In September 1999, Eric, Pedro, Fred and I went to North Peak, located at the north of Yosemite, close to Tioga Pass. The peak overlooks a number of fine lakes and bears 3 very intereseting and short gullies. It is a very popular peak due to the short approaches and the quality of the ice gullies. The central one is rarely in condition, but the left and right ones usually are. The right gully goes up for 800' at a pitch of about 45 degrees, while the steeper left couloir goes at about 60 degrees. Pedro and Fred climbed the right one while Eric and I tackled the left gully. We found it in excellent condition with very solid ice. Eric had to put a bit of pressure on me to climb it because I was kind of freaking out at first. But once I realized he was going to climb it anyway, whether with me or Fred, my self-esteem spoke and I came with him and it was just fine. 

   Pedro, Javier and Fred at the base of North Peak, with the left couloir straight behind them and the right couloir at the edge of the picture. 

   Javier in action at the bottom of the left couloir

   Javier kicking the ice in the left couloir