16 replies to this topic

[BigAl]

Since everyone already knew that Smudge and I were attempting Keiner's route today I thought I would make a quick post to let everyone know that we were successful! We went up Keiner's, down the North Face, and then dropped back down to Chasm Lake via the Camel just for fun (it didn't turn out to be fun though). Since I made it back to Estes from KS a whopping 26 hours before we left from the Trailhead, I was a little hypoxic and forgot my sunglasses and the camera, so all the pictures we have are in Smudge's camera. He went home to collapse for the night so unfortunately you all will have to wait for pictures. I will say this though - Smudge was completely terrified when we were crossing Broadway but I was very impressed at how he held it together and pushed through the fear and safely completed the climb.

[Andy]

Smudge was completely terrified when we were crossing Broadway...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who isn't? If you're not completely terrified while crossing Broadway there's something wrong with you!

Seriously - congrats to both of you on an awesome climb!

[Bill 007]

I swear, you guys are ab-so-lutely my heroes!!! Congrats on another great adventure. I can't wait to see the pics and read the report. Seriously, you guys are awesome!

In awe,
Bill

[BigAl]

Who isn't?  If you're not completely terrified while crossing Broadway there's something wrong with you! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're sure right about that - I have never seen exposure so serious and so sustained. For some reason, it didn't bother me too much when I was up there (maybe it was because I needed to stay cool for Smudge), but it is starting to get to me now. Everytime I close my eyes I see the sketchy parts all over again and feel the fear that comes when you think you're about to peel off . I'm a little bit afraid to go to sleep tonight ...

[bpv_UW]

Wow, after reading this thread I checked out some photos of Broadway on SP. That is some serious exposure! Glad you two had a safe and successful climb.

-Brandon

[Lsmith]

You're sure right about that - I have never seen exposure so serious and so sustained.  For some reason, it didn't bother me too much when I was up there (maybe it was because I needed to stay cool for Smudge), but it is starting to get to me now.  Everytime I close my eyes I see the sketchy parts all over again and feel the fear that comes when you think you're about to peel off .  I'm a little bit afraid to go to sleep tonight ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Let me just post this while Mr. Sleepyhead is still catching some ZZZ's. He flopped like a fish all night and I would have sworn he did two or three belly flops. I forgot to ask him if he needed to rope up before bed. Everyone handles fear differently some of us show it externally for all the world to see and some people AKA BigAl compartmentalize their fears and tuck them away until it's time to sleep. Fear is a good thing IMO it will keep you out of trouble. Hint, hint-Mr. BigAl. I hope I don't have to sleep on the couch tonight. Michael, you have my permission to put some rocks in his pack next time you hike.

Lori

[smudge]

haha!
I have no shame what-so-ever in admitting that I was freaked by Broadway...I was actually nausiated for a good thirty minutes and just about lost my lunch (or breakfast, I guess it was only 7am when we were crossing it) on one occasion. It's a solid ledge, but I could not, for the life of me, get the image of tumbling off the thing into the abyss out of my head. Whether ALan was scared or not, I'm glad he was more composed than I was.

Once we roped up and started the actual climbing I was fine...and really enjoyed it. Even the direct start off of broadway didn't bother me.

[misssilly]

You guys both amaze me. :) I need to get over my own fears and just try it some time. But I suffer from those same fears. You're not alone. :) I've been on lots of trails in the park, but never Longs Peak.

Jen

[Ladyslipper]

I am certainly looking forward to seeing this trip report.

[Brent D]

I always love you guys trip reports, but I REALLY want to see/hear this one! Glad you two had a safe one!!

[JDgreen]

I am certainly looking forward to seeing this trip report. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes me too

[GrizzlyAdman]

Pictures.....we want pictures and a trip report. Some of us live vicariously through the adventures of some of you. Don't think you'll be seeing me up there doing what you two just did. Congrats on another safe climb. But post some pix, wouldja?

[Jo]

Well done you guys. That was quite an achievement, especially given the route you took. Not many people would have been able to do that.

Keep staying safe, OK!

Jo

[BigAl]

Ok everybody - I don't have the trip report totally finished but I do have the pictures with comments up on my gallery. You can find them here. Since I was half brain-dead while I was packing and forgot my sunglasses AND my camera, all the pictures here were taken with Smudge's camera. Enjoy!

[bpv_UW]

Sweet pictures. Loved the one of the gear on the summit. Red Stripe -- hooray, beer!

-Brandon