Baldy South attempt
 
December 26, 2018
 
Solo hike.
 
Threatening weather, avalanche concerns, deep post-holing, and limited daylight are some of the potential reasons for having to bail on a winter ascent of Mount Baldy’s South Peak from Baldy Pass – none applied here.  
 
On a near perfect weather day with good snow conditions, I halted my ascent because of herd of sheep parked firmly on the first major highpoint between the Pass and the summit. I’m sure they would have moved had I continued towards them, but I was not comfortable at all forcing them away from a ridge in their own home! There are times when you feel a bona fide trespasser in the mountains, and this was one of those times. I turned around and went home.

Leaving the Baldy Pass Trail parking lot



First glimpse of Baldy South's north ridge



Close-up of the ridge



Bit of a Sun halo



The col between the West and South peaks of Baldy



Another section of the Baldy South ridge. Had an unusual day up there on June 17, 2007.



Typical terrain above Baldy Pass



View to the west



The ridge starts to get very interesting ahead



The West Peak of Baldy



Midday Peak under the Sun



Getting closer to that interesting terrain



False alarm - there is it



Midnight Peak at the right




Sheep on the ridge



I waited to see if they might move on, but when they didn't I decided to take a few photos of them and then turn around















They definitely knew I was there



Twins!



Heading back



Beautiful rock, snow, and sky

The End

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