This will be the third time this year that I have posted an image from this spot. The basin up to Golden Lake definatly has some meaning for me and whenever I can get up there it is a good day! Today, Jenny, Anne, Mark, Brian, Tom, Coco, and me are celebrating John’s 17th anniversary of his first accent of Platt Peak.
Mark and Coco take the lead and occasional wait for the rest of the crew.
Golden Lake, always a beauty! Today however, our goal was not the lake but the peaks.
The shoulder of Platt Peak can be a bit spicy.
Tom and Brian finish off the climb. Of course, Tommy takes the direct route.
Views off the summit: Pretty Pretty Pretty Good!
Family photo.
We all enjoyed an emotional moment at the top looking at John’s photo album. After John’s death a couple years ago, we hauled up a summit box which has a register, photo album, and a couple other trinkets as a tribute to John. Thanks to Jasmin who put this together, it is always good for a tear or two. I always like to remind everyone that John called registers at the top of peaks “Summit Trash”. Sorry John, we don’t care.
After a goodly amount of time on top, we decided to visit the nearby bonus Golden Lake Peak.
Back down the blocks we go.
Golden Lake Peak is about 5 feet shorter than Platt Peak. We made quick work of the climb and enjoyed a few more John stories.
The view off Golden Lake Peak is quite intimidating. It is basically 3000 feet down to the basin below. Anne was lamenting the fact that she forgot to pack her “Squirrel Suit”.
As we worked our way back down, Coco stops at the lake to demonstrate how to drink water and swim at the same time.
It was an amazing day with a great crew and a fine tribute to John’s first accent about 17 years ago. Check out his trip report here. Notice that he called it 8361 but also mentions “Platt Peak” in the description. Also notice that he pioneered the “JP route” up the west side which we did not do. I’m guessing that was the first every assent of the “JP route” and as far as I know, the only time that route has been climbed. Maybe Randy or Scott have done it!?!?
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