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Teton Dreams: Photo Trip Report July 2008
Trip Report
Teton Dreams: Photo Trip Report July 2008 

Page Type: Trip Report

Location: Wyoming, United States, North America

Date Climbed/Hiked: Jul 24, 2008

Activities: Mountaineering

Season: Summer

 

Page By: marauders

Created/Edited: Jul 30, 2008 / Jul 30, 2008

Object ID: 426479

Hits: 1875 

Page Score: 91.35% - 50 Votes 

Vote: Log in to vote

 

Introduction

Who hasn't dreamed of climbing in the Teton Range? The adventure, the terrain and the history. For years I've wanted to begin exploring the Tetons, but work and responsibilities kept pushing me away from my goal. Out of frustration, I simply threw out a random set of dates and proclaimed that this week I was going to the Tetons. Initially it was for 7 days, then 5, and then 3; but I did it! Three uninterrupted days in the Tetons with a great climbing partner and superb weather. Let the fun begin!

Climbers:
Glenn
Me

Day 1 - Drive to Tetons and hike to Moraine Campsite below the Grand Teton.
Day 2 - Climb the Upper Exum route then descend the mountain.
Day 3 - Climb Ice Point and drive home.



Grand Teton Photo Trip Report


What a sight! The famous view driving into Teton National Park.


Another view of Teewinot, Grand Teton and Mount Owen from the ascent of Ice Point.


Hiking up Garnet Canyon with the Middle Teton in view.


The Meadows campsite in Garnet Canyon.


Hiking above the Meadows to the Moraine campsite.


Camp at the Moraine. We climbed without a tent, knowing we could jump under some overhanging boulders if the weather changed. Going to sleep, the sky was clear and the stars were magical, but at 2:00 a.m. a storm hit. I threw my stuff under an overhanging rock and slept, Glenn threw a painter's plastic sheet over him and slept through it.


Sunrise at the Lower Saddle. We waited out another brief storm at the saddle and then began climbing.


Approaching Wall Street (the ramp in the cliff ahead).


The famous Exum Leap to the Golden Staircase.


A quick rest after some fun, but short, climbing on the Golden Staircase.


Nearing the top of the Wind Tunnel. This pitch lived up to its name. It was freezing cold in here with strong, numbing wind.


Climbing between the Wind Tunnel and Friction Pitch.


Another view from the base of the Friction Pitch.


There was one hard-to-protect move at the bottom of the Friction Pitch, after that, it was smooth sailing.


Above the Friction Pitch, looking at the remainder of the climb. The V pitch is visible at the top.


The awesome environment of the V Pitch.


Above the V Pitch there were some snow gullies to cross.


The summit ridge.


On top.


We only saw one other group on the Upper Exum, nevertheless, there was still a short wait at the rappel.


Looking down the large rappel.


Another look at the rappel from the bottom.


Descending the Owen-Spalding route back to the Lower Saddle.


Back at the Lower Saddle, looking up at the beast.


We slept away the afternoon at the Moraine camp. I woke up briefly when a marmot was 4 feet from my head, trying to bust open my beef jerky. We slept some more, then hiked down once the sun disappeared. The shadow of the mountain in the valley below.

Ice Point Photo Trip Report


Ice Point is the narrow summit in the middle.


Climbing the snow couloir to the col between Ice Point and Symmetry Spire.


The last section of the Northwest Ridge on Ice Point.


On top, with Teewinot and Mount Owen in the background.


Symmetry Spire from the summit.


Nothing quite like some pure, mountain water after the climb.

Conclusion

Although this was a short trip to the Tetons, it has fueled my need for an annual pilgrimage every summer. Initially my wife was resistant to the idea, so we struck a deal: She gets four days to do whatever women like to do in spas, shops, and restaurants while I get four uninterrupted days in the mountains. She's all smiles...see ya next year.

Images



Comments

[ Post a Comment ]
Viewing: 1-16 of 16

Arthur Digbeelooks great

Voted 10/10

Congrats, and thanks for sharing the photos!
Posted Jul 30, 2008 6:56 pm

d_shorb!

Voted 10/10

Sweet trip, great photos. As usual.
Posted Jul 30, 2008 10:27 pm

maraudersRe: !

Hasn't voted

Much appreciated! Too bad you couldn't join. But now there will be an annual pilgrimage. Next year, Mt. Moran or Owen with a small peak on the side.
Posted Jul 31, 2008 1:28 am

d_shorbRe: !

Voted 10/10

Tetons are certainly worthy of a yearly trip. Thanks for thinking of me. Glad the trip has "kicked off" a yearly pilgrimage plan.
take care
Posted Jul 31, 2008 9:56 am

ZeeJaywhatever women like to do

Voted 10/10

Nice pictures, LOL at "She gets four days to do whatever women like to do ..."
Posted Aug 1, 2008 1:42 am

F_RhoderickReminds me

Voted 10/10

of the deal I struck with my wife as well. Thanks for sharing a great TR
fred
Posted Aug 3, 2008 11:14 am

charlesGreat stuff

Hasn't voted

That was very informative - looked great!
Thanks
Charles
Posted Aug 3, 2008 11:48 am

Travis AtwoodNice Work

Voted 10/10

Congrats on a successful trip you guys and beautiful pics as usual Matt.
Posted Aug 3, 2008 12:29 pm

Woodie HopperWhen Mama's not happy...

Voted 10/10

Thanks for the great trip report and photos. Keep that wife happy and you'll be just fine! ;)

Woodie
Posted Aug 3, 2008 10:02 pm

FlatheadNativeEnjoyed

Voted 10/10

the photos and the text. Thanks for sharing your trip to the Tetons.
Posted Aug 3, 2008 11:20 pm

Scott WesemannGreat pics

Voted 10/10

What was I thinking?? Wish I didn't have to bail on that one. Great report and as always fantastic pics.
Posted Aug 4, 2008 2:19 am

tmcraneInspiring views

Voted 10/10

Thanks for the excellent photo trip report!
Posted Aug 4, 2008 2:29 pm

mylesThanks for the report

Voted 10/10

Great photos, especially liked the lead in to the v-pitch. Gotta get there one day.
Posted Aug 5, 2008 1:52 pm

donhaller3Beautiful!

Voted 10/10

"Initially it was for 7 days, then 5, and then 3..." Gee, the story of my life.
Posted Aug 5, 2008 2:23 pm

maraudersRe: Beautiful!

Hasn't voted

Ask or plan for twice as much as you really want, cuz you know it'll get cut in half. Next year I'm planning two weeks. :-)
Posted Aug 6, 2008 12:45 am

Eric SandboBeautiful

Voted 10/10

Congratulations on the trip and thanks for sharing the report. The pics are consistently beautiful.
Posted Aug 8, 2008 1:02 pm

Viewing: 1-16 of 16


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