My Near Death Weekend Vacation...
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So our annual 10 year hiking trip of death took place this past weekend. (The last hike of three guys ( Nathan, Darryl, Myself ) was probably one of the most enduring hikes of my life). Us Three along with three new recruits headed out.
We should have known we were not prepared when the snow started falling within the first 2 minutes of the hike. We pressed on…. When we reached the summit of the trip (about 6000 feet) the temperature was 15 with a 35 MPH wind… (a wind chill of -30 F). Painful? Yes… it was reminiscent of our climb in the artic a few years ago. But forget the pain, it was beautiful!
We headed for a lean-to that night we did get a fire started, and enjoyed a low of 5 F. Cold? To put it mildly. I was worried about my nose getting frost bite, (Since ever time I woke up it was uncovered). Little did we know, Phillip would wake up with frostbite. “The ends of my toes feel like they have been cut open… That’s normal in the cold… Right?” But the lean-to was delux accomodations, including a moldering John!
The next day was warmer, but when we hit the 14 mile mark, one of the team fell in agony, with what appears to be a baseball on his back/spine we decided to set camp. I hitchhiked down to town to get our truck and other supplies. (Thanks random people who gave me a ride). Upon return there were two ladies in there 60’s coming off the trail. They had been on the trail since April, and was calling it quits after “the worst two days and night of the whole trip” (Yes the ones we chose to hike on). (Phillip said “Worst night of your trip? That was the worst night of my life!”) So after hitchhiking, helping hitchhikers and surviving both… I headed back to camp… For the last night of what Phillip would call. “Hades on Earth”
Want to see what the pain was like? Watch this Video! Get the Feel (1.5 MB)
Comments
I thank Jehovah for his loving kindness in not letting me go on that trip. I feel sorry for you Phil. Very sorry. I hope you regain feeling in your toes.
Posted by: What, You're Expecting My Name Here? | November 30, 2004 09:41 AM
Wow, Ifeel chilly watching the video.
I also feel kinda smug that ND has been unseasonably warm the past 2 months and everyone else is getting bombed with coldness. ha
Posted by: Dylan | November 30, 2004 09:45 AM
I am immensely disappointed you did not take Mark with you and tie him to a tree in sub-zero weather...
Posted by: I Speak For All | November 30, 2004 10:38 AM
Good lord. Is Phillip going to get to keep his toes? That trip is pretty screwed up. Cool pictures though.
Posted by: Jon Houser | November 30, 2004 11:05 AM
Those are beautiful pictures, I wonder why someone would choose to hike in that type weather, wearing blue jeans, they do sell appropriate hiking wear for that type weather.
Posted by: Martha | November 30, 2004 05:05 PM
Um, ya'll should try beer and pizza for fun like normal guys. Phillip, next time wear pantyhose under your socks and it helps keep the toes warm. hehe
Posted by: Stephanie | December 1, 2004 09:44 AM
Well martha I'm the first to admit I wasn't ready for this... I mean I almost didnt take a coat. Ha... now that would have been a bad idea. But hey... ya know. And well after I hitchhiked out of the mountains I was instructed to return not only with help, but beer and steaks... go figure.
Posted by: itzjerm | December 1, 2004 10:22 AM
where is the sled and dogs?....mush!!!
Posted by: kate | December 3, 2004 05:06 PM