Its a place I’ve always wanted to get to — I bought the Climbing and Hiking guidebook for the Winds in 2007. I finally have a trip on the books for this summer. Me and a buddy are heading to Titcomb Basin, with the plan to climb an easier route on Ellingwood (or Harrower, if you’re looking at a USGS topo) Peak. And perhaps tick another route or peak depending upon weather and logistics — it will be a quick trip for what it is.
Titcomb Basin, or more accurately, Island Lake where we will be staying for a couple nights, is at over 10,000 feet in elevation and about 12 miles from the nearest trailhead. (Titcomb is closer to 15 miles in). I imagine we’ll each be carrying near 50 pounds on the hike in, between camping gear and provisions and climbing gear.
I am peppering into my weekly activities a little more bouldering, and will be hiking with weight (currently using 25#) at least once a week for now. Since its nothing too technical, I just need to prep my body to deal with the extra weight I’ll be carrying in, and for a moderate endurance effort at altitude.
I will still be biking a bunch for the next month, and will always be drawn towards days on the mountain bike. I won’t fight that urge even in July and August, but will try to focus on putting in some specific work to be as prepared as possible, so we can be successful in the backcountry of the Winds. Getting pumped!
Sub-urban Adventure 