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- Jun 13, 2016
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“I think you got this.”
“I think you got this.”
Madness guide Niels Meyer and Armando are standing at the base of the Roman Wall in a complete whiteout with the wind howling and temperatures dropping. Just half an hour earlier Armando, Adrian, Jeff, and Niels had been climbing up Baker’s Easton Glacier with partly cloudy skies and mild temps.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=7a5980929d2abb4965907db34a04d332 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=583cb4a80470f68a2326853f6925219e 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=28dcadbcbeb15bf87b49560373cdca5e 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=b7c5b9e1e711be777fc423a6ae79db65 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=6bb8db70994f64b1d13d4102ab1513bb 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=2d5eab33852beb810cba5ceef1b83575 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=3b48fe43ccfb423ca4ea80931ca3ec1c 768w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza1_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=8b6a889a734918e8909a559305690694 768w)
Adrian, Armando, and Jeff approach Baker via the Railroad Grade. Niels Meyer photo (all)
Armando and Adrian flew in from Mexico City a few days before their Baker climb. Adrian has climbed many of the Mexican volcanoes, Aconcagua, and a few other South and Central American peaks. Armando had done a lot of mountaineering in his youth and wanted to get back into the swing of things. They chose Baker as a good introductory climb to the North Cascades. The team met in Seattle to do a quick gear check, and after a very important coffee stop we cruised up towards Baker.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=bb38e0b0de2a5c2c4ed9f4e318520c71 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=cb2f2a18f08df6b1dc25b5828e1b4ddb 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=5239309eac328fe3b308f80476c32a16 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=3013285e2a9def58d828288d68ce0843 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=e6450e38677465f9e51d819678d043eb 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=6a34df84a061c547f5fe14a6c62391f0 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=370d5a3390d5691fe67c0606d4c22193 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza2_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=633f9380d6c9cf83608828591fa30e03 1024w)
A room with a view.
Adrian, Armando, and guides Jeff and Niels approached the Railroad Grade and Easton Glacier under bluebird skies with perfect temps and beautiful views. Adrian, a photographer, snapped pictures of the many marmots out foraging and surveying their territory. At basecamp we dug in our camp and ate dinner while staring up at the mighty Mount Baker, contemplating tomorrow’s climb. Due to weather we were planning to summit the next morning. We prepped our gear and got in our sleeping bags to catch a few hours of sleep before our summit attempt.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=b48d2fd59f623b356e4558ff255cf2c8 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=1b1ffecacbaa4a102cef2717cc1f3c27 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=f0f7b1925ac4e6d73389cbf65ab03f32 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=73d7baede59d9f7d9dc9cd7f1076c2f3 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=dbd8b422e5516f62918e79c4c1741492 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=8dd732138997205cf2ee8be4e7306972 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=b5b528ee8d68ee6b9b9e9e9da621db15 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza3_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=77d50723d45a739c491b2cc0648673b8 1024w)
Armando and Adrian contemplate tomorrow mornings climb over a delicious meal.
We awoke to clear skies and light winds. A quick breakfast and we were on the trail. A light overnight freeze made for tough breakable crust conditions but we climbed on, pushing for the summit.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=19e213acb4d2a8112c6c5708ed0af4ac 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=802d3178c29906c0b20bd8fa99f6de81 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=c5dc4d321add3ba54f62a6958ce298cb 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=282ac744ee550737f4b9108f6b8805ca 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=17fd87b922b6db421d28c7b7556f145b 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=3a61429908d0f7785421ef9fed903f79 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=eca2a9ca98439883fd7abe1a13137d13 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza4_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=92478d382fbea0bc9970193f7432c245 1024w)
A quick break for water, snacks, and views.
With just over a thousand feet to go, weather came in. It began snowing, temperatures dropped drastically, and Armando and Adrian were introduced to the North Cascade ping pong ball. With a complete whiteout and fatigue weighing down on the group we discussed turning around. Despite tired legs and adverse conditions, we summited. After pictures and high fives we began our descent, looking forward to a hot brew and an early bedtime.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=e40ea24a7beb43a3a5e77f48372a62bc 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=36347d3011671f822146b3470f218147 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=7f5e13d7608522f4ef3860880c53d065 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=223c3e7d616531c5dc0a545b2c819ac4 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=cc354088fc046e0b612279df18e2c5b0 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=8d4e18d28d5da0012eeac065b580f431 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=7763044c1ab672fed6da9f6531372d81 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza6_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=2702abdcc3aa4c9b51cf8bec736d68a7 1024w)
Almost back to camp, finally out of the whiteout.
The next morning we packed up our gear after a long night of heavy rain and headed back to Seattle. Baker provided an excellent introduction to North Cascades mountaineering and reminded us that the warm, dry climate of summer in Washington was still a few weeks out.
Armando writes “I will take to my everyday life the encouragement from Niels at the base of the Roman Wall: ‘I think you got this!’ — And I did. We did.”
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=a508345170da6d2e96286ec531e3f93b 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=be549a192fe39ce5a7d4f7e4f303dc14 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=ffa7f4cae11a1301f38a4829c96ca58c 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=4f6755ebec4eca5acec9b8e4d770d1af 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=323c7e303c186bad1c0f58da2f8b4e86 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=8fad1da42666d4e8f879c59951185dfb 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=fe01c3d9140573af62007ffe1207be33 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FGarza5_1024.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=0feb5a1f7fcc9b2a1a0934351d93c0ff 1024w)
Armando, Adrian and Jeff on the summit!
~MM Guide Niels Meyer, text and photos