Trip Report Continental Divide + The Wind River Range
Gear prep is important. The longer and more self-reliant the push, the more it matters. Your feet, your food, your shelter. Basic stuff can be a big deal if things hit the fan. I’m proud of my coach Kurt, and I’m proud of myself. This was a new format for us. I’ve done enough unplanned shiver bivys and chosen not to press toward the summit when it’s storming. More than 10 fingers and toes; that’s how many times I’ve driven to Mt. Rainier to see if the NOAA weather forecast was as bad as it read. Turned around and went home; doesn’t feel like winning but it isn’t losing (fingers or toes). Judgment is important in the mountains because we love them but they don’t always love us back. “The mountain does not care” as someone once said. The storm warning that went into effect for the Wind River Range in Wyoming was a bit unlucky. In mountaineering mentors always waited out the weather before we’d push upward. If there is a slated window for a trip, or race in this case, that adds a complet