Houston Guy: 2011

Another Highpoint challenge: Granite Peak, Montana. Sometimes I question my decision to complete the easier climbs first, and the harder ones last. I figured I would get stronger and develop more skills, thus be ready for peaks like Hood, Granite, etc.

I forgot about the whole getting older part. It gets harder to train, prepare, and, most difficult, to descend.
Here is my hiking pal and business associate, Robert D. Byrd. A very suitable, fun, and adventurous hiking pal if there ever was one!

We hired Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, led by Kenny Gasch. They did a fantastic job getting us up the mountain safely, and in comfort. They cooked for us, great food, provided porters, (more on that in a second) set up sturdy 4 season tents, and even served us coffee in bed every morning! It was worth every penny. I could not have made this summit with their assistance and encouragement.

Speaking of porters, that too was well worth it. The ones that I remember most are a young man named Seth, and, a young lady named Carol. Carol was amazing, young, and able to carry an amazing pack, which looked to be pushing 70 pounds. Also there was Christine, who is not only a guide, but, also ended up being my porter. Being a southern gentleman, I have to admit I was somewhat embarrassed to hand over very much of my gear to a woman. Don't get me wrong, Christine was very strong and capable, able to set anchors, belay, lead climb, put up tents, a very capable guide indeed. Her encouragement returning to camp on summit day was a vital part of my experience. She was very patient as I was the very last of the summit team to pull my tired body back to camp. I'm sure I'm not the first or the last client to develop a little crush on her for the 4 days we spent on the trail. (I wonder if she'll ever see this?)
Turns out she was the owner's wife or partner I think, so hopefully he's a friendly guy. (remember sir, I am\was a gentleman!)

Below is a photo of Granite from high camp, on day two. We descended for what seemed like about 800 feet, circled around, and went up the back side. While crossing the snowbridge, my crampons failed, and Kenny took mine, gave me his, which also added to my being able to summit.

We rappelled down quite a bit on summit day. Made things a little easier. It was not easy.

Here's a photo of my pal, Robert and I roped in on summit day.

This photo was taken early on day two, as we departed from low camp and headed up to high camp. It was an easy, mostly flat day, we got to high camp early, leaving lots of time to rest for summit day, take photos, and admire Granite Peak from fairly close by.

A nice blue sky, and Robert posing for a photo. He was a model in his first life.

This shot, below, was taken on day one, from our first camp. Nice how the snow and clouds meet in the middle....

Post holing. When moving across the snow, sometimes it held up for several steps, and, at other times every step was a post hole. That got to be frustrating.

Jon Bates and Christine were our guides on the actual summit attempt. Kenny had to turn back with a client who sprained his ankle. John took Robert and I up, and Christine helped Jill, and another client as we ascended. They belayed us across the steep stuff. I always felt very secure, these folks do an incredible job making it as easy as they can for you.

We did some rock scrambling, it varies from 5.1 to 5.4, and, again, the belays were perfect, the route was secure yet still exciting. The anchors were always perfectly placed. Their rope work was fast and efficient.

There were two or three moves here that seemed risky, due to the exposure, but never did I feel we did anything unsafe. It was a perfect climbing experience, I was never scared., as I would have been if on my own. In the photo below is Jill, a client from Colorado, and I believe that's Christine in the middle.

Plunge stepping across a gently sloping snow field.

Below, a look up at our first steep snowbank.

The group gathered at high camp.

Guide Christine of Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, in the next two photos.

This is our entire group, clients, guides and porters in a post trip photo. Kenny G. is in the Center, with the white cap.

This is fellow highpointer and Texan Phillip, from Dallas, and Jill from Colorado.

Thats me, the author on the right, and the gentleman to the left has highpointed every continent. I can't remember his name...

Below is a photo of Kenny Gasch. This guy has legs like tree stumps, and he never stops moving. He jumps around from lead to rear checking on everyone. He is a great guide, and has lots of good stories to share. Consider yourself fortunate to hike with him. He's also a very good and inventive trail chef!