It’s a layover day, and there’s a mountain nearby, so of course we’ve got to climb it! Heide, Margaret and Cherie shed a layer or two as we start up the slope. The Okerokovik River is in the background - you can watch the perspective on it change as we climb higher.

A short ways further, and we’re on all fours on the steep, constantly sliding rocks.

It’s nothing but a rock pile all the way up, but at least we’re gaining altitude quickly. Cherie: “I could sure use a flat spot right about now!”

A rare flat spot appears, so we all take a break to appreciate our progress and nibble some lunch.

There’s still more mountain above us, so it’s onwards and upwards...

We reach a saddle and get a view back over the front side. We can even see our camp down in the gray bulge on the near side of the river...

See? Those colored spots are tents down there.... Really!

Once on the ridge, the walking is a little easier, especially on the animal trails. Dall sheep have clearly been frequent visitors on this ridge.

Cherie finds the summit... How big is Alaska, Cherie?! “It’s THIS big!!”

Margaret and Heide stroll up the final stretch...

...and we’re all together on the top!

Wow! Let’s look around at this view...

A 200° panoramic view to the North shows the pristine, vast northern plains. (The ridge we’re on is nearly a straight line, and the ridge segments on the left and right sides are actually 180° apart.)

The view to the South is no less impressive. The progressively higher hills lead into the Brooks Range in the background.

Some Moss-Campion adds color to our high perch.

A cluster of blooming Wooly Lousewort are in a nice position to add to the view. The frozen Aichilik River in the background is our destination for tomorrow.

It’s time to head down, but we still have a chance to enjoy the views of the Sadlerochit and Shublik Mountains in the distant background.

“Come on Dale, you can’t stay up here forever!” -Darn-

We take a straight line down a chute...

It’s more direct, but no less steep than our route up. After a couple of hours of slipping and sliding, we’re back at the bottom. Whew!