Gnarly

Sometimes the outdoors has teeth.

As previously mentioned, Becky sustained a pretty hardy injury on the trail. It happened on the descent, close to the top and she hiked the rest of the way like this.(Dr visit shown no breaks or tears, so she'll be back with us in no time)

Respect

Mt Ellinor July 9, 2010 last post

Starting down the southwest side. Considerably less snow this way(for a bit anyway)






Addie waiting for everybody to catch up



Ran into heavy snow again, skirting around the SW side



Spread out



This is where I wished for my snowboard. Next time.



The only bummer of the day was Becky fell on a steep snow patch and couldn't stop herself from sliding. Ran into a tree and banged up her leg badly. The really unfortunate thing was that this happened close to the top, so she had to go quite a ways that way. Some would have complained mightily in this situation, but being from the A-Team, she refused to be a baby about it and we made our descent. I'm hoping to get a picture of the damage today..

Liam providing encouragement for the wounded hiker



The end

Mt Ellinor July 9, 2010 part 4

Nice work people



Group shot



Myself in action



Last shot at the top



We came up the winter route, decided to go down the summer route. Skirting around the summit

Mt Ellinor July 9, 2010 part 3

Pushing on



First peek over to the North



Are we there yet?



Stay away from that crack



Summit! Looking south



Looking north



Tough guys



Not really



Bodacious

Mt Ellinor July 9, 2010 part 2

Didn't take any pictures in the avalanche chute, but JD snapped this one of me using my handy "grab onto the pack of the person in front of you and let them tow you up" move. Until this point, Becky just thought it was the altitude making it hard to climb




Out of the chute, but it didn't get any flatter. Addie leading the charge



Marching on




A flat spot!






Then we continued on, Liam out in front.





Hoping that crack in the snow wouldn't get bigger and transport us all quickly back down the mountain.

Mt Ellinor July 9, 2010 part 1

I've been itching to show a few friends Mt Ellinor and Friday was the planned day. I checked conditions and due to heavy snow, the route was a little more challenging than normal. Everyone balked.

Everyone that is, except my go to people in times when mental toughness is needed- The A Team. Even after they told me they were in, I went to great lengths to explain that this is a strenuous hike, even when there isn't a ton of snow but they were not to be deterred. I dig this about them, and they have to have some of the gamest and toughest kids I'm proud to know(of mud run fame, see previous posts).

Trailhead, 7:30AM itching to go(minus one with previous commitment)



Hitting snowline, destination in background




The wide angle lens makes this look quite a bit flatter than it was. The snow was wet and slippery so we had to go slow and follow in each others footsteps to keep from sliding back down to the trail.







Next challenge, the avalanche chute.



Life is calling, more later