Jet another time I made an uncertain attempt to climb Thunderbolt. This time, on February 2003, I decided to go solo, in the middle of a could weekend. This way I managed to lower my ego by 50%, freeze my balls but, it was worth it. Although I was far from achiving the summit, I had a wintery experience, and cured my low altitude sicknes.

Skiing up to the Bishop pass is a wonderful trip. The altitude gain is less that 1000ft from the south lake. The way crosses countless lakes, all frozen and nice peaks, like Hurd.

On the way is also Mt. Goode, another source of frustration for me. I already tried to climb it twice (north buttress) and had to bail. The route is in the picture.
The first time, we tried the direct 5.10 start, and bailed because Eric got bad rock fall. The second time it is embarrasing to tell...

On the Thunderbolt ridge, across the Dusy basin, I pitched my tent.

From there I could see Isoscelles peak...

An Thunderbolt.
I should have climbed the peak that evening, since I got to camp by 1pm. But thought that a bit of aclimatization would be good. However that night I got could, and the stove was not working anymore. Now without water, I was not in the mood for climbing. And had to go down.