page  2  of  2  -  Chicago Basin

 

Alone on the summit, we did the traditional Freeman self-portrait.

 

With storm clouds approaching, we prepared to head out. This is the view back down the west ridge. The snowy area over my right shoulder is the saddle between Windom and Peak 18. The way down is to take the ridge to the saddle, then a right traverse down Peak 18's North slope into Twin Lakes Basin.

 

Brad eyes the South slopes of Sunlight Spire before starting down the ridge.

 

There was a semi-exposed notch about halfway between the saddle and the summit that Brad and I dubbed The Scariest Spot. As usual, the picture doesn't do justice. Guess you had to be there.

 

Brad crosses the saddle at about 13,250' before plunging back down into Twin Lakes Basin.

 

We rested at Twin Lakes before descending what is known as The Headwall. At about this point the dreaded altitude sickness was really beginning to rear its ugly head.

 

Here is a picture of some more of our buddies prowling around Twin Lakes Basin. This photo was taken by Rex Headd, another 14'er climber and photographer.

 

Another rest stop next to one of the many waterfalls emanating from the Lakes. I'm feeling better now after losing my Power Bar.

 
 

The next morning, we went exploring on some goat trails straight up from our campsite through the woods and topped out here. Windom was not visible at all from our campsite, but from this spot Windom's distant ridge can be seen peeking over the much-closer Headwall cliffs. I'm pointing at the saddle, and I think the second notch up from that is The Scariest Spot.

 

Time to go. Brad heads back down the Needle Creek trail.

 

After four days of Power Bars and Ramen Noodles, the train was a welcome sight.

 

From the train, we got one last look at the San Juan peaks (I'm told this is Pigeon Peak, elevation 13,972').

 

Somehow Rex Headd has captured an awesome Windom Summit panorama. It does the best job I've seen yet at capturing the view we had from there. Click here to see it, and view it at full size if possible.

 

 

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