Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 16:19:39 -1000 From: Wing C Ng (wing@lava.net> Subject: Wailupe Middle Ridge
HTMC does Wailupe middle ridge today. I however overslept and got there only at 9:15, some 1/2 hour after the group departed.
It's about the same as last time in Aug. '97, EXCEPT there is major ropes in those steep muddy sections near the top. In particular, there is one yellow rope with almost one inch diameter that is really comfortable to grip. Wish ropes/cables all have such great grip.
Shaved one whole hour from the time of ascent that I took back in August.
Started drizzling continuously on the crest. Continued on to Wiliwilinui and everybody gone already. Going down Wiliwilinui was really slicky and slippery.
Went down into the valley and finally met Stuart Ball and Lynn, the leader(s). Apparently they left the summit only seconds before me. In fact I claim I got to Wiliwilinui at 12:30 and they claim they left at 12:30!!
Wing