fall to) was safe for the first half of the climb, later there were rocks to avoid falling to.
- Zack was leading the top half and got in a bad location on a very steep snowfield, he suggested that we find another way up. Nathalie and I decided it would be safer to climb the rocks directly above us. For the climbers out there this was a low grade class 5 climb. Due to the nature of the rock (clean granite with an obvious route) it was safer than the snow.
- Zack used his axe and slowly traversed the steep snow he was on, deciding it was safer not to downclimb and find another way.
- We summited and had lunch at the top. as we were eating we met another thru hiker, Kirk, a very nice guy.
- the rest of the day consisted of dodging water and mud on the trail down to deer meadows where we found a campsite near a river.
- Kirk was there soaking wet, he had fallen into the river while crossing a log, he lost his poles and had no way to setup his tent (which required hiking poles to erect). He used ours for the night.
- It rained lightly for a while as we fell asleep.
- We are still paranoid for bears but have not seen any.
Aaron
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