Climbers

But, but, but . . .    if every climber knows the world is flat, there is literally no "climbing" to be done, and thus no energy to be expended/work to be done.  - - -  Though I'm sure that Shonee and crew felt rather differently using the vegetable belays along the tree root ladder.

If you want to avoid falling off the edge (into Canada or elsewhere), Vizzini also recommends trying his spiffy "earth curvature calculator":  https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/earth-curvature#curvature-of-earth-per-mile

Great report, photos and success! Kudos to all; it certainly appears you had bluebird weather. Also, a fine and touching tribute to Todd Adelman.

The Terror creek basin is quite majestic with the southern Pickets and the "Barrier" forming its northern and western boundaries, but you do have to work for it. That scree descent to the camp area looked worse than I recall, but it's been awhile.

Replying to John Conley:  No, the Goat Rocks (Old Snowy, Ives, Curtis Gilbert) are ~ 150 miles south of North Cascades NP and the Pickets, and there are intervening higher peaks/summits "in the way", not to mention the curvature of the earth over that 150 miles. The Picket range, while extremely rugged, is quite compact and not that high in elevation. It stands out due to the extreme sharp relief from the valley floor to the summits. West Mac Spire (7992') is only ~ 100' higher than Old Snowy.

Yes, we definitely appreciated all your beta! I'm glad we didn't do the leave-strsight-from-the -climb approach. Even if I wasn't on the summit team. ;-). So beautiful there and we got to linger.

Friends,

A few weeks ago, I led a small team into the Picket Range to climb West McMillan Spire. I hope you enjoy this trip report and consider adding the Pickets to your bucket list.

Best,

Shonee Langford