Winter Climb

2-21-04
Longs Peak Trail

Started the trail heading for the keyhole at 7:30 in the morning. The altitude at the ranger station is 9,405 feet. Weather wasn't too bad, about 30 degrees when I set out. Snowfall was heavy in the trees, but the trail was well packed. Average depth was 8 to 12 inches, but a few stretches as much as 4 feet. Crampons or snowshoes would have helped. Slipped a few times, but no falls thankfully. Started at the trailhead with 2 other men. They had overnight packs, and were heading to camp in the Boulder field, then summit the next day by technical climb.

I cleared the timberline at 8:45. Great view of the surrounding mountains. Some deep snowdrifts, but again, the trail was pretty well packed in most places. Clouds moving in from the West, slight winds. Temperature was holding at 30 degrees.

At 9:30 the temperature dropped to 25 degrees, clouds moving in. Winds picked up to about 45 mph. My thermometer has a wind-chill table, but it doesn't go to 45 mph, only 40 mph. It said 15 below zero for that. Decided that was cold enough for me anyway. Started heading back down, almost getting blown over in the process. About a mile from the trail head, the wind died down and the sun did try to come out. I think that if I had toughed the wind out for about an hour, then it would have been good enough to make the keyhole.

The last ¼ mile down, I saw an older gent in front of me, as I neared him to pass; he stopped for a chat. After talking to him for a few minutes, I realized I recognized him from somewhere. Then I remembered him from an article from the Greeley Tribune. Apparently he is 80 years old and has summited Longs Peak 115 times! His name is Walter Tishma. He took me to the Ranger Station at the start of the trail. Inside were many pictures and pieces of history of Longs Peak. He gave me several handouts, and showed me a 3D model of Longs and surrounding peaks. We discussed my first ascent, the routes I took, and other routes as well as technical climbs that have been done. We talked for about an hour there, I'm really pleased I had the pleasure of meeting him. An amazing man. I'm rather pleased I came down when I did, otherwise I would not have had the pleasure of meeting Walter.

Total distance traveled was about 6 miles roundtrip. Total altitude was approx. 11,000 feet. Total time was 4 hours.

- M. Stancer

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