I have climbed the first for summer of 2008, Mt. Sherman, about a five-hour drive north, after you cross the Divide to the east. Fairly easy to get to, only the last eight miles on a washboard forest road. Two things circled the two days devoted to the effort, one the climb itself, the second the mental attitude of the effort.
As the climb is really considered not much more than a “walk-up, meaning not much more than physical exertion is involved, the worry became the diminished attitude of attempt. For an unknown reason(s) the anticipation of earlier attempts was absent. Any number of possibilities can be offered. Was it the solitary experience of the climb as almost all have been, a “been there done that” boredom, the experienced knowledge of knowing the aches that would follow, a tiredness brought about by the continuance of a long sequence of goal driven desires for near a year? Or, more worrisome, a deepness of some sadness setting in that needs a major event to avoid a tail spend. And, why would that be, having reached a period of relative calm, and certainty? Something to figure out, that needs attention and work.
As for the climb, it was as ‘advertised’ fairly easy on the effort. The entire walk, approximately a seven-mile round trip, just under 3,000 foot elevation gain, was gradual and steady. Not too many obstacles presented themselves. The entire area was an old mining spot. Vacated mines were easily visible on the slopes and the neighboring mountains. I don’t know what mineral motivated these men (no attempt at sexism), to challenge the altitudes, inclines, and outside four, five, months some extremely uncomfortable weather conditions. But, either there was, or was thought to be, plenty of the element based on the number of sites. I would like to know more about these mines, but do not. Some, as evidenced by the “junk” left behind give a hint that there was activity not too many years past, electricity, motorized machinery, even an old pickup with a 50’s of 60’s body style. Just don’t know.
A few climbers were already on the trail when I got started. There were typical exchanges of greetings, with folks from Colorado, Chicago, Philadelphia. Many more were met on the descent. There were also, it seemed, more than the usual numbers of dogs brought along for the climb. Perhaps due to the expected ease of the climb, but certainly more in number. Not sure I support dogs on the trail. I can understand the desire to share time with a loyal friend, but even on well developed trails, there still is limitation to space and secure footing. At the minimum, in my opinion, they should be leashed, for the protection of all. This trip brought a sample of the danger. Snow still is found in the mountains here at this time, due to the previous heavy winter. One of the few spots of caution was about 1,000 feet below peak, where one has to carefully cross about two feet deep snow patch, maybe 100 yards in length. As it happened on the descent, I observed a near “situation” as two groups met just above this snow patch, one pair on the ascent, the other on the descent. Both had dogs with them, one leashed, two not. At the intersection, the ridge narrowed and the parties were funneled close, including the dogs. Well, the unleashed dogs, perhaps with friendly intent, approached the leashed lab mix, who had no desire for friendship, and a nasty entanglement immediately resulted. The female owner of the unleashed tried to pull away the two, and in the mix of things, was jostled and fell onto the snow, whereupon she slid near the full length. She lodged against a small cropping of rocks among the snow, which perhaps prevented her from a horrific fall that awaited not too far beyond the snow. She was hurt, but with the assistance of her partner and others in her group, managed to get back on the trail, damaged, limping, but with no evidence of broken bones. Did not have to happen.
As to the completion of the climb, it was otherwise uneventful. At the top was the usual reward of a 360 degree view of the mountain ranges around, views of 100 miles in some directions. More snow than I have ever seen at this time of year. In comparison to other climbs, this was maybe midway. Some coverage of wildflowers, but not as much as other places, perhaps due to the mining activity that was once here. A nice view at the top, but primarily more mining spots below. So, as regards color and variety there was not too much offered. Still, it was a warm-up climb and yes, it was followed with tightness and tiredness. I got down easily, made the round trip in about four hours, a very quick climb, and returned to my tent site. Had a quick bite as the clouds began to come in, threw everything in and departed. I avoided evaluation, and will let that happen later.
