If a rock that large was peeling away in front of me I don't think I would be so aware of all the details of what was happening. So glad things turned out okay!
Thanks! We had guardian angles that day (I'd like to think one of them was my Dad). A smack upside the head like this does wonders.
ExcitableBoy - Oct 3, 2009 10:12 am - Hasn't voted
Wow
Almost the exact same thing happened when I was leading the Girth Pillar route on Mt Stuart. I was considerably less lucky than Fred. Glad you are both ok.
What happened there? Is that the broken arm thing you refer to? That would so suck.
One thing I have played out in my head, is what if Fred had been too hurt to continue. It has been a point of discussion between us. We had the bare necessities for a bivouac along and had a friend who knew where we were and a specific panic time. It still would have been most miserable. Fred thinks it best for me to rappel off, and I maintain that 2 can survive a night out better than one, especially if one is hurt. This happened around 1:30 pm. Glad we didn't have to test our opposing theories!
silversummit - Oct 2, 2009 8:31 pm - Voted 10/10
Well written!If a rock that large was peeling away in front of me I don't think I would be so aware of all the details of what was happening. So glad things turned out okay!
Moni - Oct 2, 2009 8:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Well written!Thanks - it all happens so fast and yet so slow that certain things just sear in your mind - especially if you think they may be your last!
magellan - Oct 3, 2009 12:26 am - Voted 9/10
ThanksI appreciate you making the point Moni. I'm sorry it came at your expense. Heal quickly you two, the mountains call.
Moni - Oct 3, 2009 9:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: ThanksThanks! We had guardian angles that day (I'd like to think one of them was my Dad). A smack upside the head like this does wonders.
ExcitableBoy - Oct 3, 2009 10:12 am - Hasn't voted
WowAlmost the exact same thing happened when I was leading the Girth Pillar route on Mt Stuart. I was considerably less lucky than Fred. Glad you are both ok.
Moni - Oct 3, 2009 9:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: WowWhat happened there? Is that the broken arm thing you refer to? That would so suck.
One thing I have played out in my head, is what if Fred had been too hurt to continue. It has been a point of discussion between us. We had the bare necessities for a bivouac along and had a friend who knew where we were and a specific panic time. It still would have been most miserable. Fred thinks it best for me to rappel off, and I maintain that 2 can survive a night out better than one, especially if one is hurt. This happened around 1:30 pm. Glad we didn't have to test our opposing theories!
Holsti97 - Oct 4, 2009 8:21 am - Voted 10/10
I'm glad you folks...are okay. Great story and trip report. One that you will luckily be re-telling for many years.
albanberg - Oct 4, 2009 1:11 pm - Voted 10/10
sheesh!Glad you two are ok!
BobSmith - Oct 4, 2009 2:36 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice report.I've about decided to stick to Class III and easier. Nice to know that your experience and care succeeded in saving you from a bad end.
mvs - Oct 4, 2009 5:31 pm - Voted 10/10
so gladthat you guys are okay! Thanks for sharing the cautionary tale too.
lcarreau - Oct 5, 2009 8:12 pm - Voted 10/10
Like ya say, things happen...I was working with a NPS trail crew rerouting a trail across a
talus field (at MRNP) in 1989.
All of a sudden, one of the larger boulders shifted, pinning my
co-worker's right leg between two very large boulders.
After slipping free, he was "gurneyed out" to the awaiting
paramedics. Took him at least six weeks to recover.
Lots of things can go haywire; glad you folks survived it okay!
Moni - Oct 5, 2009 9:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Like ya say, things happen...Shit happens, but at the same time, if you do things correctly, you have the where-with-all to deal with them.
lcarreau - Oct 5, 2009 10:31 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Like ya say, things happen...Yeah. In other words, you can't be a dummy.
It also helps to NOT be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Moni - Oct 6, 2009 9:28 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Like ya say, things happen...But requires clairvoyance I just don't have! :-))
Vid Pogachnik - Oct 6, 2009 5:27 pm - Voted 10/10
Hi, Moni, Fred!despite an awful experience, it's a good news that you are both well. Good that you did no mistake!
All the best to you!
Vid
Moni - Oct 6, 2009 7:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Hi, Moni, Fred!Thanks, Vid, for the good wishes!
MoapaPk - Oct 6, 2009 8:21 pm - Voted 10/10
I hate loose rockStill have a rotator cuff injury from December 2007, when I caught a big slab.
Very good analysis. People get too comfortable, and then they die.
Moni - Oct 7, 2009 8:31 am - Hasn't voted
Re: I hate loose rockI have always been really leery about loose rock and the Cascades are notorious for it.
Guyzo - Oct 7, 2009 12:50 am - Voted 10/10
Unbelievable!Unbelievable!
I am so glad you are ok.
WoundedKnee - Oct 8, 2009 11:29 am - Voted 10/10
Yikes!Glad you two are OK. Makes me appreciate our solid rock here in the Southeast even more...