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Sierra Club Bulletin 



the climb. The signs of our predecessors continued to the very sum- 

 mit, and as we climbed nearer to that point we beheld the monument 

 that indicated their victory. 



Increasing our speed, we reached the top at half-past nine, and 

 looked upon a sight that filled us with mixed emotions. The view 

 was spectacular enough, but it contained a quite unexpected element; 

 for not only were we not the first to reach this point, but there, stand- 

 ing clearly before us only a short distance away to the northeast, was 

 another peak unmistakably higher than the one on which we stood. 



At first we were chagrined at our mistake, but presently another 

 thought occurred that somewhat lifted the gloom; for as we looked 

 at the gulf that separated us from the true summit we were confident 

 that no one had passed that way. Although we had not reached the 

 highest peak, neither, perhaps, had our predecessors; and at least 

 the question of a first ascent was still an open one. With calmer feel- 

 ings, we examined the monument and found a little can containing 

 an envelope addressed, "To the Next Man." Within we found the 

 following record: 



July 20, 1919. — The undersigned made a -first ascent of 

 this peak this day and were disappointed not to find it the 

 highest point of the Middle Palisade. We hereby christen 

 this summit "Peak Disappointment" We made the ascent 

 by the south face from the head of the chute just south of 

 the peak. We entered the chute by crossing the knife-edge 

 on its farther side. 



J. Milton Davies, San Francisco; A. L. Jordan, 

 Berkeley; H. H. Bliss, Berkeley. 



We added our testimony to the record and lingered for a few min- 

 utes to enjoy the view, which we could not help feeling would have 

 been more impressive if it were not for that point fifty or a hundred 

 feet higher, so near to us in distance, but so far away by the meas- 

 urement of time and effort. We began to discuss the possibility of 

 attempting to climb the higher peak that day. It was not a very 

 serious intention, but we thought we might at least go down and take 

 a look at the approaches. By eleven o'clock we were back at the 

 talus, where we stopped for luncheon and considered our next step. 

 With a large part of the day still ahead of us, and, refreshed by a 

 rest and a little food, our ambition increased and we determined to 

 try the climb. 



