~Theodore Solomons
June 10
Above Simpson Meadow at the Goddard Confluence to below Granite Pass – 10 miles
Our hope that the river would be at a lower level this morning and we could safely cross at one of the many possible water crossings scouted out yesterday was vanished. The level went down 3 or 4 inches, but it almost seemed that it was running faster and more furious.
We looked at all possible options with rerouting around, but they also had possible dangerous water crossings. So back we went up ”The Bitch” retracing our steps to return to Cedar Grove, which is no easy feat.
We knew when starting this trip early season that we ran the risk of not completing the whole thing. But still it is hard to just turn around and stop. Our lives are much more important than finishing a trip.
Tomorrow, we are getting an early start to avoid post-holing through the snow on Granite Pass and then back down down down to Road’s End.
I know it must have been very disappointing not to be able to continue this trip but you really made the right decision going back to Roads End. Even if you would have made it thru the MFKR at Simpson Meadows, you would have had a hell of a time fording Crown Creek near Tehipite Valley. If you look on a map you will see there are quite a few tributaries that feed that creek and the stretch available to “negotiate” that ford down in Tehipite Valley is relatively small. There is still enough snow melt in Woodchuck Country feeding those tributaries at the moment. I really think this section of the TST should not be attempted before mid July.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the backcountry and can be easily avoided by making the right decisions. I’m glad you made that decision. I hope more people understand that it is perfectly OK to call off a trip if safe conditions prevent it to continue.
Your experience in the past made you able to make the decision to walk away unharmed. And you have posted many pictures earlier of places you went where others might fear to tread. Following your blog is not only enjoying the view but also a learning experience for many. It would be nice to learn from a picture of what an expert like you says this crossing is not worth the risk.
Thanks for letting me tag along through this medium.
Nick,
I think it is always about looking at the exposure and what will happen if things do go wrong and you fall or fall in. I am always assessing risk based on these factors. Some things can be super scary and hard, but not a real huge risk if you do fall or fall in.
This river had a ton of risk. Both Arrow and I did not feel confident that we could fish each other out of that river. That was the game changer. We turned away and didn’t look back. Thank you for following along.
Greatful that you made a good decision….yet another lesson I have learned from you. Have a wonderful summer.
I sure hope to meet you one day. I just know our paths will cross.
I’m glad you made the decision to return instead of continuing to try to make it across. There’s nothing wrong with not completing your journey this time at least you made the attempt. There will be other times you can try again. I believe the Lord gives you the knowledge of wise decisions. Will watch you on your journey as you return.
God always has a hand in everything, we just need to listen and act. This is one of those times.
I have always admired the bikers I follow for their perseverance in completing hikes and achieving goals, but even more important and admirable is the ability to know when to discontinue.
And you just illustrated why you are on my favorites list, along with Wired and Griggs recently.
Always better to live for the next adventure. I think there are so many future adventures for you.
You are so right, Lynn! I am heading out to hike The Great Divide Trail in July. This trip was a butt-kicker that really got me in shape. I really recommend it.
Arrow and I are planning on completing the rest of the hike, hopefully this fall.
Knowing and understanding the conditions keeps one alive. I’m so glad you both used your immense trail knowledge and will be retreating to safety. That’s “walk-away power” in action. Really like that quote, and of course, admire your teamwork and example.
Rock On!
Those early mountaineers were very poetic in their writings about nature and man. It just is so inspiring. Thank you once again Warren.
I was at a presentation on Everest by Ed Viesturs here in Oceanside, CA. He said that the best Summit Photo was of the entire group taken back at Base Camp, where everyone returned safely. You essentially did the decision making like that, which I think is not only rationale but also courageous. Good on ya’!
You have taught me well, my friend.
Great lesson here. I read somewhere that people get hurt or die while ascending/descending Everest in bad weather because they have invested so much time, effort, money, and ego that they feel as if they can’t turn around or reschedule. Reminds me of something I heard in a class on negotiating. One of the greatest skills in negotiating is “walk-away power.”
Thank you for your comments. “Walking Away” Power definitely requires some cultivation. I find it slightly easier to walk away in Nature because when you walk away you are often walking to something equally lovely. Climbing up “The Bitch” might be an exception though!! Ha ha
“The bitch” is a tough section to climb, but even tougher is the climb from Tehipite Valley up to “Poop out” Point. That section gains 3000′ in a mere 1.5 miles, definitely the steepest section of the TST. Christy mentioned that you have renamed “The Bitch”…. what name did you give it?
Well Mario, you just gotta know that Arrow and I will be experiencing that climb to Poop out Point in our future. We are thinking this fall, going in at Bishop Pass and connecting with the trail that way.
Oh, I will let Arrow tell you her special name!
John,
I like that term “walk-away power”.
I have so many trips I want to do and places I want to see. That is my walk-away power. I want the next thing, that next step, that next challenge. Thank you for your input. I hope this helps others.