July 30th, 2010
This week the temperatures finally reached our normal Summer highs.
My good friend Richard “Dick” DuMais long time climbing and caving buddy suggested that we head into the Tetons for a little caving to escape the valley temperatures.
Richard DuMais, Proprietor of High Peak Books
A perfect Teton day, spectacular views and flowers.
I had never been to this cave and was led to believe that it was very small, as it turned out we spent about two hours underground mostly crawling in 6″ of 38 degree water, if that isn’t a way to spend the hottest day of the Summer I don’t know what is.
Richard exiting the cave, sporting Petzl Helmet and lamps
The water was cold enough that it was a good ten minutes after exiting before we had feeling in our fingers and toes, that will teach us to forget our neoprene gloves and socks.
Limestone slabs along Darby Creek
The walk out via a different route was rough but stunning, Richard was grateful to have the use of one of my Black Diamond Trekking poles.
Richard Hiking through an unusual limestone fault valley
A geat day “in” the mountains with a good friend.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 30th, 2010
My good friend and Exum Guide, Zahan Billimoria and I took our sons, Leo and Alyosha climbing last week at Teton Village. The route was an easy multi-pitch climb perfect for 5 year olds getting used to wearing their harnesses and helmets as well as learning rope commands, climbing and being on belay.
Rich, Leo, Alyosha and Zahan ready to board the gondola
Approaching the climb
For kid sized climbing gear check out Black Diamond for harnesses, La Sportiva for shoes and Petzl for helmets.
Alyosha and Leo resting between pitches
Leo climbing with Zahan on top
Leo with his BD Alpine Bod
We finished the climb with cool beverages and dinner at Couloir where the wives (Kathy and Kim) met us with the next generation of climbers, Jack and Gemma.
Posted in Climbing, General Info | No Comments »
July 23rd, 2010
There are plenty of great outdoor pursuits in the Tetons, but simply going for a walk in the mountains can’t be matched. Yesterday we hiked up Fossil to check out the view.
Fossil (10,916) is one of the five peaks above Death Canyon shelf and is accessed through Darby Canyon. Using the Mount Bannon topo, the trail to Fossil follows the eastern edge of the South Fork of Darby Creek drainage. Although the trail to Fossil from the junction to the Wind Cave is somewhat hard to follow, the terrain is easy to walk and the handrails hard to miss.
Access to Fossil peak is from the saddle between Fossil and peak 10,336 with a easy, albeit wobbly scree and boulder field. The views from the top of the broad peak can’t be beat!
Kathy with Peak 10,336 in the background
Rich on the saddle between Fossil and Peak 10,336. Fossil Peak in the background.
Starting the ascent
Fossil's scree and boulder field with alpine flowers
Rich on the summit of Fossil
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
