So Mike, Brent Wilson (a friend from my ward and of Julie and Rich), and I decided to climb the highest mountain in Idaho in October. We left base camp at 5:40 in the morning, it was cold down there which gave us a clue about what we may be facing. We hiked through packed down snow for just over 2 hours before Mike - who led the way - started to break a trail for us through several feet of crusted over snow. At one point we we scrambling up crusted snow on all fours. We would kick or knee a foot hold in the snow and then punch one in with our hands and slowly climb up.
Well we only made part way up Chicken out ridge. When we got there the wind unexpectedly picked up and the temperature plummeted to the single digits. As we started to climb up the Chicken out Ridge we decided it was too cold, too icy, and too snowy to try to go any higher. We all got really nervous so wisely but sadly turned around.
It took us just over three hours to reach the spot of our failure and around 2 to come down. In one of the pictures you can make out the trail we followed up the mountain. Special kudos to Mike who led us up the mountain and then broke a trail for Brent and I as we started our last ascent. It was a really fun trip and we plan on doing it again next summer when the snow has melted. We are now really sore and our fingers and toes are just now getting feeling back into them.
10 comments:
I am still cold, really. Lots of fun though. I can't get tired of letting this mountain beat me into submission.
I am excited to try it this spring.
You guys are brave. I had trouble doing it in the summertime with no snow or wind or single digit temperatures. And as your mother can I just say I am grateful you know when to turn back. The mountain will be there for another day.Good job guys.
And by the way, where is my family picture for the blog itself. Dad and I had nothing to do with the Darth Vader thing. In fact we never saw it.
I think it's tough you guys went in the most hazardous weather weekend of the year. Good job getting as far as you did. I'm in for next summer.
I will MAYBE try in two years if anyone is up for that. Great pictures, guys-- it looks like you had fun for the portion that you made. I am impressed.
On second thought, that picture of someone's feet angled down the mountain reminded me that I am deathly afraid of heights.
I'm with Julie. The only reason I made it to the top of Timpanogos was because someone basically pulled me up there. Isn't vertigo awfully disruptive? But I cheer all those brave people who can climb mountains without flinching! :)
I stand in awe of anyone even attempting such a feat in winter. I'm glad you used such good judgement, though. It looks like a fun adventure!
Bummer Mike, Fourth time will be a charm (fourth this year, right?)well it will be next year...way to go all of yas
Also, I like the new family picture. Can whoever posted that email me a copy Pweety Pwease?!
Last Friday, when I was walking up the hill and viewing the very snow-covered Lost River Range, I thought about my nephews climbing Mt.Borah the next day. I'm glad you were brave enough to try but even more happy that you were smart enough to know when to call it good and go down. You are awesome guys and your "antie" loves you!
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