Sawtooth photo report

I have been busy, so here's a quick photo overview of a great Labor day trip to the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho.  Leah and I ran Mount Regan from Iron Creek the first day, and the remainder of the trip was spend climbing at the Elephant's Perch.  We got pretty worked on the Direct Becky (V 5.11), and I did a lot of whipping, whimpering, and aiding.  We didn't come close to making a free ascent, as I pulled on gear or fell on about 5 of the 12 pitches.  But we stayed safe, topped out before dark, and it was an amazing route.  The second day, we had a great jaunt up Astro Elephant (IV, 5.10-), and were lucky to share a rope with Jeannie Wall.  A few thoughts:

• Running in the mountains is incredibly fun.
• The run up to Sawtooth lake is impeccable, but the scramble up the Southeast ridge of Reagan was loose and convoluted.  
• The good ski terrain in the Sawtooth is by no means confined to the areas in the vicinity of the yurt system.
• The climbing at the Elephant's Perch is stout.
• The climbing at the Elephant's Perch is also brilliant.
• I can't wait to get back to the Sawtooth.

Sawtooth and Mount Regan.

Regan summit photo.

Starting down Regan.

Leah running around Sawtooth lake.

Leah working hard at the crux of Astro Elephant.

Starting up pitch two of Astro Elephant.

Also, Leah has been training consistently for the Rut 50k.  In addition to being in some of the best shape of her life, she is moving well through the mountains right now, and I'm really proud of her.  Nice work!