Rik
02-08-2010, 12:23 PM
Eric and I had planned to do something a little longer this past weekend but being weak from too much weight loss decided on an old standby. We had also spent most of our energy before the hike even started trying to decide between webbing and climbing rope. We wanted to make sure that if we needed to use the rope to descend a tricky spot it would have the load bearing properties to handle the job. We also had to commission some sketches on how to properly rig the rope. So it was with packs heavy with rope and sketches that we started this climb.
Arriving at the trailhead we noted that it was nicely plowed. We also noted one other car. So much for a wilderness experience. Getting ready at her car was a woman named Donna. I signed us in while chatty Eric got her life story. She was going up in crampons. We both decided on snowshoes. Either one was a good choice. As we started up the trail Eric kept talking and this allowed his new friend Donna to join us. She would stay with us the rest of the morning and was good company.
It wasn't long before we had to choose which peak to do first. We all readily agreed on Porter and before long we were on top with no views. So much for the weather predictions that lead both Eric and Donna to bring cameras. We didn't stay long. Just long enough for me to get my tea out of the 4 socks and cozy it had been resting in. Too hot to drink.
We made quick work back towards Cascade where we dropped packs and rigged ropes. Donna continued in crampons while I tested the durability of the new Tubbs on the open rocks of Cascade. It was cold and windy on the summit but still no real views. We could see down to the road but could not see other peaks. Eric's heart was broken. I held out hope for views on the way down but knew we had our work cut out for us just evacuating Eric with his broken heart. Only 8.3 miles to get to the car. Donna was a big help in getting Eric out. He was pretty dehydrated from all the crying but when I offered him some tea he said it was too hot and burnt his tongue. Now we had another injury to deal with.
Getting Eric down and in the car was only step one. I rushed him to the Ausable Inn where some cold beer soothed his burnt tongue and mended his broken heart as well as rehydrating him. Close call.
It's dangerous out there. Be careful.
Arriving at the trailhead we noted that it was nicely plowed. We also noted one other car. So much for a wilderness experience. Getting ready at her car was a woman named Donna. I signed us in while chatty Eric got her life story. She was going up in crampons. We both decided on snowshoes. Either one was a good choice. As we started up the trail Eric kept talking and this allowed his new friend Donna to join us. She would stay with us the rest of the morning and was good company.
It wasn't long before we had to choose which peak to do first. We all readily agreed on Porter and before long we were on top with no views. So much for the weather predictions that lead both Eric and Donna to bring cameras. We didn't stay long. Just long enough for me to get my tea out of the 4 socks and cozy it had been resting in. Too hot to drink.
We made quick work back towards Cascade where we dropped packs and rigged ropes. Donna continued in crampons while I tested the durability of the new Tubbs on the open rocks of Cascade. It was cold and windy on the summit but still no real views. We could see down to the road but could not see other peaks. Eric's heart was broken. I held out hope for views on the way down but knew we had our work cut out for us just evacuating Eric with his broken heart. Only 8.3 miles to get to the car. Donna was a big help in getting Eric out. He was pretty dehydrated from all the crying but when I offered him some tea he said it was too hot and burnt his tongue. Now we had another injury to deal with.
Getting Eric down and in the car was only step one. I rushed him to the Ausable Inn where some cold beer soothed his burnt tongue and mended his broken heart as well as rehydrating him. Close call.
It's dangerous out there. Be careful.