#northcascades
Finding some nature time in the North Cascades // @willvastine
Falls Creek Falls // Okanogan National Forest // instagram.com/willvastine
We bivvied out in the open at the base of the mountain and it was a cold night with intermittent sleep. Luckily the excitement of starting a climb always fills me with extra energy. Here’s Mark looking far too cheery at 5 am.
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We don’t always make it to the top. Knowing when to turn around is just as important as knowing how hard to push yourself. Sure I’ve climbed to the summit of dozens of peaks, but there are also many I’ve had to turn away from. Whether it be due to weather, injury, difficulty, time, or any multitude of other reasons, the great thing about mountains is that they’re not going anywhere soon. Take what you can from the experience, learn from it, and use it to stoke the fire for next season!
This pic was taken after bailing off the Northeast Buttress of Slesse, an ambitious 20+ pitch alpine 5.9 route. After some deliberation, we realized that we just weren’t making good enough time. It sucks to have to make the call, but I don’t regret it. Already making plans for a second try next summer :)
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Ian begins the long descent back to the car after our successful two days of alpine climbing.
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