The day after climbing Dome, I tried to interest a group in more climbing. Two decided to start out a day early. Barb was interested in climbing with me. Pete and one other decided to stay in camp. Two of the party who had not climbed Dome the previous day decided to tackle the summit traverse. Barb and I set off for Hydramatic Spire (high dramatic, not hydro-matic), a moderately challenging, short but spectacular climb of a high point on the ridge below Dome. This picture shows me atop the spire; note the yellow sling I placed around the top for a little security before posing! I have not been able to locate any accounts of anyone climbing Hydramatic other than the original 1953 ascent and our 1971 ascent, but I am sure a few other people have done it.

For more on our ascent of this airy perch, click here.

Barb and I got back from our climb in good time, but the party of two climbing Dome had not returned. We were getting concerned as the sun was setting, until we saw them pop out of the gully in the ridge and start the traverse around the glacier back to camp. They were beat after a long day of climbing, but happy to have done such a spectacular route.