Camping outside at the Saddlebag trailhead.

The ground here would end up being the hardest on our entire trip.

Close-up of Judy and Brian.

Kate performs a backcountry striptease but Aaron is uninterested.

Early the next morning getting ready to set up the shuttle.

Looks like we weren't the only ones who, uh, missed this sign.

About ready for the hour long drive to drop off a vehicle at Twin Lakes. Judy borrows Brian's down jacket to keep warm.

Judy and I headed to the lodge to hang out while the rest set up the shuttle.

Brian, Kate, and Aaron return from Twin Lakes and get packed up to go.

We're off! Hiking along Saddlebag Lake.

Judy insisted that we capture this action sequence...

...although we're not really sure where she's headed. Maybe we shouldn't let Judy lead anymore.

Taking a break in front of Greenstone Lake.

Hiking by Wasco Lake.

The little frog that Kate almost crushed. (Hint: it's in the middle bottom of the pic. Unfortunately, the camera wasn't able to focus on it. Plus, the stupid thing refused to stay still for the photo op!)

On our way towards Cascade Lake.

Hopping through some marsh.

Leaving Cascade Lake and getting ready for the climb up.

First night's campsite next to Secret Lake. Aaron and Kate's tent is on the left while Judy and mine is on the right.

Another shot of the campsite with Brian's bivy in the foreground.

Judy cleaning up next to the cold water of Secret Lake.

We spent a good portion of the night watching an ice climber climb up North Peak. Brian's binoculars came in handy.

Sunrise the next morning. We wondered what happened to the ice climber.

Aaron and Kate's tent with North Peak in the background.

Sky Pilot Col, immediately to the right of Shepherd Crest, is the next objective.

It looks like it could be formidable.

Making our way up to the talas slope ascent to Sky Pilot Col.

Judy climbing up the rock field.

Looking up the talas slope awaiting us.

Judy negotiating her way through the boulder field.

Judy takes a rest while up ahead, Aaron and Kate check out a potential boulder problem.

Uggh, that's a pretty steep talas slope!

Beginning our ascent up the talas slope.

Our progress is pretty slow and it's not even that steep yet.