16 climbers rescued on Grand Teton - 1 still missing

[Cy Kaicener]

It looks like Skyline has some competition for rescues
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/ ... 19028.html

[Hikin_Jim]

Sounds like climber number 16 didn't make it.

HJ

[Cy Kaicener]

Thanks for the update Jim. The injured often refuse going to the hospital because they have to pay for the expense which can be quite pricey.
With all that lightening flashing you need to remove your helmet and try to insulate the metal on your ice axe..

[Hikin_Jim]

Hi, Cy,

Why would one need to remove one's helmet? Aren't most climbing helmets plastic?

I would think the most important thing to do is to sit or squat on top of one's backpack and to have as little contact with the ground as possible.

Oh, and always go hiking with someone taller than yourself.

HJ

[Cy Kaicener]

Hi Jim - Having never worn a helmet, I used to think they were metallic
I keep wondering why the climbers did not turn back sooner before the lightning started. I guess summit fever does strange things to climbers.
Hiking with someone taller than yourself is like hiking with someone slower than yourself in bear country

Did you hear about the blind climber that climbed a 19,500 ft peak in Peru (not a joke) -- Alpamayo - first blind ascent (scroll down)
http://www.touchthetop.com/blog/

[Cy Kaicener]

Here is an update. The unfortunate hiker was struck by lightning
http://gtnpnews.blogspot.com

[pdforeme]

a) Grand Teton in summer ...no ice ax...its all rock

b) When i climbed it (with guides) we saw troubling clouds and raced to get off the top before 8am. I guess they had a reason.