Boston Basin is melting out quickly –all upper bivy sites are exposed. The marmots are chirping, wildflowers are going off, and a bear was spotted by the lower bivy –DON'T FORGET YOUR ANIMAL RESISTANT FOOD CONTAINER! North ridge was accessed via the Sharkfin Col alternative (up the snow/scree gully to climbers right of the Col proper). Two short rappels (approx. 20m) on existing slings (as of our patrol) bring you to the Boston Glacier. One 60m rope is sufficient. The Boston glacier is a little broken up and crevassed en route to the N. Ridge but very doable. The moat at 7600' to gain access to the N. Ridge is very manageable right now. There is a small patch of snow once on the ridge that was dripping heavily by 8am to fill water bottles. No surprises along the ridge. Descent was via the gullies below the West Ridge col with good rappel stations along the way.
Boston Glacier and North Ridge:
Approximately 2/3 of the way up the North Ridge:
The North Ridge:
-Climbing Rangers