Just got back from a fantastic adventure in the Cascades! Wow...Wow...Wow! I had signed up to do a week-long mountaineering course on Mt. Rainer with Summit Climb, an organized climbing expedition company. Dan Mazur, a famous Himalayan mountaineer, taught the class of 22 people. Not exactly sure on what to expect and a bit anxious, we started the first day of the class by reviewing our gear with Dan and picking up things we needed from local gear shops. The next morning we arrived on Mt. Rainer and began the hike to our home for the next 5 days. It was foggy and wet while we hiked on the Nisquali Glacier to our campsite. Being from Texas, I have to say that I was surprised how much snow was on the mountain in the summer. During a break, Dan showed us how to self-arrest properly and glissade with our ice axe. Um, so much fun! We all felt like kids again sliding down a hill screaming. First, we had to self-arrest facing towards the mountain. Easy, right? Well, the we had to slide down on our backs which everyone was very timid about doing. Last, we slid down upside down (someone held our legs) while on our backs. Let me tell you....when you are dangling by a boot upside down on a steep slope....you will understand what fear is. Once we arrived at our camp, everyone began to dig out an even area in the snow to set their tents. Lesson #1: Make sure your campsite is perfectly level or you'll find yourself at the bottom of the tent in the morning.Since I couldn't sleep, I got up at 5AM and walked around. The morning had dissipated the fog cover and you could see all around. There were about 5 waterfalls all around the camp. The clouds were beneath us as if we were floating on them. Gorgeous, isn't it?!
On this day, Dan showed us how to get into rope teams and use our ice axes and crampons. Rope teams are assembled to prevent any member from falling into a crevasse through self-arrest and setting up a belay system. At the end of the day, we got to do a multi-pitch ice climb! It was calf-blazing hard...but absolutely worth it. You can be sure that your adrenaline is on over-drive at this point.
On this day, Dan showed us how to get into rope teams and use our ice axes and crampons. Rope teams are assembled to prevent any member from falling into a crevasse through self-arrest and setting up a belay system. At the end of the day, we got to do a multi-pitch ice climb! It was calf-blazing hard...but absolutely worth it. You can be sure that your adrenaline is on over-drive at this point. Throughout the whole trip, I got to know Dan and his style of leadership better. I would describe him as funny, humble, caring and genuinely sincere. He would make rounds every morning and night to every team member to see how they were doing. When we asked him about his climbing adventures on Mt. Everest or Ama Dalbam...he doesn't go around praising his successes but tells us about the expeditions from the team's perspective. I have to say that Dan earned respect from every single person on the trip. What an incredible guy! He organized this whole thing, taught us about mountaineering, and let us use his equipment (tents, cooking stoves, fuel) all for free. He does it, because he loves it! I am so grateful for have gotten to opportunity to climb with someone like him.
It wonderful to see people like, Dan Mazur, who generously share their time and knowledge to helps people like me further our passions for climbing!
On the last day, our group summitted Mt. Rainer (14,500ft) at 9AM. I lost a toe nail, but gained so many memories...thank to everyone for making its a trip of a lifetime :)
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