Early April 1998 Ascent of the Northeast Face of
Mt. Sunflower
4,039 feet above sea level
Part VII: Man Down at Fencepost Traverse!
To reach the summit, climbers must scramble over the roughest terrain so far - a steep
section known as Fencepost Traverse. Climbing Sidhar James Bettinger leads the rope while
on belay. Storm clouds gather in the south as James makes his way up the fence line.
FALLING! Crumbling rock gives way, and Climbing Sidhar James tumbles
down the slope. Photographer Glenn Leasure snaps James as a tight belay arrests his
deathly decent. Shaken but uncowed, James continues on after a brief rest.
Teamwork pays off! Climbers Kevin Stephens (L) and Troy Bettinger ascend the fence
line, belayed by Climbing Sidhar James. Dick and Glenn stand below on the ledge, waiting
their turn to climb this traverse.