DSC08518 Photo courtesy Bill Bushnell

Mammoth Trip, 2022

September 25

Chocolate Peak



Our lunch spot. I think I've identified a class 3 route I've read the description of, avoiding most of the talus. It all looks very energy intensive! I'm leaning more and more towards the longer class 2 route, while my heart wants to follow Jo's class 3-4. Good thing I don't have to decide now! Honestly? I'm tired and happy we made it to here. First days at altitude get harder and harder somehow. The original plan was to top Chocolate and return the way we came. Bill suggests instead we continue over Chocolate Pass and do the lollipop instead. We look at the short slog to the summit, and decide it's too late for that, and just go over the pass. -F.