Mt Willawaw

The 3rd times the charm.
The weekend weather forecast deteriorated, so we thought, let's go up near Hatcher Pass- at least we'll be near a hut if it rains.  Well, Charlie and I drove up mid morning on Saturday, June 30 to find that the pass was completely socked in.  We spent a few hours eating nachos at the lodge hoping it would clear and around 2:30 we gave up.  I suggested Mt Willawaw since it has eluded me on 2 other attempts and because we could pack in the long way and stay below the cloud back. So, we quickly drove back to Anchorage and up to Glenn Alps trailhead.

We put in at 4:00 p.m. and were setting up camp by 7:00 back near the forks past the lakes.  The next day dawned clear and sunny, so we headed up valley towards our objective.

View up the right fork.

Back side of Willawaw

The base of the route.

As expected, there was snow in the coulior leading up the lower part of the mountain.  Since this wasn't part of our original plan, we were wearing running shoes and only had lightweight axes and microspikes.  This was going to be a tall order for our whimpy gear, but up we went. Charlie methodically kicked steps up the 800' plus hardpack snow/icy gully. 

Wishing I had my crampons...

We reached the scree fairly efficiently then it was a quick scramble to the summit.  The views were impressive and I always enjoy it when there's a tuft of tundra to take in the views and relish in the rewards of our efforts!

Charlie on the summit block.

Looking down on Long Lake and the Taniana peaks

Looking across Turnagain Arm

happy to be on top. 3rd time's the charm

In spite of the views, I had a hard time relaxing on the summit with the scary, steep downclimb weighing on my mind.  I longed for my crampons and wished I had brought a helmet.  So, after a short lunch break we started the journey down. 

It was slow and tense.  Lots of icy slope exposure with wimpy gear where a fall would have big consequences.  It felt like an eternity! 

I get no points for form...

But we made it down safely to the base of the route, then happily took a snow finger down to the valley floor skiing on our heels.

Charlie feeling happy to have a boot glissade & save his knees

Back towards camp

It was a hot afternoon and we opted to take the long way out- to stay on more or less flat ground.  We covered the 7 miles in short order and were in the parking lot in under 2 hours.