Having just skied down from the summit of Ellingwood Point, most of the days climbing was already done. From a bit over the 13,000 foot mark, we switched out of ski mode and into climb mode and although Blanca Peak is the 4th highest peak in the state, from here it's pretty easy.

Christy and I took turns kicking steps up the snow covered face which right below its summit became a bit more patchy. Our solo friend we met on Ellingwood a short time ago was headed this way as well, choosing the route along the ridge between the peaks and not on the face. We would meet him again up top.

It was a beautiful day on the summit, a slight breeze and very sunny. For me, good weather in May at 14,000 feet with snow all around and skis on my feet, is about as nice a day as you can have, so we hung out up top for a while to enjoy it. With the ski line facing west we had plenty of time before we needed to get going.

When we finally did, and after some more creative route finding, we wove a line off the top through ribbons of snow. Eventually we made it to the more filled in part of the face and cruised down past the high alpine frozen lakes and back to the tent.

Facing the hot, arduous walk back down the road to the truck wasn't that bad this time, after having such a cool day up above.

So far this May has been pretty good to us, might as well keep at it. What to do next?