The first pitch

The final major peak in the Fosdick Mountains in our programme that has
eluded geologists for many seasons is Mount Colombo. Like a sharp dagger
sticking out of a endless sea of white, the trecherous mountain has
taunted us since our put-in at Bird Bluff Camp. Yesterday was the day to
tame the beast.

With pervasive blue sky, calm winds, and armed with copious quantites of
cheese, the Twotter boys began their ascent at the north-east end of the
mountain by crossing a series of house swallowing crevasses over pencil
narrow snow bridges until reaching the outcrop. The first portion of the
ascent went smoothly until they reached the infamous Kakymchukky step,
named for its similarity to the Hillary step on Mount Everest. After
conquering this glacier carved step, the ascent continued past
knife-edge ridges and wet snow until the boys were abruptly stopped by a
trecherous edge unseen from the ground. They proceeded to put on
crampons and tie each other up with climbing rope and skirted a massive
wind scoop that was presumed innocent until they found a slot near the
top. Proceeding with absolute caution, they found their way back on the
rock and enjoyed a gentle scramble to the summit...or so they thought.

Once at the presumed top of the mountain, they then caught a glimpse of
a yet higher section of Colombo towards the South. They paused to
reflect, cry, and then enjoyed some cheese and bagels. After the energy
from the special climbing cheese was assimilated into their systems,
they proceeded towards the final climb - the summit push. Feet
throbbing, joints aching (especially old Tim), and sweat pouring from
their brows, the Twotter boys marched up a wind carved snow ramp and
reached the true summit of Mount Colombo. A spectacular view of the
entire Fosdick Mountain range and the adjacent Sarnoff Mountains to the
South welcomed the boys at the top. Then in true British mountaineering
fashion they enjoyed a nice cup of tea.

After tea, the boys slowly made their way down the mountain ridge
sampling rock and taking measurements. Loaded with 50 lbs. of rocks on
each of their backs and the energy from the cheese wearing thin, they
stumbled down to the skidoos, had a second cup of tea and began the 1
hour drive back to camp. Mission accomplished - all in the pursuit of
knowledge...