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Snowfield accident, tattoos and berries - videos and pix
Participants: Roger J. Wendell (aka ZeekZilch), Aidan and Will Timing: About 2:45 from Willow Lake to Challenger Point and then another hour to Kit Carson Photos and Videos: All by ZeekZilch except the first photo on top Kit Carson - that was taken by some other summiteer
Aidan, Will and ZeekZilch on top Kit Carson
Danger!
While we were hiking up to Willow Lake a group was coming down having just rescued one of their own on Kit Carson. A guy, in his 20s, attempted to cross the snowfield to gather up his mates who had fallen a bit behind. He had no crampons or ice axe so used a stone to help knock steps across the snow. He made it across, okay, but had to return because his sister was having difficulty. That's when he slipped and fell - seriously scraping up his arms and legs. There were no broken bones or internal injuries that he was aware of but he did say he came close to losing his life. I asked him to create a trip report as accidents can be a great learning tool for the rest of us. I haven't seen his posting yet so I'm making this entry to benefit everyone who is interested in climbing safety - not to embarrass him! I was going to photograph him as his hand and arm were completely covered in bandages and his bare legs seriously bloodied. But, I thought better of it and allowed him to maintain his privacy. However, further up we ran into the climbing party that helped bandage him and they confirmed the report having witnessed, firsthand, this guy careening down the snowfield out-of-control. Beware!!
Yosemite98 added this information immediately after my posting:
Hey Roger, I was up there helping with the guy (Rob) who hurtled down the snow field and got really lucky (Thanks to the group from Texas, fellow Texas A&M grads, for bandaging Rob up. There was also a RN that helped out especially on his torn up hands). Anyway, FYI, the snow field in the pictures isn't the one he got hurt on, he actually fell down the snow field just to the left as you go up the normal Challenger route (class 2+ scree crap). He and his sister started coming down Challenger too early, before the notch, and that's how they ended up having to cross over.
Here are my personal pages about 14ers, low impact techniques, and the Ten Essentials:
YouTube videos here and further down the page...
If all you see is white space here it's because your boss has blocked YouTube and wants you to get back to work! (This means YOU Doug!)
(Scroll further below to see the photographs)
Will makes his way to the summit of Kit Carson
Aidan makes his way to the summit of Kit Carson
Hiking along Kit Carson Avenue
The road to Crestone, Colorado
YouTube video driving through the town of Crestone
A local Crestone lady stops to admire Will's tattoos!
On the trail just a little way above the trailhead parking area
Trailhead
Heading to Willow Lake
Will and Aidan sign us in
Challenger Point with Kit Carson just behind it...
Two climbers (if you look closely) heading down Challenger towards Kit Carson Avenue
Kit Carson Avenue
Kit Carson Avenue
Will and Aidan on Kit Carson Avenue
Going up the wrong gully to the top of Kit Carson...
Looking back at Challenger from Kit Carson
Will eating a sandwhich, on top Kit Carson, while Aidan doesn't think I see him taking my pretzels...
Aidan complimenting me on my leadership skills...
Aidan and Will downclimbing 3rd class off Kit Carson
Aidan and Will downclimbing Kit Carson
Chaucy and TerryLiv after I sent them in the wrong direction...
San Luis Valley and part of Crestone
A snowfield, on Kit Carson, (but not the one the accident occurred on...)
Kit Carson snowfield
Will and Aidan heading down off the base of Challenger
Aidan reminds me it's time to get up and start walking again...
Willow Lake
Waterfall at Willow Lake
Aidan at Willow Lake
Too many firepits around Willow Lake - Remember, only YOU can prevent campfires!
Wild berries - please leave 'em for the wildlife (see last photo, below)
Wild goats - they need the wild berries in the previous picture!
Wild Goat video
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I really enjoy your reports. A group of us are hitting this combo this weekend. Do you have to cross this snow field or are there ways to avoid it? From your pictures I think you maybe able to avoid. Just trying to figure out what I need to bring since this will include a hike in and camp. Didn‘t look like your group had axes or crampons.
No need to cross any of the snowfields. In fact, I strongly recommend you avoid ‘em! So, no need for an ice ax or crampons, either. However, a helmet is a good idea. Have fun!
Hey Roger, I was up there helping with the guy (Rob) who hurtled down the snow field and got really lucky (Thanks to the group from Texas, fellow Texas A&M grads, for bandaging Rob up. There was also a RN that helped out especially on his torn up hands). Anyway, FYI, the snow field in the pictures isn't the one he got hurt on, he actually fell down the snow field just to the left as you go up the normal Challenger route (class 2+ scree crap). He and his sister started coming down Challenger too early, before the notch, and that's how they ended up having to cross over.
Way to go! You are knocking them out this summer. Wish I was with you...especially since we didn‘t get this one back on May 31st. But I am happy that you got it now.
And nice job on Capitol! Loved your YouTube videos on that as well.
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