SkiSickness

Casey and I climbed a few routes on Prusik last weekend. He set the mood early on when he remarked that there wasn't any place he'd rather be. I agreed. Despite the crowds and permit hassles, the enchantments are truly a spectacular place. Washington kicks ass.

After a ball buster approach we climbed the West Ridge under a late afternoon sun:

Photo by Casey: After that it was whiskey, chocolate, stories, and stars.

Sunday began in a frenzy:



We climbed the Burgner-Stanley in 4 stellar, full rope length pitches.

Pitch 1 (photo by casey):

Pitch 2:
Pitch 3 goes under the chockstone and up the squeeze chimney. Casey enjoying the action:


Casey drew the last, incredible pitch:
About three moves from the top he whipped about 10 feet. Unfortunately he cracked his foot on a chicken head. As soon as he came to a stop he yelled down that he'd broken his foot. Ugh. Casey, however, is the man. Rather than freak out, he aided the last 15 feet to the top, belayed me up, and then rapped off and walked out the 14 miles with a smile on his face. The aftermath:
Sorry about your foot Casey, but thanks for the great weekend. Heal fast so we can get out again....

Awesome multimedia trip report, Ryan. I love Peet's coffee like I love stepping on chicken heads; too bad to hear they can have such a nasty bite.

Dang Casey. Heal up man! I guess I won't drive past you running up highway 20 barefoot anytime soon? But, as a friend of mine did when she broke her leg, she took up canoeing.

I like the video of the squeeze chimney struggle. Such familiar sound effects.

Shame to hear of another injury. There were too many already this year. Either it's an unlucky year or I'm starting to hang out with too many hard core people and it's just part of the game.

I just read some dude had to get airlifted out of the Enchantments yesterday for doing the same thing. Casey you're the man. You guys should have called me when you were in town though.

Thanks for a great trip Ryan. Thanks for helping push through the pain....I don't think I will ever venture up the snow creek trail except for fun on the snow creek wall. Foot is getting better daily so should be good to go by late August or early September.

Good to hear your healing well Casey. I really admire the way you handled that, having the composure to aid the last bit and hiking 15+ miles with a broken foot, DAMN.