I N T O T H I C K A I R
Early April 1998 Ascent of the Northeast Face of Mt. Sunflower
4,039 feet above sea level
Part VII: Man Down at Fencepost Traverse!

Starting 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! Aaaarrrrrrgh 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 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.
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