Day 3: Ascent to Muir

Note: for a better view of all pictures, click on them and you'll get a bigger shot!

We hopped on the RMI shuttles around 8:00 AM in Ashford WA and they took us up to our starting point in Paradise, Washington (elevation ~5400 feet).  We hit the trail around 9 AM with our boots (no crampons) and hiking poles.  In the beginning there was more bare earth and rock than snow on the trail.  Pebble Creek is about the halfway point to Camp Muir from both distance and elevation gain points of view.

Mt Rainier from Pebble Creek

Above Pebble Creek, the trail turned into all snow all the way.  As a team, we hiked up the Muir Snowfield in single file, trying to walk in each other's footsteps to make the trek easier.  Slogging through the snow, gaining about 1000 feet between 15 minute breaks.  Breaks consisted of getting that 40-45 lb pack off, taking a seat on it, drinking a half a liter, and eating a few hundred calories.  My snacks consisted mostly of cold pizza and Clif bars.  I did sneak a picture of the view that I saw most of the way up.

Just trying to focus on hitting the footsteps and trying to find that rhythm.

Finally after several hours of trekking through the snow, we could see Camp Muir.  The little speck in the snow to the right is a guy, and you can see Muir just above him.  Click the picture to make it bigger if necessary.  Despite loving the sight of High Camp, it still looked a long ways away.  Kept the head down and kept walking!

Click the pic, Camp Muir is down and to the right of the large rock right of center.

It was a sight for sore eyes, but not much to look at.  The views were way better than the camp itself.  Nabbed these picture before the rain/freezing rain and thunder started.  The thunder was literally right outside our door.

Standing on our front porch, 10,060 feet above sea level, with stinky socks drying on the line.

Our neighbors in the stone hut.

Once we got at Camp Muir, we got to eat and drink as much as we wanted.  Supper for me was another piece of cold pizza, yet another Clif Bar, some "calorically dense" trail mix, and a Snickers.  That's a lot, but I knew I had to choke down as much as I could to fill up the tank for the next day.  I also somehow guzzled about a liter and a half of dilute Gatorade.  During dinner and unpacking, the guides gave us a synopsis of what to expect on the next day.  After making my "bed" and organizing a bit, I packed up for the next day and tried to rest/sleep with about 15 of my new friends.  Earplugs are gold in Camp Muir.  I was a bit worried about the weather, but tried to clear my head as best as possible.  And then there's the months-long building anticipation for the summit bid in the back of my head.  Resting was difficult, but I did manage to doze off a few times.  The goal for the day (per the guides) was to get to Muir and to feel good.  Mission accomplished.  'Go back to sleep, you need to rest!'