An unfortunate change.

In April, I was attempting to climb Mt. Hood when I was struck by misfortune. I had a set a goal to climb the Leuthold Coulior by the end of March. Weather and avalanche conditions kept me out of the backcountry and in the ski resorts (Wow what an awesome late season we had!). I finally found someone who wanted to climb Hood and a nice weather window opened up for us in mid April! I know, it's a little late for the goal I set. In the process of climbing the mountain I was injured about 500 feet from the summit! Climbers from above cut loose a bunch of ice which all came hurling down at my partner and I! Spencer was fortunate and was only hit bit small chunks of ice, I on the other hand took a soccer ball size of ice to the right leg! The vulgarities that came out of my mouth at that instant are to graphic, even for the internet, to repeat! I had my ice tool's in self-belay position to help with the impact which luckily kept me on the steep slope. I immediately tried to weight my leg to make sure nothing was broken and although I was in intense pain I knew I would be able to make it back down to the car. I limped and grimaced about 5,000 feet back down the mountain.

Down climbing after the ice attack!


As you may have guessed, this injury has put a damper on my 2009 goals. I wasn't able to climb for a good two weeks at all and I still haven't tried alpine since. My leg still feels a bit stiff but the bruising and welts have all subsided. I'm trying to build my strength back up and am now completely back on the rock and am feeling strong and will hopefully still be able to reach my rock climbing goals for the summer! The alpine goals are different though. I have already failed at Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier and will most likely not even attempt Mt. Baker which I had scheduled for this May. I was denied my permits for the enchantments which could possibly ruin my Prussik Peak climb, although I may have a connection that can get me permits!

I will hopefully be doing my first alpine climb since the accident on this coming Monday and Tuesday! I'm a little nervous as I don't know if I will experience pain or not. Hopefully my leg is back to somewhat normal by now and my alpine season will finally kick off!

My hard drive failed on my computer about a month or so ago and I still have not installed the software that I use for my trip reports. I am way behind but hope to catch up soon!