Mount Rainier: Wrap-Up

Finally….. Landing in Seattle with a bus ready to drive us to Ashford , WA for a meeting at IMG Headquarters, located just outside the park.
The afternoon started with a basic gear check and rental.  Most participants had everything, and most common occurrence was getting bigger gaiters.  After a quick dinner at a local Nepalese restaurant, we checked into the Paradise Inn for the night.  My kind of place; no TV’s, phones, or computers.  Built in 1899, it still looks the same for over a century. 

The second day was “Mountain School.” It was pretty neat to see marmots, and grey fox scurry around while you are practicing self-arrest techniques.  Crevasse rescue, and walking cramponed together were the skills we finished that day.  Around 3:00 p .m. we began our hike back to Paradise for the night.  Wednesday and Thursday we climb this mountain!!  

After very little sleep, we met in the parking lot around 8: a.m. to meet the rest of our guides.  The group started single file up the muir snowfield just before 9:00 a.m.  After a few hours, it happened ... I BONKED!!! My upper leg muscles started twitching uncontrollably.  After 25 minutes, the 2 quarts of water I drank & the snacks did not help.  My heart was racing, legs still cramping and the guides determined that my potassium & sodium were not replenishing themselves.  DONE!  The guides turned me and another hiker back. Although I was extremely disappointed while descending, I realized the guides were right; I bonked again just 20 yards from the parking lot!! 

However, this trip was a huge success!!  I saw a part of the country that I’ve never been to before,  made some new friends in the industry, and now know what it will take for a successful summit.  I plan on going back within 2-3 years and finishing what I started.  So friends, put down your smartphone or log off your tablet and get outdoors … it’s in your nature.!!  

Until the next adventure.
~ Cheers,

John @ North Cove Outfitters