All one had to do was observe the night sky ( and listen to the weather channel) to know that when our team awoke last night /this mornning shortly after midnight, they would be facing some tough weather. Connie and GRo ( our staff at base camp) hiked to find reception to call in a report at 7:30 this morning: Heavy winds have challenged them all night along with a steady drizzle of rain. We were concerned about rock falls, what with less snow, hotter weather and the rain served to make it much tougher. This is the time to remind ourselves that it is about the journey- not the summit.
With the high winds and rain there was a bit of dodging going on in the area of Trinity chutes- which is exactly why they all wear helmets. A couple of climbers were hit by rock fall but are OK ( I did not say boulders for those of you with rampant imaginations). Guides, our team doc Sean have attended to them and they, under their own steam are up and walking, making their way back down to base camp. Connie Zupan ( CA)and Stacy Schaaf (VT).
Continuing on , at about 11,000 feet at the "Heart" groups from West and East Coasts turned around and headed back down to base camp: Join us in honoring and celebrating the incredible effort of our team mebers who gave their all to reach heights never imagined : Carol Melberg (CA), Kirsti Spiva ( CA), Daya Fisch (CA), Nancy Cochrane(CA),Karen Ransom ( CA);Anita Nager ( NY),Kara Wentwork ( WA), Sondra Johnson, Judy Myer,( Iowa Girls), Laura Lifland ( NY), Susan Ruddick (NY).
Other rope teams are continuing up, having made it through the rock fall areas and the effects of weather and altitude. We'll keep you posted as the day goes on. Please keep them all in your hearts and honor their dedication and fortitude.
Jeanne Rizzo here w/ Ariane Trelaun and Julie Homan
Knitting group says hurray for Anita and Kara!!!
Posted by: Barbara Raff | July 11, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Good job everybody! Not an easy climb today, and you really got a long way. We're thinking about you here at Mountain Travel Sobek, and wishing you all a safe return to Horse Camp.
Posted by: Anne Wood | July 11, 2007 at 11:29 AM