Grand Teton: Owen Spalding

 The speed record for Grand Teton was set only a few weeks ago. It went car to car in under 3 hours. As I stared into the darkness ahead with my fading headlamp lighting the way, I couldn't believe we were 18 hours into our day. Needless to say, my plan to be off of the mountain by 2:00p.m. and going for an afternoon swim hadn't worked out.

As we left home the evening before, we had no idea what a memorable day we were in for. We all packed into my truck and started our way toward Jackson. The whole trip came together when my friend Josh Snow had said that he really wanted to climb the Grand. As the sun set and we continued north we talked and laughed. A trip like this is only as good as the quality of people that you get to experience it with. We had a good group.

"DEER!" Parker yelled as I slammed on my brakes. I had been looking at a sign and hadn't noticed the small antelope darting across the road. We barely missed him thanks to Parker. We pulled into the parking lot at the trail head and bedded down for a few hours. We all slept lightly thanks to some not so distant elk that sang to us throughout the night. We awoke at 4:30 a.m. and started on our way around 5.

The accent went well. It was what you would expect, a whole lot of walking. We were met with a brilliant sunrise in the meadows. We continued onward and upward but it wasn't long before Parker started to lag behind. He wasn't feeling well and it was easy to see. He looked exhausted. We looked around and could tell the weather was with us and decided to keep together and still push for the summit.

Our slow pace allowed us a unique opportunity to enjoy the mountain. We sat and talked. We told jokes and laughed. Eventually we made the summit and it was something that was worth the wait. Everybody in the group had their strengths and that was what made the long day worth it. Parker is like "rainman" with route info, no matter how miserable things get Eric can make anyone laugh, and Josh was a constant driving force.

The summit was an interesting place to share with another group. Two girls showed up just behind us and one of them wanted a nude photo on top of the Grand. Parker, being the professional photographer in the group, obliged. We ended up working with the girls on the decent because the non-nude partner was not in very good shape.

After we got back down off of the main peak we felt we were practically there... but it wasn't long before my knee seized up. Before I knew it, I was hobbling like I was 100 years old. Our slow pace slowed even more. It wasn't until I got some ibuprofen in my system that they loosened up enough for me to make steady pace for the rest of the way out. It was the day that didn't seem like it would end, but it ended just as any journey does. My mind has already begun to dull the misery and I can't wait to go back. 

 

 

 

We had one of the best mornings I have had in a long time. We went into Jackson and had a great breakfast.

Grand Teton-Upper Exum

Grand Teton stands 13,770 feet above sea level. It doesn't even rank in the top 50 tallest peaks in the U.S. but this unique peak attracts thousands of climbers every year. The thing this peak has to offer is its unique silhouette. It is a steep tower with plenty of exposure. I was invited on this trip just last week and made the necessary arrangements. Before I knew it, another peak that I had dreamed of climbing was being made possible.

We spent the night in Rexburg, ID at one of Kristopher's school buddies houses. We awoke early the next morning to make the drive to the trail head. As soon as we were on the trail my feet began to give me some issues. The approach was long.... really long. Even though it was six miles we were pretty done hiking by the time we got there. Next time I will do this one light and fast.

In the parking lot we ran into SLC SHERPA and his brother were just getting back from a "run". They ran up to the saddle then went to the summit via Owen Spalding Route. They made it to the summit and back in just over four hours. What would take us two days they did in a few hours. I might need to start running.

We settled in for the night planning to wake up at 5 a.m., when in reality we should have been up and on the trail by 4. a.m. As soon as we were above the saddle the terrain ramped up. I have never been around that much exposure, at some points it seemed like thousands of feet on each side of you. The climbing was good and we all had a great time. It was a never ending climb and every time we thought we were close we realized we still had a long way to go.

For some reason I became really gripped on the friction pitch. We were simulclimbing and I mentally wasn't up for it for some reason. As soon as we were through it I was fine, and I don't think there would be a problem if I were to go back. After what seemed an endless ascent we made the summit along with some other parties. It was a good feeling, but we only stayed up there for a couple minutes before starting back down.

The descent off of the summit went fast until we hit the lower slopes... the rest of the way down was a miserable haul. My shoes were again giving me problems and slowed my pace. We eventually made it back to the car and spent the rest of the night driving back home. Grand Teton was an amazing climb, but we were all pretty miserable at the end of it. Lighter and faster will be the theme of my next voyage.

Sunset on the drive up.

From Rexburg, ID to Jackson, WY

 

An amazing feature

Looking up at Middle Teton

A wild fire was burning in the background as we settled in for the night.

Good morning

Sunrise

 

Teton's shadow in the distance

Wallstreet.

 

It was a tiring day... Here we were on wallstreet

The Golden Staircase. Parker takes the lead.

 

 Summit Photo: Kristopher, me, Austing, Parker

Kristopher on his way down.