Middle Teton July 26th 2003
A good adventure to prepare for Ranier. Our first goal was to do some glacier training for Ranier, our next goal was to climb the Middle Teton Glacier to the top. Because of conditions and my lack of experience we did not make our second goal. The crux of the climb was all ice and we did not have the tools needed to set a belay for me. To G.R's credit he could have made it if I was not there, but I am thankful for the decision he made not to go for it. The rest of the day was spent messing around on the glacier snow and ice. I had a great day. When we got back to Scott's house he was headed out on a rescue. The next day I found out 6 people had been struck or nearly struck by lightening, 1 of them died. A very sad thing, but a reality in the mountains. You will notice one picture with very light cirrus clouds around the top of the Grand. The storm came in around 4:00 p.m., and it did not seem all that strong. I couldn't help wondering if it was a one of the climbers we saw walking up early that morning. After reading a Jackson Hole newspaper article, I found out the group had camped somewhere in Garnett Canyon the night before. The group was hit while on or near the friction pitch around 3:45 p.m.
 Getting ready to head up the glacier |
 cirrus clouds on the grand |
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 G.R heading to the crux |
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 Teewinot in the clouds |
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