Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt Toll - 12979
Date Posted:  06/27/2011
Date Climbed:   06/25/2011
Author:  pioletski
 Fathers and Sons on Mt Toll   


A Father's Day Card...



Climb and ski descent of Mt Toll (12,979'), Indian Peaks Wilderness
Crew: Chris (cjw), Matt (pioletski), Bob (Matt's dad)

Some of you may remember my dad from a trip to Grays Peak a couple of years ago. Since then, a few things have happened that remind me how precious a gift it is for us to continue doing these trips together. Our 3rd partner from Grays, Mike, is no longer with us, and Dad has had to deal with some significant injuries. Thus I am grateful for the opportunity to share another day in the backcountry with him.

We chose Mt Toll, an old favorite. OK, it's not a 14er or even a 13er, though it's close. It is an elegant peak with a nice snowfield down its southwest flank. It is also the setting of many pleasant memories of spring skiing; in fact, it was my first ski mountaineering trip. Here is Dad's picture of me at about age 10, with my Head Standards, blue jeans and flannel shirt, on that first outing:

Image


Chris joined us, and we left Brainard Lake at about 5:30 am. To our surprise, 5 days after the summer solstice, we found the Long and Mitchell Lake trailheads already closed for next winter. Talk about a short summer!

Image


Still, that added perhaps 1/2 mile to the hike, and we were soon looking up at Mt Toll from Mitchell Lake:

Image


Here's Bob steaming up the trail:

Image


Chris looking studly:

Image


Blue Lake, mostly white:

Image


Skinning above Blue Lake:

Image


At the col between Toll and Pawnee one gets a first glimpse into the Lone Eagle/Crater Lake basin:

Image


And the view from the top is grand. Southward it's a little complex: r to l, Apache, Navajo and Arikaree, with Arapaho peeking between Navajo and Arikaree, Shoshoni in the middle foreground, and Pawnee in the (left) foreground:

Image


North: Paiute, etc:

Image


Northwest: the Never Summers, which might just live up to their name this year:

Image


East: Blue, Mitchell and Brainard lakes, and Left Hand Reservoir:

Image


Group portrait courtesy of a Mini-Pod and a handy rock:

Image


Chris kindly provided dark chocolate and a dessert wine - a stellar combination!

Image
Photo: Chris


Now for the real fun. The snow was perfect corn for about 800 vertical feet and marshmallows below that. Chris took a nice shot of Dad mixin' it up:

Image
Photo: Chris


I didn't do quite so well but got this shot of Chris:

Image


My tracks above the blue part of Blue Lake:

Image
Photo: Chris


Leaving Blue Lake:

Image


Mt Audubon:

Image


Practicing the Willow Float:

Image


Returning to Mitchell Lake:

Image


And dealing with the dirty mounded snow back to the trailhead:

Image


Happy Father's Day and thanks for reading!



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22


Comments or Questions
Johnson
User
Bravo!
6/28/2011 11:41am
Well done!


Floyd
User
Congrats to you and your Dad
6/28/2011 2:35pm
Great stuff in beautiful country. Gotta love the IPW.


otherbrotherdarryl
So bummed I couldn't make it!
6/28/2011 3:04pm
argh - oh well, next time! Looks like you guys had a great day on an old fave.


EatinHardtack
User
Great Day
6/28/2011 6:40pm
Awesome to see your dad out with you skiing some backcountry still Matt. Totally awesome. On a side note how does your buddy Chris like those Black Diamond Slant? Prime? boots. Congrats on a sweet day with you Dad.


cjw
User
Prime
6/28/2011 11:39pm
Nice pic from 1970, must have just been pre-Vuarnet.

I previously had Radium's, but they absolutely killed my feet, and in multiple spots. The Prime fit like a glove, tight but no pain point anywhere. They noticeably do not drive my skis as well the Radium's though. I did not get to try on the Scarpa Maestrale when I was shopping around, they were sold out everywhere last spring.


lordhelmut
User
A 12er!
6/29/2011 2:23am
Nice work Matt, thats a classic face you guys hit and in solid, bluebird conditions.


maverick_manley
User
Happy Father's Day
6/29/2011 3:08am
I got a picture of your descent from Pawnee's summit... I've a few more if you want 'em...


Carl
User
Nice!
6/29/2011 7:46pm
Great shot of you getting after it a few decades ago. I remember enjoying your Grays TR too. Sorry to hear about Mike.


pioletski
User
Thanks Prakash!
7/2/2011 3:39pm
Nice running into you at the TH, hope you had a good run too.



   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.