Trip Report
I repeated my formula from the day before... immediately get off work, change, then head up a peak. For my second day in the area, I chose Gimlet BM for my ascent. This peak sits right over the Big Wood River, just southeast of the Idaho 75/East Fork Wood River Road intersection. Gimlet is a steep climb from all sides. Since the west and south sides were snow free, I decided to take one of those routes to the summit. I knew the south side was doable, but the access was questionable, as you would be crossing fields right by people's backyards. So instead, I parked at the lot off East Fork Road and took the bike path south to a point where I could access the southwest ridge. The southwest was steep! I gained elevation quickly as I headed straight up. As I neared the summit it was obvious that the last 100 feet would be gained on snow. It was basically a drift, so I hoped it would be consolidated.
As I headed up, the snow started out nice and hard, but became bottomless in places towards the top. After some swim moves, I finally touched the top. It was cloudy and even storming on the bigger peaks. However, it was still somewhat warm (long sleeve t-shirt weather. I enjoyed the views of the valley below and then headed down.
The way down was actually pleasant. The gravel slopes allowed me to fly down at a high rate of speed without worrying about slipping. I was soon back at the trailhead and enjoying the pleasure of another workout.
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