Gallery: Buckindy06

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Billie organized a trip to do the Buckindy Traverse. This route goes from Green Mountain (north of Glacier Peak) north to Snowfield peak (exit to the Cascade River Road), crossing some difficult terrain. I first noticed this possible trip over 10 years ago but never found the time or partners to do it so was excited when Billie invited me along

	First day started out on traili up to Green Mountain. From there we crossed snow and heather slopes working our way toward Buckindy.		Beckey's route description calls for use of crampons in the steep meadows. I think the meadow growth was still small enoug that it did not cause too much trouble, but this was difficult travel. We had a nice camp about half way to Buckindy.
	Second day we ran the ridge crest up and down, then up again until we were able to drop into the basin south of Buckindy.		We found a decent camp on snow, near a rock outcroping, with running water.
	The weather was continuously sunny, which made it very easy to hang out in camp.		Third day we climbed Mt Mish.
	The route was up and down a loose gully. This ended up taking longer than expected so we chose to put off the climb of Buckindy until the 3rd day.		On the summit of Mt Mish.
	Buckindy was climbed via this long snow slope on the west side.		From the col a short but pleasing rock climb leads to the summit.
	Backing down the steep upper section of the snow slope.		In the afternoon we traversed on toward Snowking, crossing excessivly hot snow slopes and pleasant heather meadows.
	At one crossing of the ridge it is necessary to rappel down to the snow. This took two double rope rappels.		4th night's camp, looking at Mt Mutchner and the route ahead.
	The days were very sunny, requiring extreem sun protection.		5th night's camp on the east ridge of Snowfield.
	The last day started with overcast and distant thunder. We expidited our climb of Snowfield. On the summit we found our hair standing up on end so we expidited our descent.		On the way out we got a little off route and had to scramble through some scrubby pine trees.
	Long, steep trail out.		Early on our hike out Linda twisted her ankle. We took her gear and she limped out for 10 hours, in pain but keeping a good, steady pace. Here she is exiting the brushy climbers trail with a smile on her face.

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Images © 2010 Tom Unger

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Page last modified:  Sep 05 19:07 2010  by  Tom Unger