In August of 1972 I had completed my PhD and was preparing to enter academic life as a faculty member at Colorado State University. The Torment-Forbidden Traverse was a great way to cap off my adventures in the North Cascades. This traverse is one of the Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and involves a mix of rock and glacier climbing as well as the associated dangers. Contrary to the negative connotations of “Torment” and “Forbidden,” the scenery is magnificent and the climbing is excellent — as long as the weather cooperates.

In this picture taken as we entered Boston Basin, Mount Torment is on the left and Forbidden is out of the frame at right. The lighting seemed magical at this instant; there are many pictures on the web taken from near this vantage point but, in my opinion, none match this one for showing the beauty of the area. Be sure to click on the picture and expand your browser to full screen to view the larger, unmarked version! See here and here for pictures taken from a different angle.