I would not have rappelled right away. What we should have done is descend to the col at the top of the Stettner and crouch down on our packs for a while to let the storm clear out. Ropes will conduct electricity... luckily it didn't strike them. Waiting, though it would have been terrifying (heh... as if rappelling wasn't bad enough) may have been the safer thing to do, not to mention it would have given us time to figure out a better descent route. Despite all this, there were a lot of things that we did right. We worked well together and made things work. We didn't hesitate to leave gear when the time came. Everything was as safe as possible given our situation.
were moderately prepared! Epics always make great stories, but it does not matter if no one comes back to tell the tale. Be safe and have fun. Awesome story and great pics.
you nicely avoid the excesses of dramatizing, no need here, and tell a story important to be circulated about the Tetons, which are blessedly welcoming most of July, but can turn fast to fierce challenges.
I'm glad you made it down safely. I was on the Grand on this fateful day in July 2003, but made it down before the weather turned bad. You're very lucky to have survived the experience and I'm sure you'll be all the wiser for it.
jordansahls - Sep 6, 2007 8:00 pm - Voted 10/10
Close!What a nightmare! Still, it makes for one hell of a story.
NewDayRising - Sep 7, 2007 1:11 pm - Voted 10/10
very nice trglad you made it out alive. what would you have done differently?
Anneka - Sep 7, 2007 1:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: very nice trI would not have rappelled right away. What we should have done is descend to the col at the top of the Stettner and crouch down on our packs for a while to let the storm clear out. Ropes will conduct electricity... luckily it didn't strike them. Waiting, though it would have been terrifying (heh... as if rappelling wasn't bad enough) may have been the safer thing to do, not to mention it would have given us time to figure out a better descent route. Despite all this, there were a lot of things that we did right. We worked well together and made things work. We didn't hesitate to leave gear when the time came. Everything was as safe as possible given our situation.
coloradoclimber - Sep 7, 2007 2:24 pm - Voted 10/10
great!sounds like an exciting day. great pics
Dan Dalton - Sep 7, 2007 3:46 pm - Voted 10/10
At least you...were moderately prepared! Epics always make great stories, but it does not matter if no one comes back to tell the tale. Be safe and have fun. Awesome story and great pics.
Dan
aglane - Sep 7, 2007 9:17 pm - Voted 10/10
Well-written accountyou nicely avoid the excesses of dramatizing, no need here, and tell a story important to be circulated about the Tetons, which are blessedly welcoming most of July, but can turn fast to fierce challenges.
Alpinist - Sep 8, 2007 12:27 am - Voted 10/10
Outstanding trip report!I'm glad you made it down safely. I was on the Grand on this fateful day in July 2003, but made it down before the weather turned bad. You're very lucky to have survived the experience and I'm sure you'll be all the wiser for it.