37 replies to this topic

[John]

I climbed Longs Peak in 1999. This year it was all about helping others. When I learned that Big Al was going to be with Bill and Sandy, I knew they wouldn't need my help. Rick and Monica expressed an interest in camping with me at the Boulderfield but didn't have gear. They borrowed a tent and sleeping pads from a friend and I supplied sleeping bags, a pack for Monica, and some other odds and ends. Imagine your first night backpacking at 12,200' above sea level! Rick and Monica had attemped Longs last year but didn't get past the Ledges (Here is their trip report http://www.rmnpforum...eak-aug-13-2009 ) On Tuesday we hiked with Ed to Sky Pond and afterward Monica sent a message saying if Rick and I could help her she thought she could make it up Longs this year. I was excited about the opportunity to help.

On Thursday, eight of us hiked to The Boulderfield. We took the Jim Grove's shortcut. That's Lora closest to me and in front of her Rick and Monica. Rick's pack was HUGE.



As we walked though the tundra we got to know each other better. Our whole group got along great. We stopped often to catch our breath and enjoy the scenery.



On Friday we gave cookies to the dayhikers. Rick boiled a lot of water for our team so we could have hot tea, oatmeal, etc. Here he is getting close to the Keyhole.





In the trip report from last year, Monica was visably sick and exhausted when she got to the Keyhole. This year was a different story. This is one of my favorite pictures. She had just climbed to the far side of the Keyhole.



Next came the ledges where we helped each other around the tricky spots.



The sun doesn't hit the far side of the Keyhole until the afternoon so I used a flash for this shot.



Here is Rick helping Monica up the Trough.



I like this shot because Monica looks so determined...and she was!



I asked Rick where he got the name "Twinebender." I found out he is a really good hockey player, and when he smacks the puck into the net (which is made of twine) it bends it. So there you have it: "Twinebender."

[John]

Rick is a man of deep faith and we clicked really well. Even after he broke his leg, he never complained. I saw him hopping from boulder to boulder on the way down and said, "How are you doing?" He said, "Great!"





The Staffords on the summit



Rick and Monica descended much faster than I did so I wasn't around when he broke his fibula. Even with his break, I didn't catch up to him until we were near the Boulderfield camp. That part of the story has been covered in other reports. I thought you might enjoy some of what happened on the upside of Friday. I will always treasure the time I got to spend with this amazing couple.

Edited by John, 30 August 2010 - 12:40 PM.

[zzcoop]

Yay Staffords!

[Janine]

Wonderful report and pictures John! Hooray for Monica & Rick! They were very lucky to have you as their guardian angel.

[Twinebender]

John,

Thanks for the report and the pictures. We just got back home and yours was the first post I saw after getting online. Thanks for taking us under your wing and making this not only a successful summit but a great time that we will remember fondly for the rest of our lives.
My only regret is that Mike and Stacey had to turn around. They were the most enjoyable couple to hike with. Oh well perhaps it was for the better, I could see myself falling off the ledges as I laugh at one of Mike's jokes or stories.

Rick

[hector]

Great report, John! Rick and Monica are two of the nicest, happiest, wonderful people I've ever met. Hooray for summiting and getting down in one piece!

[junkie]

A couple more pics for the Stafford thread:

From the ledges on the way up: Monica, Rick, John, Ben, Kristin, Chuck:

[zzcoop]

I just got winded scrolling through these photos.

[Allie]

What a fantastic report and photos, John. Monica and Rick, congrats on the summit. Very happy for you.

[ProfHall]

John! (1) I am very glad to finally have been able to meet, and shake your hand. Seems like I have known you forever...(2) Congrats to the Staffords - it was also nice to see them Saturday. Unbelievable stories!

The report and the photos are great. I am pretty sure this is not a hike I will make, but it is great to see others make it and share the stories with us.

[soatley]

Great report. There have been incredible pictures from everyone really showing what the route is like.

I can't wait for the down report.

Sandy O

[Jo]

I loved that report John. I enjoyed getting to know Rick & Monica through it too. Awesome job everyone!

[mistylady]

We really enjoyed meeting Monica and Rick at Saturday's get-together. They are a very amazing couple. John, I'm glad that I got to meet you, too. Your pictures of this hike really tell an incredible story.

[Scrapinator]

Great report. Thanks for posting it

[dianeh85]

Great pics and narrative. I know how apprehensive Rick and Monica were about the climb. The pictures of them helping each other up the rock are very sweet. Wonderful people. I am so happy to have met them. Thanks for posting John