Piedra Grande. One of our fellow Colorado
climbers was nice enough to take this photo.
The temperature had dropped a bit from the 80F
we experienced in Tlachichuca.
schedule we departed for high camp as soon as
we reach the hut at Piedra Grande(13,936')
From here the plan was to establish a high camp
somewhere between 15,100' and 15,700'. With
the weather clear, altitude would be our only
obstacle. In retrospect, a night here may have
saved some pain and suffering.
loose slopes of the first valley, Rob snapped this
photo around 14,800'(Dan's altitude). Our route
from here switched back up this slope, leading
behind the cliffs on the left of the photo, midway
up. This was some of the most tricky and
unpredictable footing of the trip. Especially with
50lbs. of gear.
from the first campsite we encountered at
15,147'. Our gear was stashed at this location as
Dan explored higher for a site that would be
closer to a water source. We took turns having
the altitude hit us and didn't both suffer at once.
Dan sets up the trusty 4-season tent. We
decided to do this before it got too dark. Stakes
were near useless as the ground was very rocky.
Fortunately night 1 was calm, and it was not till
the second night that the tent needed a real
good tie down.