Since we had our harnesses on with daisy chains, we decided we might as well clip to the metal cables. I had forgotten how steep the cables were! Were there no cables, this would be a 5th class climb up the side of the dome with very little protection. As you can see, we also brought our belay gloves, since using the cables requires you to support most of your weight on your hands. I guess I can see why they had to set up a permit system. Too many deaths from tourists slipping from the overcrowded cables, especially in the rain, or during the panic before a thunderstorm.
Comments
So you had to come down the same day?? I'm breathless.
— Margaret Hovell
Yeah. The overnight option was something we considered quite weightily during the week we planned the trip, but we finally decided the "pros" for doing the climb in one epic all-day push outweighed the "cons": having to carry tent and other overnight gear up the mountain, to obtain the necessary permits to camp in the backcountry, to dedicate more time (realistically 2 nights) at the cost of other adventures. It was an exhausting day but I think we both would make the same decision again.
— John Hovell