Second Mother Mountain

Second Mother Mountain—July 24, 2015. 7:50 hours. Left trailhead at 6:50 a.m. and left the trail to Tolmie at the first switchback, doing a rising traverse on an approximate 83 degree baring. There were a lot of boot/game paths to follow. Once in the meadow the blueberries were plentiful, as well as bear scat. We reached the 5800’ saddle at 8:00 a.m. then descended and maintained a high traverse above the lake below. We continued traversing passing and going up and over benches, passing the small tarn on its north side and then gained the ridge just left of the summit. We dropped down 30’, traversed a short distance right and then went up to regain the ridge. There was a boot path leading to the summit. Be careful to watch/look backwards as you ascend. On our descent we overshot and had trouble locating a couple of key locations. Coming back we descended to the 5100’ lake (below the first saddle on our approach), passing on its north side. We ascended a gulley along the rock which was much easier than the traverse and the way we had come into this basin. Back to the cars at 2:30 p.m. Time to get a milkshake at Wally’s!