Long

Longs Peak Mountain Hike #4
August 12-17, 1999

by Jerry Cates

This is the chronicle of my 4th attempt to summit Longs Peak, the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Earlier attempts, in 1978 (at age 36), 1985 (43), and 1998 (56), ended in failure, though all but one got as far as the Boulderfield, and one- the first try in 1978- reached the Keyhole. This 4th attempt, taking pointers from Aesop's fable, The Hare and the Tortoise, finally reached the summit. I want to thank all who helped make this a reality.

This was a solo attempt that took six days to complete. Most experiences, good and bad, are candidly reported. Certain incidents are humorous. Some are, well, humiliating. Others, especially those relating to the fatality that occurred on Longs during this expedition, involve serious issues of life and death.

Altogether, this is a record of the joys of communing with nature when she is cooperative, the difficulties and frustrations that come with getting crosswise with her when she is not, the consequences of stepping into the unknown unprepared, the thrill of accomplishment, and the terror of death.

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