A couple of climbers have just come down from the Hogsback, and we speak for a few minutes with the crack and whump of icefall beginning to gather as the sun warms the cliff faces around us. I decide to make for the level area littered with spent ice blocks in the center of the frame, and then to take stock.
The breeze is mostly in my favor, but periodically I'll scent a whiff of the Kitchen on my right.
I arrive at my goal, and since the icefall is quickening, I decide to go no farther. I'm out of the bowling alley here, but if something big were to detach from Crater Rock...well...best take a few shots and head back down.
Here is a splendid view of the bergschrund and gates area. The sun has been over the ridge for a while now and the sound of falling ice continues to mount.
I glance back down to where the two climbers I passed earlier are just visible, soaking in the sun, their backs to Crater Rock. A wave of concern passes over me.
I am convinced that to get to the hogsback would entail minimal risk, but I am also convinced there is no one else up here and the wrong chunk of ice could ruin what has been a splendid day.
