Ok - so it turns out that my earlier post was an under-reporting ( honestly given with the info at hand) about the rock slide above the 'Heart' of Avalanche Gulch yesterday. A boulder perched high atop the mountain fell from its ice pedastal and came bouncing down the side of the mountain splitting into two VW bug sized pieces that cascaded down toward the area where three teams of climbers were preparing to head up to Red Banks. High above them were two other teams who from their vantage point saw the boulder begin its descent and with Cathy Ann Taylor and guides shouting "ROCK" , the alert spread thru the teams. The guides flew into action and with expert assessment of its trajectory, they literally pushed, pulled and shouted the teams to safety. Their experience and the responsiveness of our climbers to their commands no doubt saved us all immeasureable heartache. Sean, the doc who was lower down w/ Jen Carr escorting a climber with altitude sickness down saw it unfold and scrambled up to assess and assist. There was some question as to Stacey Schaff's injury by the grazing boulder and Connie Zupan's bruised ribs from the efforts of guide Dane dramatically moving her out of harm's way - but it turns out neither are seriously injured. Having doc Sean on the mountain backing up the EMT trained guides made the difference in the world. I'm sure there will be many stories that come off the mountain today - from scrapes and bruises and psyche's numbed by the experience to the deep personal reflections that come from having mother nature humble us. It would seem fitting that we create the "Royal Order of Boulder-Dashers "for all who have shared in this 2007 Climb Against the Odds journey with the team members and guides holding the special charter member rank and the rest of us being honorary members. I'm thinking we need some volunteers to generate graphics for it.
With deep gratitude to Jen and Chris and the Shasta Mountain Guides and to doc Sean for protecting our very precious team. And for the butterflies that must have been up there somewhere yesterday.
Keep climbing, with love
Jeanne
Dear 2007 Climbers,
My heart has been with you all during this most amazing climb. Much love to you all and enjoy the love and camaraderie I'm sure you have all developed.
Tawny 2006 Climb Against the Odds
Posted by: Tawny Martin | July 15, 2007 at 01:49 AM
I am so thankful that everyone came out of that experience safe.Dane is my son and I would trust him with my life. He speaks very highly of your group and looks forward every year for your arrival.
Thank you for being so kind to him.
Kathie brinkley
Posted by: Kathie Brinkley | July 13, 2007 at 02:18 PM
And even more inspiring after I read this!
I could feel the thunder all around you in Jeanne's words. What amazing action -- and what a beautiful stroke of grace.
Godspeed to all of you.
Susan Braun
Posted by: Susan Braun | July 12, 2007 at 05:50 PM
What an amazing and inspiring group you all are: Those who climbed, and those who are supporting the climbers. I have been checking the blog regularly. Breath-taking, heart-throbbing.
Your passion has carried all the way to where I sit, safely indoors in New York State. Have a grand celebration!
Janet Gray
Posted by: MooseHill | July 12, 2007 at 01:05 PM