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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 23, 2017 - 09:12pm PT
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Hey friends and acquaintances, if you're in the neighborhood, please stop by to join me in the Tetons for walks, climbs, conversation,...whatever. I'm planning on being in the Tetons from July 25 to August 15. I'll be staying at the AAC climbers ranch, so should be easy to find.
Here's the back story, with apologies to those who have heard it already. Sixty years ago, as it turns out on the day I'll be arriving this summer, the Exum guides shepherded the 13 year-old mini-me up the Owen-Spaulding route on the the Grand, initiating, for a dyed-in-the-wool city boy with a family that thought "outdoor activity" meant a walk in Central Park, a lifelong love of mountains and the climbing arts associated with them.
This 73 year-old version of that long-ago boy has a lot of crag and mountain mileage on the chassis, and every part way out of warrantee (including a cadaver ACL that is surprised and not all that happy to be pressed back into service after what looked like the promise of eternal rest). The old junker is heading back for a reunion---or is it a pilgrimage---to the place where it all began, and part of what would make it worthwhile would be to see folks I haven't seen in years and meet people I've only conversed with electronically. (And if we've had conflicts on the information highway, all is forgiven, as the cliche "life is too short" takes on meaning proportional to how literally true it has become.)
Although I'll be happy just being out there for a spell, I would like to climb some things, including the Grand. The trouble is that I've been pretty much a low-country rock climber for at least the past 20 years, and have no idea how I'll feel slogging up endless scree and then trying to climb at 10,000 feet plus. I'm planning on a modest first week of mostly hiking and maybe some easy climbs, and then I think I'll know better what I might be able to do in the subsequent two weeks. As far as climbing goes, I want to stay as far off the beaten path as possible, and have quite a few ideas about how to do that enjoyably, if the rusty old body parts agree to cooperate.
So stop on by if you can, I'd love to see you!
I'm going to apologize ahead of time for periodic bumping for the coming several weeks, since we all know how long a note like this will last in the visible spectrum of Supertopo threads, and I'd like to have as many potential companions as possible see it.
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
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Jun 23, 2017 - 09:17pm PT
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Sounds great. Don't you want to stay through the 21st solar eclipse since you're already there?
It's not to missed!
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Jun 23, 2017 - 09:20pm PT
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If I was still functional I'd meet you there, Rich, and we could visit the Jenny Lake boulders.
Just joking. Have a great time!
;>)
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jun 23, 2017 - 09:37pm PT
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Some long idle gears are turning and the drawbridge is lowering...Hmmmmm!
I was just pondering seeing if you might be interested John...Double Hmmmmm!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2017 - 09:55pm PT
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Sounds great. Don't you want to stay through the 21st solar eclipse since you're already there?
It's not to missed!
Actually, I was careful to leave a week before that event. I'm pretty sure the park will be jammed to the gills and I don't want to be anywhere near the crowds I think are going to congregate. For example, I noticed a single meetup of people planning on viewing the eclipse from the summit of the Grand that had 298 signups. That's just one meetup. So no, I'm gonna be outta there by then.
If I was still functional I'd meet you there, Rich, and we could visit the Jenny Lake boulders.
I'll probably walk over there to have a look at our old stomping grounds John, but looking would be the extent of my "visit." That cadaver ACL, as well as the manufacturer's original equipment in the other knee, have declared a permanent moratorium on jumping off anything, even (and perhaps especially) onto those pad thingies that we never had BITD.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 24, 2017 - 04:48am PT
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They were looking good Thursday!
I couldn't get the bus driver to stop though.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Jun 24, 2017 - 06:29am PT
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Rich, I may take you up on that. I'll be in Bozeman the week before, after reading Kelsey's new book I just have to get back to the Winds. The Tetons are in route and I have planned to spend some time there! Safe travels.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 24, 2017 - 08:23am PT
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I've been reading Kelsey's book too and have the same nostalgia---the Winds are my favorite place, and once I discovered them Jackson Hole became little more than the staging area for Wind River trips. But the Tetons, in addition to being the place where I started on this journey, is also logistically far simpler for me in the absence of a single partner.
I have been musing for some time about hiking the length of the Wind River range (sans climbing gear and so with greatly reduced pack weight). Maybe next year, if my body holds up to the Tetons well enough.
Anyway Charlie, please do stop by if you are coming through when I'm around.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 24, 2017 - 11:22am PT
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They were looking good Thursday!
Wow, Reilly, that's a lot of snow. Looks like Garnet Canyon is snow down to the platforms and the East Face of Teewinot is snow down to almost the valley floor.
I've been to the Tetons in late June and don't think we had that much snow...
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steve shea
climber
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Jun 24, 2017 - 11:34am PT
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You should be ok by the time you arrive. Temps in mid 70's to low 80's now. The runoff however is at almost historic levels. The Gros Vente has taken out Cattlemen's Bridge on Spring Gulch road and reduced the Kelly road to one lane, maybe. It could wash the entire width the way things are going. The Snake is raging.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jun 24, 2017 - 01:04pm PT
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Hey Steve- Write me at scgrossman@msn.com as an old friend of yours Chip would like to get in touch with you again. I sent you an email through the ST mail but it doesn't seem to be working.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 25, 2017 - 07:28am PT
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Thanks for the update Steve. I'll leave the snow pickets at home and bring my water wings.
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steve shea
climber
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Jun 25, 2017 - 08:53am PT
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Rich I might be around when you are here if you need a climbing partner. I never know, summer is a fluid schedule. Also my house is on the Moose Wilson rd. four miles from GTNP. We are almost in the glide path for the eclipse. Just pull out a lawn chair and your glacier glasses. No crowds dead end road.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 25, 2017 - 10:36am PT
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Wow Steve, thanks for the offers. I'll try to stay in touch...
As for the eclipse, I carefully planned to be far out of town before that happened on the assumption that the crowds would not enhance my experience, but thanks so much for the lawn chair offer.
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Jun 25, 2017 - 10:51am PT
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We'll be leaving the ranch on the 25th. Maybe we'll bump into on your way in!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 25, 2017 - 11:03am PT
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Hope so Brian! I should be pulling in early afternoon on the 25th (leaving that morning from SLC), and you'd be the ideal person to let me know about current conditions!
So much so that I'd make an effort to leave earlier if it made a difference in our meeting up or not...
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 26, 2017 - 02:06am PT
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Rich. bummed we won't be able to meet up out there. isa and I are both injured and staying close to home this summer...
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Nick Danger
Ice climber
Arvada, CO
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Jun 26, 2017 - 06:16am PT
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Rich,
I could justify a trip to the Tetons during that time period just to hang with you. I, too, have a cadaver ACL; I requested velociraptor tissue but I don't think the surgeon was able to come through for me on that one. My various OEM and aftermarket parts vary in their crabbiness on a daily schedule, but I can think of no more wonderful person to take the old chassis out to "see waddle she do" than your own august self. If I make it I'll bring all of the usual accoutrements just to be prepared for any level of stupidity.
Would very much love to meet you in person.
cheers
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 06:59am PT
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isa and I are both injured and staying close to home this summer...
So sorry to hear that. It does have way of coming with the territory. I guess if you are going to be injured, there's comfort and camaraderie in both being injured. Couples rehab!
Hope you heal up well, and...there's always next year...
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Happy Cowboy
Social climber
Boz MT
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Jun 26, 2017 - 07:04am PT
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Hey Rich, great plans. Wish you a Grand experience. If by chance you're passing the Gallatin valley you'd be welcome.
Charlie D, when in Boze give me a call. You still have my contacts?
As I type I can see Jeannie's house, where your friend Dick D visits.
Safe travel and adventure to all.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 09:25am PT
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Would love to meet the Man, the Myth, the Legend......
The man (in a version slightly the worse for wear) is available! Not sure when I'll be back to CA again though. Meanwhile, here is an updated shot:
The myth is, no doubt, just that.
The pic you posted is interesting. I can't remember who I was climbing with, but none of that is my gear---note the puzzled expression. I don't own a single sport draw, for example...
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Jun 26, 2017 - 09:34am PT
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Would that I could this year. Have fun!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 11:53am PT
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I, too, have a cadaver ACL; I requested velociraptor tissue but I don't think the surgeon was able to come through for me on that one. My various OEM and aftermarket parts vary in their crabbiness on a daily schedule, but I can think of no more wonderful person to take the old chassis out to "see waddle she do" than your own august self. If I make it I'll bring all of the usual accoutrements just to be prepared for any level of stupidity.
A dodderfest! Sounds good to me Nick.
Due to the shortage of velociraptor parts, I think my ACL came from the Achilles tendon of the Little Old Lady from Pasadena, may the rest of her rest in peace. (She drives real fast and she drives real hard, she's the terror of Colorado Boulevard.)
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OnsightOrGoHome
Trad climber
Fair Oaks
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Jun 26, 2017 - 07:23pm PT
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Rich,
I have a Lupine Meadows trail permit (for 6) for Tuesday August 8th to take my 82 year old dad and 13 year old son up Exum Ridge or Owens-Spalding. You're welcome to join us. I may have a brother, sister, and brother-in-law joining us as well (we're all climbers). We'll be camping at the Morraine Camp site Tuesday night and climbing on Wednesday. And yes, we'll be moving slowly, so both our cadaver ACLs should have no problem!
Ron
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 07:45pm PT
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Hey Ron, thanks so much for the invite!
Major props to your Dad! I'm nine years younger and am not sure how I'll do.
I might take you up on your offer, but in all honesty I'm hoping to stay away from the most popular Teton routes and camping spots. If I can't do something a bit more ambitious on the Grand, I might default to the Exum, but might also decide it's not meant to be.
Will you be staying at the AAC Ranch?
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OnsightOrGoHome
Trad climber
Fair Oaks
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Jun 26, 2017 - 07:53pm PT
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We'll be traveling in luxury, 35-foot motorhome, and visiting Yellowstone NP prior to the Grand. Not sure where we'll be parking.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jun 26, 2017 - 07:58pm PT
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Some people say that there's nobody meana than the Little Old Lady from Pasadena. Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny Go!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 07:58pm PT
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Ron, maybe up at Colter Bay? When to you think you'll actually arrive in Jackson Hole?
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2017 - 08:04pm PT
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Some people say that there's nobody meana than the Little Old Lady from Pasadena. Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny Go!
For the youngsters:
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2017 - 01:19pm PT
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Re Steve's comments about raging runoff: Gros Ventre Road a week ago (from GTNP FB page)
And here's what's making all that water: Hanging Canyon on June 8
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 27, 2017 - 03:52pm PT
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is that Symetery spire?
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2017 - 08:19pm PT
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Left to right: Storm Point, Ice Point, Symmetry Spire, Hanging Canyon, Mount St. John.
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Jun 27, 2017 - 08:46pm PT
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I have a Lupine Meadows trail permit (for 6) for Tuesday August 8th . . .
What's that?
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OnsightOrGoHome
Trad climber
Fair Oaks
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Jun 27, 2017 - 11:42pm PT
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A permit from the NPS is required for all overnight backcountry travel in the park. My permit is for 6 people starting at the Lupine Meadows trailhead on August 8th.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 28, 2017 - 03:20am PT
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summit ridge of symetry spire last year on July 9th. not too much snow. we did not need axes or crampons for approach or decent...
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2017 - 01:25pm PT
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I think there's gonna be more that that this year TMC. I read that the backcountry snowpack is the deepest ever this year.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Jun 29, 2017 - 01:28pm PT
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Yea. i posted that shot for compareson...
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2017 - 07:36am PT
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Bump (with content): more high-water erosion in Grand Teton National Park, this time River Road, a dirt road that (not surprisingly) runs along the Snake River.
And lots and lots of snow in Hanging Canyon:
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 3, 2017 - 09:15pm PT
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Another content bump: the Grand seen from Middle Teton at the beginning of July 2017.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 4, 2017 - 09:01am PT
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Looks as if most of the Owen-Spaulding approach/descent from Upper to Lower Saddles is snow-covered.
Here's what the Jenny Lake Ranger Blog has to say as of July 1:
Hikers and climbers continue to have to deal with significant snowy travel at the higher elevations and in the upper halves of the Park's canyons. Ice axes (and crampons in the early morning hours) continue to be necessary in order to safely approach and descend from the Lower Saddle, the Owen-Spalding Route on the Grand Teton, and many of the Park's alpine rock climbs. Mountain passes along the Teton Crest Trail also require an ice axe for safe passage and hikers should be prepared to deal with many, many miles of snow travel along the route! Many canyon trails are difficult to follow above their halfway points.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 23, 2017 - 05:09pm PT
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Bump for a love affair six decades in the making.
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L
climber
Just Livin' the Dream...
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The old junker is heading back for a reunion---or is it a pilgrimage---to the place where it all began...
Hey Richie,
How's the pilgrimage going?
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Are you surviving, Ol' Buddy?
Relax on the Jenny Lake boulders.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 26, 2017 - 10:20pm PT
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I'll try to post something longer in a bit. I returned with only a little time to get ready for the Fall Semester and some family obligations to boot so am a bit short on time for posting. Or maybe I'll just incrementally flesh this out...
I had a great time. Did I find what I was looking for? I have to quote Joe Kelsey's book title (and refer you to the book for the source---https://www.amazon.com/Place-Which-Search-Summers-Rivers/dp/0692737596 ): Perhaps...I'm not sure...but the Tetons were surely a good place in which to search.
I had an active stay, with something at least moderately strenuous on 13 out of about 17 available days. I didn't climb as much as I hoped, managing only three pretty basic Teton rock climbs (Cube Point, Guide's Wall, and The Open Book).
Passing by Ampitheater Lake on the way down from Disappointment Peak:
I hadn't really thought much about scrambling peaks, but ended up climbing Table Mountain (a hike to about 11,500 ft), South Teton (3rd class), and the East Ridge of Buck Mountain (4th class if you do it right, but I didn't and encountered some low 5th class).
If you care to count Mount Elly and Cody Peak at the Southern end of the range, I managed five summits.
(Mount Elly is stretching it as it is just a bump on a ridge.) Many of the days were long, because as Jesse Owens famously said in a TV ad that aired just after he had died, "Now I'm moving at a slower pace." South Teton took me fifteen hours alone round trip and Buck Mountain took me 12 hours alone, and both involved racing potential afternoon thunderstorms. Meanwhile, some MAD (Mountain Athlete Dude) climbed the Grand three times in a single day (up and all the way back to Lupine Meadows three times).
I also managed I nice walk into New Fork Canyon in the Winds with my old pals Dick Dumais and Joe Kelsey...
...and had an interesting hike with Dick to Wind Cave in Targhee NF.
I had some bigger plans that didn't happen. Doing them required three conditions: partners, appropriate conditioning for me, and acceptable weather. Two out of the three conditions were met a number of times, but all three never came together. I thought I could get in good enough shape with some short but intense trail-running back home (in the six mile range) and then a week of hiking in the Tetons, but in retrospect I think I was only finally ready for my bigger projects at the end of the trip, when I had close to three strenuous weeks of activity under my belt. But the weather turned bad the last few days, and so that was that.
I don't have a shred of regret about those projects left undone. I got to spend about three weeks in the mountains of my youth, with a body that is is running on borrowed time, making every experience more precious. My pedestrian pace opened my eyes to my surroundings in ways I missed in my more athletic days, when it seemed important to keep my head down and move faster. I have lots of pictures to illustrate this point. Here's a sunrise on the Garnet Canyon trail on my way up South Teton.
and here is a sunset from the valley, just as a storm was clearing
and here, easily overlooked, are some Monkey Flowers near a stream in Stewart Draw on the way up to Buck Mountain
I never made it over to the Jenny Lake boulders. I have the fondest memories of spending time there with John, but I was anxious to get up into the canyons and onto the peaks, places that (I hope not) sooner but (inevitably) later will be beyond my capacities.
One of the great pleasures of the trip was reuniting with Dick Dumais and Joe Kelsey---we have shared history going back to the Gunks in the sixties, as well as climbs together around the West (Dick mentioned at one point that he and I had done the Snaz 50 years ago), but have not seen each other for 30 or 40 years. We old fogies, some of us sporting bionic enhancements, managed to dodder out some treks up to about 14 miles.
We're doin' what we can to keep on truckin'.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 27, 2017 - 04:49pm PT
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I added some pictures so am giving it a bump.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 27, 2017 - 04:59pm PT
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Nice pictures and story Rich! The Tetons are also the mountains of my youth. I went there immediately after getting out of the army where I was introduced to climbing while serving in the 7th Special Forces. Interestingly, Table Mountain was the first peak I ever climbed.
I still go back to the Tetons every Summer.....the place exerts a bond on you. Let me know if you're going back next year.
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wilbeer
Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
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Aug 27, 2017 - 08:00pm PT
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Aug 28, 2017 - 04:46pm PT
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Rich. Sounds like you had a great trip. Wish we could have met you out there. lioving in the east I feel it takes me 3 weeks of hikeing at altitude to get reasonably comfortable up high.. perhaps if I could take a few weeks off before trip and do the presi traverse and franconia ridge a bunch of times it would shorten that time. It's hard for me to get in mountain shape only training seriously on weekends...
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Aug 28, 2017 - 07:54pm PT
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Thanks for posting Rich, would have enjoyed meeting up with you but family duties prevailed up north.......next season perhaps, until then happy trails to you!!!
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
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Aug 29, 2017 - 12:56pm PT
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That's a lot of places, a lot of vertical, a lot of views and a lot of adventuring.
Thanks for the inspiration!
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clode
Trad climber
portland, or
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Aug 29, 2017 - 03:36pm PT
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Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I spent three weeks in the Tetons when I was 17, as part of a large group (Mazamas Annual Outing, 1972). I climbed the Grand twice in one week (the ice in Owen-Spalding ice chimney the first time was challenging, one week later it was almost all gone!), Teewinot, Buck Peak, Ice Point, Symmetry Spire, and others.
Where is the climber's ranch?
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 29, 2017 - 04:33pm PT
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The climbers ranch is directly below Garnet Canyon and the Grand Teton. When driving from Moose to Jenny Lake you will see a wooden sign for the Ranch. This is about two miles before Jenny Lake. You take a left at the sign and drive a half mile or so directly to the Ranch. You can hike directly into Garnet Canyon via a nice trail.
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L
climber
Just Livin' the Dream...
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Aug 29, 2017 - 06:08pm PT
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Great photos and a remarkably touching narrative, Richie.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 29, 2017 - 08:32pm PT
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A bunkhouse at the AAC Climber's Ranch...
and sunrise viewed from the ranch
Sunrise on the Garnet Canyon trail on the way up to South Teton
and higher up the Meadows and the South Fork of Garnet Canyon:
When you reach the col between Middle and South Tetons, there is an abrupt drop down to Iceflow Lake and a view of Table Mountain. The haze is smoke from fires in Idaho.
The col between Middle and South from the West (viewed from Table Mountain). Iceflow Lake is obscured by a low ridge.
Two of Mt. Moran and one of Teewinot
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Aug 30, 2017 - 10:27am PT
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Excellent trip report and great pictures Rich. Wish I could have joined you, Joe and Dick. Alan
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 30, 2017 - 11:52am PT
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Alan...we should have a reunion next year in the Teton's of members of the "Half Century Climber's Club," better known as the "La Brea Tarpits Climber's League."
Joe, Dick, Rich et al. I'll get McCarthy up there.
It would be the first one, we'll probably only have to do five...or less.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Aug 30, 2017 - 12:16pm PT
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Great idea, though maybe someplace a bit less intense--we're not all you, Jim, might be more appropriate--such as City of Rocks or the Meadows--unless they make the Lower Saddle "accessible" by then. Alan
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 30, 2017 - 12:24pm PT
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I love the COR....climbs of all grades, easy approaches and great camping.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Aug 30, 2017 - 12:55pm PT
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So let's start pounding the drum for a COR Half-Century Meet at the COR next summer--with the heartier ones also including the Tetons and/or Winds--the latter might get Arsenault along as well.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 30, 2017 - 12:57pm PT
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I could get into a City of Rocks visit, with maybe a trip into the Wind Rivers afterwards...assuming as always that the various out-of-warrantee body parts hold up.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 30, 2017 - 01:05pm PT
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I'm in....just set the date. I'll bring Ralph Tingey and pitch it to George Lowe.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 30, 2017 - 01:10pm PT
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One of the special things about this particular summer in the Tetons was the wildflowers, apparently a byproduct of the gargantuan snow loads this winter.
Dick Dumais in shoulder-height fireweed near Phillips Pass, Tetons, August 2017.
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Alan Rubin
climber
Amherst,MA.
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Aug 30, 2017 - 01:19pm PT
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True climbers--this summer isn't quite over and we are already planning the next one!!! Such plans and dreams are what keep us going, especially ones built on the fading season's adventures such as Rich has enjoyed.
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Aug 30, 2017 - 06:04pm PT
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Richard Dumais!!
Joe Kelsey!!
Richard Goldstone!!
As Perry Beckham once said to me, "Dinosaurs still walk the Earth."
Well told and shown.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Aug 30, 2017 - 06:22pm PT
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Holy potatoes! That's a lot of flowers rgold!
TFPU!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 30, 2017 - 07:12pm PT
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I added a few more pictures to http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=2988208&tn=60#msg3006234.
The shot of Table Mountain recalls another feature of the trip---really a generic feature of visiting the West in the summer---namely smoke, in this case from fires in Idaho. There were days when the haze almost obliterated the mountains.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 30, 2017 - 07:32pm PT
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Richard Dumais!!
Joe Kelsey!!
Richard Goldstone!!
As Perry Beckham once said to me, "Dinosaurs still walk the Earth."
(Repeated for the dinosaur theme.)
Approaching thunderstorms kept me from messin' with selfies on South Teton and Buck...
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 30, 2017 - 08:12pm PT
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Speaking of thunderstorms, the weather wasn't always perfect...
But then things clear up and all is well again...
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 30, 2017 - 09:51pm PT
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Great pictures....thanks!
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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Aug 31, 2017 - 05:01am PT
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Rich,
Great TR and photo's.
I'm heading to the Wind Rivers/Tetons in a few days-solo. It was a rushed decision, spurred by a really cheap flight non-stop to Salt Lake City- $260
round trip from Boston. At least the bugs won't be bad in the Winds this time of year.
I'll be looking out for that possible get together next Summer of the "Coffin Dodgers Club". My old friend Paul Ross, in the UK, has dubbed his group this uplifting name, since they are all mostly 80, and above, but are still very active.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Aug 31, 2017 - 11:17am PT
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Wow Steve, that is cheap; I think I payed about $600 round trip from NYC.
As for going solo, I ended up doing that quite a bit, but noticed that I felt more vulnerable on my solo jaunts than I think I used to back in the day. Part of this might be the prevalence of bears and the possibility for an encounter, something that wasn't on the radar years ago. And now I find I know too much...for almost every mundane situation I could think of someone who had some kind of misfortune with it.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 1, 2017 - 08:34am PT
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Here are a few more photos from the trip. After this I promise to quit posting to this thread...
Here's a generic telephoto of the Grand, Owen, and the Disappointment Peak buttresses.
A shot of Buck Mountain.
The East Ridge of Buck Mountain viewed from the North. (This is probably not the ideal way to go. I scrambled up to the ridge via some chimneys at the left end of the picture.)
The approach to Buck goes up a lovely trail in Stewart Draw.
One of my early conditioning hikes, with Dick Dumais, was up Cody Peak at the Southern end of the range. The trail cutting through the talus is visible at the right.
Finally, the end of another day in paradise: mountain shadows (I think probably Nez Perce) creep across Jackson Hole. Phelps Lake in Shadow, Taggert about to be enveloped.
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Really nice photos.
Thanks for posting
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Rich, please don't stop. this place is often in my dreams.
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rockanice
climber
new york
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I'll second the motion to continue posting ! Those of us here in the Northeast need a fix - and thanks for the inspiration.
Brian
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 1, 2017 - 02:01pm PT
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Well, y'all twisted my arm and I found one or two more pictures...
Morning high in Stewart Draw
Rainy day almost at the top of Phillips pass
Kelsey and Dumais in New Fork Canyon
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Great!
Yeah, keep 'em coming!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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I'll keep the chorus going..."keep 'em coming!"
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 1, 2017 - 08:52pm PT
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Ok, dippin' into the last ones now...
The dinosaurs conquer Mt. Elly (a very mild first-day outing for the newly-arrived lowlander). Yeah, we got wet.
Slow as I am, I had to be on the road early in order to get up anything. Early often meant in the dark, but more modest undertakings allowed for sunrise starts, with subsequent photo ops along the way.
Speed is safety...but sometimes the day is long and the climb is short. Here Cam Pavone chills in the shade of the pine at the end of the first rap from Guide's Wall.
Taking a breather on the way up Hanging Canyon...
...and the view from Cube Point
Ok folks, I'm outta "film" here.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Rich....I have some ectachrome you can have. It's a little old and you may have to search around for processing. No, you can't use it in your phone.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 2, 2017 - 08:22am PT
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Jim, I was always a Kodachrome guy...but thanks for the offer. More to the point, I pay good tax dollars, so where are the back-country outlets for charging my iPhone?
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L
climber
Hip deep in the slipstream of Life...
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Stunning photos, Richie! Every single one of 'em.
Really happy to see you had such a grand adventure.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 2, 2017 - 08:41pm PT
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Thanks L! Haven't seen you guys in what seems like a long time, I guess because I've shifted to the Poughkeepsie Gravity Vault. Let me know if you're ever up my way...
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 2, 2017 - 08:45pm PT
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I just came across a picture that invites a comparison with the current ones. Dumais and I in shots about 47 years apart...
The old farts are still at it (apparently, wisdom is not always a byproduct of aging)...
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Dec 15, 2018 - 12:19pm PT
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Bump for the afterglow...
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the idle rich
climber
Estes Park, CO
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Dec 15, 2018 - 02:08pm PT
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Hey Rich,
Concerning your IPhone...I haven't been to the Tetons in a while but my recollection is that all of the backcountry lakes have outlets. Your tax dollars at work.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Dec 15, 2018 - 05:19pm PT
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Buck is a beast!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 15, 2018 - 07:35pm PT
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Well, Summer 2018 came and went. I had a nasty ankle injury (strain or partial tear of the superior peroneal retinaculum) that took me the entire Summer and Fall to rehab---had to give up climbing and trail running and most hiking in order to finally get the damn thing to heal up. Instead, spent my time in a gym doing rehab exercises and dumb things like
Although I think I did it trail-running, this is an injury climbers sometimes get from high steps on small edges with little or no assistance from handholds. If the retinaculum completely ruptures, then you get subluxation of the peroneal tendons and probably need surgery, a bullet I have dodged for the time being.
Its about 90% good now and I'm back exercising in the climbing gym and have managed some very short trail runs in the 2--3 mile range. I probably won't do too much outdoor climbing until it warms up.
All this is evidence of an old Jewish saying: "if you want to give god a good laugh, tell him your plans."
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Aeriq
Sport climber
100-year Visitor
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Dec 15, 2018 - 07:41pm PT
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Isn't it cold right now?
Edit: OP date check.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 15, 2018 - 07:56pm PT
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Since TMC mentioned Buck Mountain, here's a puddlescape I shot on the way down from the East Ridge,
and here is another wildflower vista from Coal Creek---both these from Summer 2017 but not in the previous sets.
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| Messages 1 - 91 of total 91 in this topic |
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