Demetria Gianopoulos and Tom Sakowych joined Kurt Wedberg for a climb of the NNE Face of Norman Clyde Peak. This peak is named after the legendary Sierra mountaineering pioneer. Norman Clyde taught school in the Owens Valley and lived in Big Pine creek canyon. This impressive peak is situated just north of Middle Palisade Peak above the glacier that goes by the same name. The NNE Face is an enjoyable 3rd /4th class route offering good rock quality and great views of the Palisades. As one climbs higher views looking north all the way to the Minarets and Boundary Peak are revealed.
On day 1 our approach brought us in to Finger Lake. A pre dawn start on a warm September night got us to the base of the route shortly after sunrise. After reaching the summit we returned to Finger Lake. On day 3 we hiked out.
A few pictures are below. The rest of the pictures are here: Norman Clyde Peak September 16-18, 2010.
Norman Clyde Peak in morning light. The NNE Face is on the far right side of the sunlit part of the massif.
From left to right: Demetria Gianopoulos, Kurt Wedberg, Tom Sakowych
The NNE Face of Norman Clyde Peak
Demetria at a belay high on the NNE Face of Norman Clyde Peak.
Tom climbing one of the 4th class pitches near the top of the NNE Face of Norman Clyde Peak.
Demetria enjoying some of the 4th class climbing near the top of the NNE Face of Norman Clyde Peak.
From the top of the NNE Face looking south on the ridge line that leads to the summit of Norman Clyde Peak.
Tom and Demetria on the summit of Norman Clyde Peak.