Grew to 5...

Eagle Cliff Part 2

After descending from Eagle Cliff we took it easy for about 12 months before taking another ceremonial trip to Estes Park Colorado for another year of ringing in the New Year. This year just like last we discussed again facing another mountain! Although this time; Steve, Matt, Mark and Kevin grew with our new addition John. We had conquered Eagle Cliff last year, so this year we decided that it was time to go bigger and better so we chose to climb Emerald Mountain. Even with the 100mph winds we knew that we were up for it. John had hear about the turmoil last year and felt up for the challenge, himself being an experienced mountaineer as well fit in well with our group of friends and we all welcomed him to the team! So, once again, we packed up, strapped on our boots and took our first steps into the unknown of Emerald Mountain. Not too far up the mountain though, we ran into a little trouble. It appeared that the trail was closed, but a closed trail in January does not stop this team! We took it on with full force! Through waist deep snow, exposed rock faces and the wind whipping right through our protective mountaineering clothing it was no easy task but we did it. Because last year we were not as prepared as we thought and had to use oxygen...This year proved to be another story, we prepared ate a lot and watched a lot of football to prepare so this year we did not require oxygen. This was just the start of the snow as you can see at the base it was up to Marc's knees. We had to trudge for miles with the snow only getting deeper, and unsure of what lay beneath the snow with each step that we took.