Hardwear Sessions

Frank was only the 2nd person we saw on the mountain all day so we stirred up a conversation. Frank was a chipper fella and once we got him talking there was no stopping him. In addition to the rest of his life story we learned that Frank was around 45 years old, not married, and hiking solo that day b/c the rest of his family was nursing hangovers and wouldn't join him. So we asked Frank if he planned going to the top.

He was a little hesitant but after some encouragement he decided he was game. Frank continued to tell his life story and being the good listener that I am I let him go because I knew it was his way of keeping himself motivated and not thinking about the fatigue. After a little assistance through the last 300 yards of hand over hand bouldering through some jagged rock we got Frank to the summit.

He looked like and 8 year old jumping up and down and calling everyone in his address book to tell them where he was. We were very happy for Frank but we were ready to part ways.

So the wife and I went off to renew our vows and get a bite to eat, however Frank was tough to shake and he was pretty much sticking with us to the end. So as we began our decent off the peak Frank mentioned that he was not feeling well. I thought nothing of it, told him to drink some more water and press on.

There are 2 trails to the top of Tallac. In mid June those trails are completely covered in snow for about 300 yards, therefore the challenge on the way back down is to get through the boulders, scramble across the snow, and manage to pick up the trail on the other side. We picked up the trail and started making our way down. After about a mile I saw a lake that was not supposed to be there, at which point I realized we picked up the wrong trail.

I had to break the bad news to Frank who at this point started to lie down and complain of nausea. I told him we had to go back up and catch the correct trail. After not believing me he started pleading that there must be another way and that he would not be going in upward direction. I gave him the option of traversing the mountain to get over to the ridge line trail but advised that we would be off trail and it could get a little rough, although we would still be descending. He of course opted to traverse and descend.

After pleading and prodding for him to keep moving through the nasty brush, boulders, and thick weeds for an hour his face started losing color. I had to admit to him that although I was confident I could get us out we were technically lost in middle of desolation wilderness. It was extremely frustrating because I just needed to get to the ridge line but at the pace he was moving we would never get there. From that point he mentally lost it! He was pleading for us to call 911 as I was trying to assess how much of his dilemma was physical vs. mental.

We got a hold of CHP by cell and gave some pretty rough coordinates. They advised for me to try and get him out in the open space and they would send a helicopter up. Once we got him into an open field I decided to take off and make a B line for the ridge and told him we would come back for him. As soon as I got to the ridge I realized exactly where we were which was about a mile south of the trail I was aiming for. I hiked up a mile or so and sure enough I found where the trial cut back over the ridge into a monster snow bowl that I immediately recognized because I was day dreaming on the way up about glissading the thing.

While I was relieved that I officially found the trail I knew Frank was DONE! TOAST! GONZO!.... Hmmm......drag him up the hill?...... NEGATORY GHOST RIDER. Frank was not going anywhere, especially not UP. So we see the helicopter off in the distance searching the wrong area and make the call back to CHP to tell them we are due east and I watch the helicopter turn and come toward us as I am speaking. Frank was looking pretty bad at this point. We watch the helicopter land and say our farewell to Frank.

He was so disappointed when he realized we were not going on the helicopter ride with him. We spent the next 3 hours making our way out. Looking back I don't think Frank would have made it unless someone had carried him. After 9 hours of hiking at least we were still comfortable in MHW gear and the new Montrails were holding up nicely. I am just glad my wife is such a good sport, because I have a warped sense of romance!

Happy 10th Anniversary Honey!