Day 7

Another colder night, easily –20C.  I slept well but my sore shoulder gave me hell.  The only way to relieve the aching pain is to sleep with my elbow above my head, and in a sleeping bag that means a very cold forearm.  Our time in Greenland is running out too fast, with several good peaks and tours remaining, we won't be able to do them all even if the weather holds out.  Our radioed forecast called for a change.

Today had perfect weather; blue skies, no wind and temperatures between –10 and –15C.  We set out for the highest peak in our area, nicknamed ‘Big Man’.  The approach was easy, followed by an easy snow climb, 40 degrees maximum. 

The group climbs Big Man

One of the team starts the descent from the summit of Big Man.

The descent was good, although looking back up revealed slightly better routes down.  After the descent we traversed across to a col and had lunch before climbing another peak next to Big Man.  The second peak is the pyramid snow peak in the background of this base camp shot.

A set of smaller shots climbing the Pyramid peak (hoping to get full res images later)

Johnny and Alan on the ridge.

Johnny reaches the summit.

Myself climbing the snow face.

Myself reaching the summit.

Again, the descent was full of good predictable and consistent smooth hard pack and ice. Lower down it softened and was an easier gradient with more playful snow.  The steepest pitch coming down was not more than 45 degrees.  It was a good long fall-line descent.

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