With a very ambitious route in mind, our group of eight took the ferry across Edison Lake Thursday morning. After two trips to get us all across (they only ran one boat) we were hiking up the Mono Creek Trail by 9am. This trail is pretty straight forward and I kept us as a good pace since our goal was Lower Mills Creek Lake.
- Walking across the lakebed.
By 1pm we had crossed Mono Creek and after a lunch break, began the climb up into the Second Recess.
- Looking up the Second Recess.
- Approaching Lower Mills Creek Lake.
It was slow going as we had heavy packs and the altitude affected a few members of the party. By 6pm we reached Lower Mills Creek Lake. Another large group was already there, so we headed for some granite benches just above the coveted spots by the outlet. It was an 11 mile day with 4k of climbing. We were beat.
- Mt. Gabb, Lower Mills Creek Lake, and the Moon.
The next morning the group split up with most staying to fish while I and two others attempted to climb Mt. Gabb.
- Morning walk.
- Approaching Mt. Gabb.
We were going to try the "Glacier Route" as mentioned in Secor. While up there, I was going to scope out our proposed route for the next day. I had thought we could cross the ridge north of Mt. Gabb and loop through the upper reaches of the Second Recess. That idea was was quickly disregarded. It was beyond our ability and fitness level. One of the guys with me decided to head back and so just two of us continued up Gabb.
- The "Glacier Route" is missing most of the glacier.
- Looking back down our route.
- Very loose scree.
We managed to climb up a very loose scree slop to the NW ridge of Mt. Gabb at about 13k. At this point both my companion and I were having some second thoughts and were worried about descending. The scree slope had seemed a bit too dangerous for us, and while I'm sure it was easier than it looked, the remaining climb up the NW ridge looked too daunting. We decided to eat our lunch here and then descend. Looking back, I probably could have summited Gabb, but at the time I went with the safest decision.
The view was spectacular. I could see Red & White, Ritter, Banner, The Silver Divide, and many other peaks from my lunch spot.
- 13k view.
(...continued)
Wonder is rock and water and the life that lives in-between.
