Soon I was reminded of the abundance of talus. What a way to start the day I thought. At least it was mostly downward travel and at about 11,200' the air can only get better as I proceed.

Ugh, the rubble pile descending North Glacier Pass on the way out

Even though I had slept really well the night before I could tell my body (mostly my legs) had not yet fully recovered from our speedy ascent the day before. I am sure I must have looked like a moving car wreck, smelling of dust, Deet and sunscreen. Not to worry though, I had ample amounts of time to walk out and enjoy the views.

"What me worry"

As I arrived at the top of the snowfield I remembered Peter's words about the icy glacier. Sure enough, the snow field that remained in the shadows was still hard ice. I didn't break out my crampons but I made good use of my ice axe to gingerly descend the ice. When I got to the sun laden area, travel was much easier.

Shade equals ice, sun equals fun

I picked a route (to the right in the picture above) which avoided most of the boulder hopping, my least favorite part of the mountains. When I exited the snowfield I put my ice axe back on my pack and stared at the top of the pass wondering if Kathy and Peter might appear.

Maybe Kathy and Peter will appear?

Pardon the mush, even though I just saw them and hour or so ago I already missed their good company and wasn't looking forward to the long haul back to the trailhead. They have spoiled my nature to hike solo (in a good way). Not seeing anyone, I moved on and in short order I had returned above Thousand Island Lake.

Arriving at Thousand Island Lake from the west

By now I knew it was going to be slow on the way out. My feet and calves were screaming loud and clear to cease and desist. Noticing that there were no bus stations around to haul my tired butt out, I just put my head down and one foot in front of the other for the march out. Occasionally I'd look back up at Banner Peak and get reenergized, what an amazing view. I also wished good karma for Harry and Charles, likely getting close to the summit of Ritter. And I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Kathy and Peter would appear, they move faster than I and it would not have surprised me if they caught up with me had they chosen to leave exit too.

A pause to again admire Banner Peak above Thousand Island Lake

There is a brief section of trail that parallels a nice sandy beach of Thousand Island Lake. Without much forethought most of my clothes were laying on top of my backpack and I was in that chilly water to clean up. Man did that feel good (picture withheld to save you the nausea). If Kathy and Peter were to catch up to me, I thought this moment of humility would be it. Instead I got dressed, filtered some water for the rest of the hike out and enjoyed the fact there was a maintained trail from this point forward.  While the signs on the trail were poor, I kept my map in hand just to reassure myself that the trailhead cannot be too far away. Soon it was obvious I had returned to Agnew Meadows adjacent to the trailhead.

Greeting me back to Agnew Meadows

While my mind was disappointed at no peak, my body was happy to have returned to an air-conditioned car - one of my other favorite views after having gone hiking. After all, twenty six miles in two days isn't bad.

My Xterra - my other favorite view at the end of the day

Most of all I am grateful to Harry, Kathy, Peter and Charles for their excellent company and friendship on the trail. Their companionship far exceeds the virtues of any summit. Thanks for having me along, it was a blast!

Post Script: Harry and Charles summitted Ritter! It was apparently an extraordinary adventure to say the least. When Harry posts an trip report I will link to it here. Congratulations guys!!