It all started back in early May, when I reconnected with Mel Johnston and John Rich at Smith Rock.

I've known both of these guys for 40 years, since I was about 16 years old!



John and I climbed Cathedral Peak together back in June, and had chatted about doing something else this season.
In August he asked about doing something further south, but I only had a small window in September before taking my daughter to UC Santa Barbara for school. So we settled on the West Ridge of Mt. Conness. Mel came along from Oregon to do a number of other things with John, so the September challenge was on!


I had been in from the East three times before, for the Harding Route and the North Ridge. I could be persuaded, but as I told John, I didn't want to "climb the whole damn mountain to get to the base!"
So we all agreed to pack it in to Upper Young Lakes and bivy before heading up to the ridge proper.


We had a little bit of everything! Clouds, sun, rain, heat, hail, snow, snail and WIND!!
But old guys are stubborn, and don't want to repeat long approaches, so we weren't easily dissuaded and endeavored to persevere!







Once again I apologize for the cell phone TR, but as one of my old Master Sergeants used to say "You brought what you brung gimper!"























Back in a bit with a slew of photos!