The snowpack on Inter Glacier was thinner compared to the same period last year, but it is still abundant enough that crampons and an ice axe are sufficient for the climb. I arrived at the Glacier basin around 10:15AM and saw a team of 14 climbers up the slope about 1 hour and half ahead of me. I thought about following their tracks all the way to Emmons Glacier, but I changed my mind as I approached the ridge. Although it was a slow going for me today, I still felt I could bag both Steamboat Prow and Camp Schurman. I topped the Prow at 2PM, about six hours ten minutes after leaving the White River campground, a disappointing summit time but I was happy to get it done.
The weather today was beautiful, with clouds moving in and out fast. I could see some area of the park were raining but Emmons Glacier valley remained untouched by clouds. It’s a perfect time to visit Camp Schurman.
After 30 minutes of rest, I took scramble route down to the Camp. Although the boot path was visible, I still double-checked my GPS to make sure. The volcanic rocks here are brittle and loose, always have a solid rock hold before making a move. It took me about 12 ~ 13 minutes (10 of them harrowing) to reach the camp.
My return route is Emmons Glacier. It's relaxing and enjoyable (when going downhill) with a world-class breathtaking view. Surprisingly there were fewer cracks compared to my visit 2 years ago around the same time. The colder temperatures in spring and early summer might be a contributing factor. As a result the foot track to Camp Curtis felt much shorter and almost like a shortcut. I did not followed the path all the way to Curtis, instead I scrambled up to the ridge directly, a rash and bad idea, will never do that again.
By then I was done and exhausted(Forget about Ruth, been there done that). All I want now was to sit on the snow and slide downhill, and that’s exactly what I did. It took me roughly 30 minutes to return to the basin campground.
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