Today marked hike #1 in our six pack of peaks challenge. Although MBP was an alternate to Wilson, we originally said we would do both and log 7 hikes, but after today we decided it definitely was as challenging as Wilson. With that said…I have never been as terrified as I was today. I have been uneasy maybe nervous at times as I am afraid of heights, but the terror I felt today brought me to tears. I literally froze in my tracks and Theresa Morelock had to back track and talk me down out of my own head and sobs. She offered to turn back even though we only had a couple hundred feet to the top. Winds were about 25 mph, it was freezing, we we're both at the if a sinus illness and the trail was snowed over with extremely steep drops on both sides of us, 9100′ elevation. I said, “yes I really want to turn around, but I'm going to keep going!” We made our own trails for more than half of this hike. Sinking into the snow almost hip deep at times, sliding down from one switch back to the next. This hike ended up being about 9.44 miles with some of the detours we had to take. Wind chill at the top was approx. .1°c and 40°f. All in all, I FEEL LIKE A BADASS, for what I overcame emotionally and physically today!! ?
AZ Winter 20% off early-bird rate ends in
:
:
:
Responses
I’m so glad you made it, Courtney! Sounds like dangerous conditions. FWIW, I *HIGHLY* recommend a winter mountaineering skills class (REI schedules them, but they fill up fast) if you plan to do more snow climbs.
What you did was not hiking; it’s actually considered winter mountaineering. It is badass. And dangerous.
Thank you Jeff! Yes, once we finished we definitely agreed it was more mountaineering. After all that, I’m not sure mountaineering is my thing, lol. But yes, I agree a class would help with confidence for sure.